The 3 Must-Have Healthiest Herbs & Spices to Prolong Your Life

Food was largely bland and unpalatable for much of human history.  Think about our Paleolithic ancestors.  They were happy just to capture prey and cook it over a fire.  Soon with time, though, they learned to use the plants around them to enhance flavor and preserve foods.

Let’s look at the History!

The European continent was largely deprived of herbs & spices throughout Western Civilization.  The ancient Greeks & Romans traded with the Levante and even China and thus were exposed to spices.  Merchants knew that by acquiring herbs & spices from abroad they could sell it for a stiff price back in Europe.  Thus propelled European exploration!  Columbus, Diaz, de Gama and alike all returned with spice-laden vessels and stories of untold spices abroad to help market and finance their next expeditions.   The history of European expansion, and thus America, may be ascribed to the pursuit of herbs & spices..

More importantly, prior to the onset of pharmacopoeia, all mankind utilized herbs & spices to treat disorders.  East Asians and Indians (Ayurveda medicine) have been using them as natural remedies prior to the time of Christ. In fact early doctors from Ancient Greece, Rome, through the Middle Ages and into the Enlightenment relied on these “God’s medicines.”  Nevertheless this article is more centered on cooking spices.

Lucky for us herbs & spices boasts incredible health benefits, some of which are enumerated below.  In particular, some of the highest herbs & spices boast high levels of antioxidants on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).   Cloves,  cinnamon, oregano and turmeric are in the Top 10 of ORAC scores among all types of foods.  Herbs & spices are simply “wonderfoods!”  They make our food taste better and they are very good for your health.

{See our previous article on “Fruits High on ORAC scale.”}

The following are Naturopathic Earth’s list of most nutrient-dense, anti-oxidant, super herbs & spices.

1. Basil
2. Black Pepper
3. Cayenne Pepper
4. Chili Pepper
5. Cilantro
6. Coriander
7. Cinnamon
8. Cloves
9. Cumin
10. Dill
11. Ginger
12. Mint
13. Mustard Seeds
14. Nutmeg
15. Oregano
16. Paprika
17. Parsley
18. Peppermint
19. Rosemary
20. Sage
21. Tarragon
22. Thyme
23. Turmeric

{Read our article on natural remedies for bad breath.}

I would like to bring attention to three (3) healthiest herbs & spices. Independent studies show that the following herbs & spices serve as excellent natural remedies for the following maladies.

Cinnamon

It naturally sweetens foods without the necessary addition of processed sugar.  It also:

1. Regulates blood sugar
2. Serves as an anti-microbial & anti-inflammatory agent.
3. Aids with weight loss
4. Circulates & purifies the blood
5. Aids with gum disease

(Read our article on the health benefits of cinnamon.)

Ginger

1. Regulates blood sugar; improves diabetes
2. Alleviates join pain
3. Serves as a natural anti-oxidant & cancer fighter
4. Helps with nausea
5. Helps with PMS and morning sickness
6. Alleviates Digestive ailments
7. Aids with weight loss
8. Strengthens the immune system

Turmeric

Turmeric is commonly found in Asian curry dishes.  The active ingredient in Turmeric  is curcumin.  Curcumin is legendary for:

1. Fighting free-radical, oxidative damage that leads to cancer
2. Preventing skin damage
3. Healing wounds
4. Regulating blood sugar
5. Natural remedy for mild depression
6. Lowering LDL cholesterol

We highly recommend you go out of your way to incorporate these three (3) into your diet.

Are there any problems with herbs & spices?  Not really, all herbs & spices are exceptional.  However, opt for organic, locally grown, or home grown since many conventional grown ones are laden with pesticides as well as irradiated, which reduces some of their “miracle” punch.

Spice away!

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A. Gregory Luna

(We would appreciate your comments below.)