8 delicious herbs with health benefits
The use of herbs and spices has been extremely important throughout history.
Many have been praised for their healing properties, even before their culinary use.
Modern science today has shown that many of them actually offer significant health benefits.
Here are the 8 healthiest herbs and spices in the world, backed by research.
1. Peppermint Relieves IBS Pain and May Reduce Nausea
Peppermint has a long history of being used in folk medicine and aromatherapy.
As is the case with many herbs, it is the oil component that contains the agents that affect health.
Many studies have shown that menthol can improve pain control in irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.
It seems to work by relaxing smooth muscles in the colon, which helps relieve pain during bowel movements. It also helps reduce abdominal bloating, a common digestive symptom.
There's also some research showing that aromatherapy peppermint can help combat nausea.
In a study of 1,100 women in labor, menthol therapy significantly reduced nausea. It has also been shown to reduce nausea after surgery and caesarean section.
Bottom Line: The natural oils in peppermint provide pain relief for people with IBS. It also has a strong anti-nausea effect when used in aromatherapy.
2. Turmeric contains Curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory effects
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color.
It contains several compounds with medicinal properties, the most important of which is curcumin.
Curcumin is a remarkably powerful antioxidant that helps fight oxidative damage and boosts the body's antioxidant enzymes.
This is important, because oxidative damage is believed to be one of the main mechanisms leading to aging and many diseases.
Curcumin is also powerful anti-inflammatory, to the point where it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.
Given that long-term, low-level inflammation plays an important role in most Western chronic diseases, it is not surprising to find that curcumin is associated with many health benefits.
Studies show that it can improve brain function, fight Alzheimer's disease, reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, and reduce arthritis.
Here is an article about the many amazing health benefits of turmeric/curcumin.
Bottom Line: Studies have shown that curcumin, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, has major benefits for many aspects of health.
3. Basil helps fight infections and boosts immunity
Not to be confused with common basil or Thai basil, holy basil is considered a sacred herb in India.
Studies show that holy basil can inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
One small study also showed that it may boost the function of the immune system by increasing certain immune cells in the blood.
Basil has also been linked to lowering blood sugar levels before and after meals, as well as treating anxiety and anxiety-related depression.
However, these studies were quite small and more research is needed before any recommendations can be made.
Bottom Line: Basil seems to improve immune function and inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
4. Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, which helps reduce cravings and may have anti-cancer properties
Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper used to prepare spicy dishes.
The active ingredient in it is called capsaicin, which has been shown to reduce appetite and boost fat burning in many studies.
For this reason, it is a common ingredient in many commercial weight loss supplements.
One study found that adding 1 gram of red pepper to a meal reduced appetite and increased fat burning in people who did not regularly eat chili peppers.
However, there was no effect in people accustomed to eating spicy foods, suggesting that tolerance to the impact may be increased.
Some animal studies have also found capsaicin against several forms of cancer, including lung, liver, and prostate cancers.
Of course, these observed anti-cancer effects are far from proven in humans, so take all of this with a large grain of salt.
Bottom Line: Cayenne peppers are rich in a substance called capsaicin, which reduces cravings and boosts fat burning. It has also shown anti-cancer abilities in animal studies.
