Various types of herbs and spices are used not only in international cuisine, but also for medical purposes.
Contents
Uses
Used in cooking.
Benefits
- Common herbs and spices may help protect against certain chronic conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Herbs, including basil and parsley, are from plants and plant parts. Spices often come from the seeds, berries, bark, or roots of plants.
- Seasonings, such as cinnamon, often lead lists of commonly eaten foods with the highest levels of measured antioxidant activity.
- “Studies show that many different herbs and spices offer health benefits,” says David Heber, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, and director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition. Most of the evidence exists for cinnamon, chili peppers, turmeric, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Heber tells WebMD.
- Polyphenols, a type of plant compound, provide one of the main health benefits associated with herbs and spices. Polyphenols are also abundant in certain fruits and vegetables, tea, and red wine.
- Certain herbs and spices curb inflammation in the body, which may give rise to heart disease and cancer. For example, antioxidants in cinnamon have been linked to lower inflammation, as well as reductions in blood glucose concentrations in people with diabetes.
Cautions
- Herbs and spices might seem like innocent additions to your cooking repertoire or health regimen, but if you’re pregnant, you should proceed with caution. While certain herbs and spices are safe during pregnancy, and even recommended in some cases, other varieties are off-limits until you deliver your baby. Learn the difference so you can avoid the dangers they pose to you and your unborn baby. Always ask your obstetrician before using any herbs and spices, especially if they are in supplement form.
Interactions
Please consult your nutritionist.
Other names
n/a
References
Source: LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/122191-herbs-spices-avoid-pregnant/
WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/spices-and-herbs-health-benefits?page=2