Six Organic Spices for Health and Wellness

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Interestingly, modern science has now shown that many spices do indeed carry remarkable health benefits and these spices are originated from plants: flowers, fruits, seeds, barks, leaves, and roots. Common spices include turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne, and cloves. Because spices are dried and therefore more concentrated, they produce stronger flavors than herbs.

Spices not only improve the taste of foods, but can help preserve them for longer periods of time. They have antibacterial and antiviral properties and many are high in B-vitamins and trace minerals.

Let's take a tour on six organic spices for health and wellness:

1. Turmeric

Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb and it is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. I’ve since learned that turmeric is more amazing, and that it is literally packed with health benefits that can improve your skin, your heart, your mood, and even your waistline!  One tablespoon of turmeric provides valuable manganese, iron, potassium and vitamin C. 

Turmeric has been used in ancient medicine for over 4,000 years, and one of the main natural anti-inflammatory property of turmeric is curcumin,  which is a very strong antioxidant. The medicinal properties and components (primarily curcumin) have been the subject of thousands of peer-reviewed and published studies.

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There are three basic forms of turmeric and each option has its own benefits, depending on what you want to do with it - Fresh Turmeric Root, Ground Turmeric &  Turmeric Supplements

Benefits of Turmeric are:
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Supports Healthy Joints
  • Promotes Heart Health
  • Boosts Stress Tolerance
  • Supports Weight Loss
  • Optimizes Vitality
  • Supports Brain Health
  • Soothes Digestion


2. Cardamom

Cardamom is also known as the Queen of Spices. It helps improve digestive health and prevents certain serious ailments like cancer. It also aids in diabetes treatment and helps you cope with depression.  

Like ginger and turmeric, its relatives, cardamom has some anti-inflammatory properties that limit pain and swelling, especially in mucus membranes, the mouth, and throat. Cardamom possesses aphrodisiac properties and is also used as a cure for impotence, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
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Cardamom uses are not just limited to hot and spicy dishes; the seeds are also added to desserts and beverages to complement the sweet flavor.

 Benefits of Cardamom are:
  • Improves Digestive Health
  • Promotes Heart Health
  • Aids in Cancer Prevention
  • Has Diuretic Properties
  • Helps Fight Depression
  • Fights Asthma
  • Aids In Diabetes Treatment
  • Improves Sexual Health

3. Ginger


Ginger has long been used for culinary and medicinal purpose. It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.

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Ginger is pretty spicy, so you may not enjoy its taste. Luckily, there are many options for those who love ginger and those who may be new to the root. Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes.

Benefits of Ginger are:
  • Pain Relief
  • Blood Sugar Balance
  • Helping Digestion
  • Reduces Nausea
  • Reduces Inflammation
  • Antibacterial Properties
  • Reduces Menstrual Pains
  • Positively Affects Cholesterol Levels

4. Cloves

Cloves are used in the culinary world as a spice for different dishes and pastries. They add a sweet and earthy taste to desserts, stews and meats. But aside from their use in the culinary world, they can be utilized as a treatment for numerous conditions and ailments as well.
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Cloves are anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic. They also contain a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to act as a natural antioxidants and are good sources of minerals (especially manganese), omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and vitamins. So using whole or ground cloves can add flavor to your food to provide some important nutrients. 

They are natural painkiller and also attack germs, so they'll help you get rid of that sore throat.

Benefits of Cloves are:
  • Improve digestion
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Boosts immune system function
  • Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
  • Treats oral diseases
  • Aids in treating colds.
  • Diabetes Control
  • Bone Preservation
  • Anti-mutagenic Properties


5. Cayenne  Pepper

Cayenne pepper is been considered as the king of medicinal herbs. It has been used for both food and medicine for the last thousands of years! Cayenne pepper can stimulate your body’s circulation and reduce acidity; it’s a powerful, spicy little pepper that offers many health benefits.

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Cayenne pepper also contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E, potassium, manganese and flavonoids – which provides its powerful antioxidant properties.

Cayenne peppers in fresh, dried or powdered form are available in the markets all year round.  It’s best to buy cayenne peppers fresh, as powdered cayenne pepper is sometimes a mix a poorer quality herbs, however, if you are using dried or powered pepper, the health benefits are still awesome.

The Benefits of Cayenne Pepper are:
  • Prevents Blood Clots
  • Relieves Migraine Pain
  • Relieves Joint and Nerve Pain 
  • Works as Anti-Irritant
  • Supports Weight Loss
  • Boosts Metabolism 
  • Promotes Cardiovascular Health
  • Detox Support
  • Promotes Longevity
  • Promotes Heart Health


6. Cinnamon 

Cinnamon supplies a wide variety of important nutrients and is especially rich in fiber and manganese along with several other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, zinc and copper.

A little bit of cinnamon goes a long way, and its antioxidant properties are what makes it especially beneficial to include in your diet.
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Not only is cinnamon delicious, but adding it to your diet might be beneficial to your health. Cinnamon can help you feel better if you have digestive issues. It also has been a popular remedy for combating the common cold.

Benefits of Cinnamon are:
  • Has Antimicrobial properties
  • High in Antioxidants
  • Relieves Inflammation
  • Stabilizes Blood Sugar
  • Preserves Brain Function
  • May Help Lower Cancer Risk
  • Benefits Skin Health
  • Acts as a Natural Preservative

Adding spices to your daily meals can be of great benefits to  your health  and wellness. But just make sure your spices are organic. Consuming inorganic or conventional spices might just be more harmful than the nasty cold because of their high content of pesticides and chemicals.



 Disclaimer

Claims on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We encourage you to do your own research. Seek the advice of a medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle or diet.


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