Herbs and spices add more than just flavor to food. They also provide potential benefits for your health.
Two new studies have found that consuming herbs and spices can help promote better cardiovascular health.
One study found that adding herbs and spices to meals may help reduce blood pressure in people at risk of heart disease.
The other study linked spice supplements to lower cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
What is the difference between herbs and spices?
Herbs and spices are similar in that they both come from plants. However, herbs are typically derived from the fresh part of a plant. On the other hand, spices usually come from the dry, root part of plants. Both spices and herbs can be used to add flavor to foods and also have health benefits.
Heart healthy herbs and spices to try
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years for its numerous medicinal properties. One of those properties is its ability to lower unhealthy cholesterol levels. It also might lower your blood pressure. Studies show that a daily sprinkling of cinnamon may even help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Garlic
In ancient medical texts originating from Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, and China. Garlic was used for improving many conditions, including fighting bacterial infections, aiding in respiratory problems, poor digestion, and low energy. Current medicinal uses for fresh garlic is to lower blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Garlic increases the body's production of nitric oxide, which helps the smooth muscles to relax and the blood vessels to dilate. These changes can reduce hypertension. One study reported that garlic extract reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive people.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that’s a staple in Indian foods. Curcumin is the compound that makes turmeric yellow. It’s also what gives the spice its toted health benefits. Curcumin may help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation and help prevent blood clots.
Ginger
Research shows that eating ginger daily is helpful in reducing the hardening of arteries, potentially making it an effective herb for preventing and treating heart disorders.
Coriander
Coriander is an herb used in dishes all over the world. Because coriander acts as a diuretic, a substance that flushes extra fluids and sodium from your body, it can help keep your blood pressure down.
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