The use of herbs and spices is not only important from a culinary perspective but from a health one as well. A whole lot of people use certain spices just for their healing properties.
Modern science has already shown that the majority of the flavorful herbs that humanity consumes really do provide noticeable benefits for the human body. Here are the healthiest spices in the world, based on the scientific studies.
1. Salvia leaves can improve brain function and memory
This spice gets its name from the Latin word Salvere, which means to save. It had a vast reputation even the Middle Ages and was even used to help prevent the Plague.
Modern research shows that garden sage or sage, as it's also called, can significantly improve brain function and memory, especially in people with Alzheimer's.
This disease is associated with lowered levels of acetylcholine, the chemical mediator in the brain. Salvia inhibits the degradation of acetylcholine. A 4-month study involving 42 Alzheimer's patients proved that the spice affected significant improvements on brain function.
2. Mint can alleviate nausea
Mint has a long history of use in folk medicine and aromatherapy. As is the case with many herbs, its oily component, known as mint oil, contains the important components responsible for its beneficial effects on health.
Plenty of studies have shown that mint oil can lessen the pains of irritable bowel syndrome. It also reduces stomach bloating and aids in other gastrointestinal tract diseases.
3. Turmeric contains a potent anti-inflammatory substance
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. It contains several compounds with medicinal properties, the foremost being curcumin.
Curcumin is a highly potent antioxidant that helps in the battle against oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzymes in the body. This is key because the oxidative processes are thought to be one of the main mechanisms behind aging and the formation of cancer cells.
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