Black Pepper - The pepper mill may not just be a weapon against bland food. It could stop cancer cells from growing and dividing.
Chives - Not just a delicious garnish, these pungent green shoots may help neutralize the effect of carcinogens and help muzzle tumor growth in a host of different cancers.
Cinnamon - One of the most easy to use spices, may help you fend off the diabetes epidemic by keeping your blood sugar under control. Cinnamon may help cells take in sugar and use insulin better. Sorry, it doesn't work if it is on top of a gooey cinnamon bun.
Ginger - Known for quelling motion sickness, ginger can also soothe a sour stomach, calm achy knees, reduce cholesterol, nix artery clogging blood clots, reduce post-workout soreness, inhibit cancer cells, and quash damaging inflammation. Just keep it fresh.
Oregano - When GIs brought oregano home from Italy after World War II, they probably didn't know they were carrying an herb that contains 42 times more antioxidants than apples - or that would later be found in studies to beat inflammation.
Parsley - Promote parsley from a garnish to a starring role and you'll not only get fresher breath; guys may also get prostate protection.
Rosemary - Love the taste of grilled burgers? Add rosemary extract to your burgers before grilling for extra flavor and to prevent the production of cancer-causing substances called heterocyclicamines (HCAs) by up to 90%. Need more reasons to stick a sprig of this herb in lemonade or a cup of hot tea? Lab studies suggest it may prevent breast cancer and leukemia cells from multiplying.
Saffron - This beautiful reddish-yellow herb may be a potent mind medicine that can help transform you from grumpy or down-in-the-dumps to happy and even svelte. Certain compounds in this herb may help decrease anxiety and even depression. In one study, reducing emotional eating and snacking in overweight women.
Thyme - That minty, lemony flavor in your mouthwash? It could be thyme, which has long been used as an antiseptic. Now this herb has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, too. That makes you heart happy, since high levels of inflammation in your body can open the door to heart disease.
Tumeric - Contains the compound curcumin, which studies suggest has nearly total-body benefits. This inflammation fighter may curb damage to your arteries, keep your memory sharp, and even squelch next-day soreness after a workout. It may also help turn off pancreatic and colon cancer cells. An easy way to get this potent compound: yellow mustard. A teaspoon contains the perfect daily dose.
Remember that these herbs and spices have typically demonstrated their value in studies in their whole, natural form - not in some pill or capsule form. They are readily available and generally affordable to add to your pantry and incorporate into your meal planning.
