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Every cook wishes that his kitchen has a variety of herbs and spices. These are used to add that extra zest and flare in everyday dishes and make our food healthier for us. Extensive research is being done on herbs and spices’ therapeutic effects and thyme garden herb.

We don’t often think about the additional benefits of commonly used herbs and spices. Take cinnamon for example, the first things that pop up in our minds are breakfast buns and apple pies, but cinnamon has anti inflammatory properties and is used widely to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. One can soak cinnamon sticks in water to make a healthy tea and enhance its flavor by adding a bit of honey and lemon.

Adding More Flavor and Health

Another herb that has anti-inflammatory benefits is Rosemary; it also has high level of antioxidants that can possibly help in improving memory. Rosemary’s flavor is said to be close to lemons. It is usually used in stews and lamb dishes and makes an excellent addition to eggs.

In our list of herbs and spices, another cherished ingredient is garlic. It is thought to have anti-microbial properties and thus helps build immunity against numerous cancers. Garlic also helps in lowering blood pressure and in preventing cardiovascular diseases. It is also used in various everyday dishes including stews, soups, sauces, salad dressings and also in marinades.

Fennel is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties but is well known for its influence as an anti oxidant. Seeds of Fennel are used in Italian sausages and as a rub on pork and chicken. Its flavor is similar to that of Anise. Fennel stalk is eaten as a vegetable and thus doubted being part of or belonging to the family of herbs and spices. The stalk can be used as a side dish with meat or eaten either roasted or raw.

Peppermint brings in mind sweets and candy canes, but what we don’t know is that it has high level of anti-oxidants and is also believed to contain antiviral and anti-microbial substances. An upset stomach can be soothed by peppermint and it may also help in relieving pain. Fresh peppermint is used with vegetable dishes containing carrots or peas or with various fruits such as strawberries. It adds a refreshing taste to salads as well.

Herbs and spices not only enhance the flavor of plethora of foods and dishes but provide an added benefit with its therapeutic effects. This diversity of herbs and spices is a great factor.

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