Spices and herbs are perfect allies to add more flavor to your food without having to include extra calories. Some of the spices that we present below do not have even 5 calories, nor carbohydrates or fats. They can also be perfect for defining the body thanks to the nutrients they contain.
Many have emphasized the antioxidant potential of spices. According to the belief system of Hinduism, spices can heat or cool the digestive system and influence its balance. Confucius recommended ginger for faster digestion as early as 2,500 years ago.
The greatest advantage of spices is that they allow you to reduce the consumption of salt or sauces as condiments, which also has benefits by avoiding the intake of empty calories.
These are some of the spices that will give your meals a bit of life
Garlic
It is the classic food of the kitchen , this famous bulb is used as a natural antibiotic and many studies announce its potential to reduce the chemical compounds that are formed by acidic proteins in different body processes.
Garlic was considered by the Greeks to be a perfect preventative for many conditions and in many countries it is used to fight colds and inflammations.
Garlic is the perfect spice for minimizing high blood pressure , although research is inconclusive in this regard. Others point out that people who take more garlic have a lower risk of developing diseases such as colon or stomach cancer and that it is better to consume it in its original form than in diet supplements.
Turmeric
Coming from South Asia, it is the spice in charge of giving the typical yellow color of curry to many dishes and which is a trend in gastronomy in recent years. It is sold as the superfood that helps cure a wide variety of diseases, including cancer.
Although many of the qualities attributed to it have not been proven, much research has concluded that it is quite useful as a pain reliever, antioxidant, and sedative. It also serves to minimize the levels of enzymes in the body that cause inflammation, preventing clots from occurring.
Cardamom
This aromatic spice that occurs in the native seeds of Southeast Asia, is used for different applications in alternative medicine in order to eliminate toxins and many advise including them in tea to combat hangovers.
It turns out to be a spice that is frequently used in Arabic and Indian gastronomy and in the confectionery of some European countries. For many years it has been used in Asia to eliminate stomach ailments.
Cardamom contains cineole that is also found in the eucalyptus family, being included among the components of many pharmacy products, for example, those related to curing coughs.
Its traditional use is to combat bad breath: it is common to see Indian women and men taking cardamom pills in the Middle East and India.
Fenugreek
It is classified as a legume and contains a high amount of protein, when roasted, it has a penetrating aroma similar to maple syrup. Its seeds and leaves are used in Mediterranean cuisine to give certain dishes a bittersweet flavor.
Much research claims that it can help control the amount of sugar in the blood in patients with type 2 diabetes, but the conclusions are not clear in this regard.
A study carried out at the University of Michigan highlights that the seeds of this spice are perfect for fighting cholesterol as they slow down the absorption process in the intestine.
Sage
This herb that comes from the Mediterranean areas is from the same family as rosemary and lavender, also widely used in these regions. Its leaves are green in color and it turns out to be a good condiment to add to meals or to boil aromatic water.
Sage has been used in natural medicine to end various conditions ranging from mental disorders to gastrointestinal pain. Although not all of its medical uses have been championed by research, many have. Among its verified uses, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of many of its 900 varieties stand out.
Sage is a condiment with a large amount of vitamin K, a nutrient that helps prevent blood clotting and promotes the maintenance of body and bone tissues.
And you, do you usually use spices to season your meals?
