Herbs and spices should be part of all your cooking. They are a great way to add flavour to any dish. I always make sure I keep plenty in my kitchen. But herbs and spices also have many health benefits as well (in the past some were used as medicines). That is why I am going to tell you about some of their benefits today. 

Rosemary

Rosemary contains antioxidants (which can help decrease cancer risk) and can also help reduce inflammation. It can also help people who have a blocked nose cause by allergies.

You can use rosemary for lots of things. Add it to olive oil for extra taste, or use it when cooking chicken.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the main ingredients of curry powder but you can also but it on its own. It contains a substance called Curcumin that helps reduce inflammation and may reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Churchmen is also a strong antioxidant. Turmeric also contains 15% of your daily iron requirements in 1 tbsp.

Turmeric is a needed for most curry dishes. For something a bit different try oven roasting cauliflower coated in turmeric.

Garlic

Garlic has many great benefits. The best one is that it can help fight the common cold. If you suffer from colds a lot, adding garlic to your diet could help! There is also evidence that garlic may help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

I use garlic in most dishes. Anytime I make an Italian tomato sauce for spaghetti or pizza I will use fresh garlic.

Ginger

Ginger is another spice that can help fight colds. However it is most commonly used for treating nausea. Studies have shown that it can help with motion sickness, morning sickness and improve your digestion. It may even help with pain relief as well.

I love to make ginger tea from fresh ginger. Just grate about 1 tbsp of fresh ginger and add to hot water and freshly squeezed lemon.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been shown to help control and lower your blood sugar levels. This makes it very important for diabetics and people with insulin problems. Studies have shown that only 1-2 tsps of cinnamon a day is needed to have a significant effect. It is also a great source of antioxidants and helps decrease inflammation.

I use cinnamon in lots of things. You can have it with your coffee, in your porridge or mix it with greek yoghurt and berries to make a delicious fruit salad.

Basil

Basil is another herb that is high in antioxidants and can slow down ageing and reduce the risk of cancer. Basil has also been shown to be able to prevent certain bacterial infections and reduce inflammation.

A great way to use basil is to add it to a tomato and onion salad. Or you can try and use it to make fresh pesto

If you have any other great recipes or uses for these herbs or spices share them here!