The Magic of Cooking Herbs: 8 Mind Blowing Health Benefits
In 2017, Americans spent over $3.5 trillion on healthcare. These figures will continue to rise unless we focus more of our energy on living a healthy lifestyle to prevent chronic diseases.
Roughly two-thirds of the population is overweight or obese. Excess body fat increases your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, mood disorders, and more.
Many people don’t eat healthy because of the popular myth that dictates healthy food must also taste bland. If you swap unhealthy salt and fats with herbs, your food will burst with flavor. Cooking herbs also offer tons of health benefits. Keep reading to learn eight incredible changes that can transform your health once you start eating more herbs.
1. Cooking Herbs Lowers Your Blood Pressure
Herbs can work in many different ways to improve your circulation. Some herbs thin your blood, others relax your blood vessels, and others decrease your cholesterol. When blood can move freely through your body, you’ll have a healthy blood pressure reading.
Taking blood pressure medication can come with a lot of negative side effects. Although you should never quit your prescribed treatment without a doctor’s supervision, incorporating more herbs into your diet could help you wean off medication.
Garlic is a superhero herb that boasts many talents, which is why it’s been a popular medicine for centuries to treat a range of health problems. One health benefit of garlic is lower blood pressure. Garlic contains a compound named allicin, which can unclog your arteries and improve circulation.
Other herbs you should try if you want to lower your blood pressure include basil, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and celery seed.
2. You’ll Burn Fat Efficiently
Some of the best herbs for health are ones that can rev your metabolism and turn your body into a fat burning machine. Since obesity leads to dozens of life-threatening diseases, maintaining a healthy body weight should be everyone’s priority.
Spicy food helps your body burn fat. Cooking with cayenne, turmeric, cumin, and ginger can help you shed a few inches off your waist.
If you can’t take the heat, other herbs that can help you lose weight include rosemary, cinnamon, cardamom, and oregano.
3. Herbs Healthy for Regulating Blood Sugar
If you’re diabetic or hate riding the rollercoaster of sugar highs and crashes, herbs can help lessen the toll sugar takes on your body. Cinnamon, linseed, flaxseed, and fenugreek are all proven to help your body’s insulin levels stay steady.
You can find the best health herbs in blended teas. Drinking an herbal tea half an hour before meals can help your body prepare for breaking down and utilizing any sugar that you consume.
4. Herbs Are Potent Anti-Inflammatories
If you suffer from arthritis or any other chronic pain, you know how poor the quality of your life is when you’re experiencing a flare up. Luckily, there are dozens of herbs out there that can give you some relief.
Ginger, turmeric, rosemary, thyme, chamomile, cinnamon, cayenne, and sage are a few medicinal herbs that can help you live pain-free.
Many people living with chronic illnesses also rely on marijuana, but it’s not legal nationwide yet. If you do medicate with marijuana and need to clear the THC from your system, Verdant Herbals can do the trick.
5. You Can Protect Yourself Against Cancer
Health and herbs have a strong connection. Every time we eat, our bodies produce free radicals, which can create the perfect environment for tumors to grow. Antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals.
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can give your body plenty of antioxidants. If you want to boost your health, adding fresh herbs can work wonders. Turmeric, garlic, black pepper, oregano, ginger, and cayenne are all linked to fighting cancer.
6. Improve Your Digestive Health with Herbs
Whether you suffer from stomach aches, motion sickness, or bowel issues, herbs can help with any digestive ailments. There’s a reason why so many people drink ginger ale when they don’t feel well. Ginger is one of the best herbs that can soothe an upset stomach.
Peppermint is another great herb to add to your arsenal if you suffer from constipation. Peppermint helps the intestinal walls relax and allow bowel movements to pass easier. Adding cinnamon, oregano, basil, rosemary, sage, and coriander to your diet can also help increase the amount of fiber you’re eating.
7. You Can Boost Your Mental Health
Almost everyone will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their life. The most common disorders are anxiety and depression. Some people are born with a predisposition for developing mental illnesses and others go through tough periods where they develop temporary disorders.
No matter what the cause, treating your depression is only as important as taking care of your physical health. Herbs offer many benefits for mental health including improving mood, alleviating stress, and curing insomnia.
If you want to improve your mental health, some herbs to incorporate into your diet include St. John’s Wort, cacao, ashwagandha, lemon balm, and rose.
8. Herbs Can Keep You Healthy During Flu Season
One of the worst feelings is staying up to date with your flu shots only to get sick with the flu later. There are many herbs that can help strengthen your immune system. If your diet is rich in fresh herbs, you may go years between illnesses.
Garlic, ginger, clove, cinnamon, onion, turmeric, and cayenne can add extra fuel to your immune system. Oregano, rosemary, and thyme also kill germs. These three herbs are most potent when eaten fresh instead of dry. The added benefit of eating fresh herbs is you can get a hefty dose of vitamin C and other vital nutrients that keep your immune system strong.
Hungry for More?
We all know that cooking herbs can elevate the flavor of any dish, but were you aware of all these amazing health benefits? Big Stridz is here to support you on your journey of becoming your best self. For more health tips, be sure to check out our blog.