5 Delicious Spices & Herbs with Proven Health Benefits

Back in the day, most spices and herbs were celebrated for their medicinal properties well before culinary use. Modern science can now confirm that many indeed carry extraordinary health benefits. Here are the advantages of five of the spices that we, at JR Gourmet Spices, use in our blends that are perfect for home cooking and grilling.

#1. Cayenne Pepper

The long, skinny, red peppers, officially known as Capsicum annum are not the hottest chili peppers but are quite hotter than jalapenos, for example. People usually wouldn’t snack on them. However, you don’t have to eat them like apples to benefit from their healthy properties.

Cayenne peppers are mostly praised for their high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A. Just a teaspoon of cayenne powder will give you 15% of your recommended daily Vitamin A intake. Being an essential nutrient, vitamin A plays an important role in vision, reproduction, immune system health, and the proper function of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs.

#2. Coriander

This herb is related to parsley, celery, and carrots and comes from the Coriandrum sativum plant. The leaves from the same plant are cilantro and the actual coriander spices are made from the seeds.

The magical seeds (whether powdered, coarsely grounded, or whole) lower our blood sugar which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Coriander also offers several antioxidants, which prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidants come with anti-inflammatory properties that safeguard against many brain diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, Another great quality found in coriander seeds (more specifically in the oil they contain) is promoting digestion and gut health in general.

#3. Garlic

What’s great about garlic is that it’s highly nutritious but has very few calories meaning that you can eat a lot without worrying about putting on some extra weight. However, munching on raw garlic is too much even for determined foodies. This is where garlic powder and granules come in. When used as a spice, garlic doesn’t hit with the same raw flavor that just wouldn’t go away. It only comes with its delicious and healthy benefits.

Just a single clove of garlic contains:

● Vitamin B6: 2% of the daily value (DV)

● Manganese: 2% of the (DV)

● Selenium: 1% of the DV

● Vitamin C: 1% of the DV

● Fiber: 0.06 grams

Yes, a couple of percentages don't look like much but are less than a table spoon's worth of garlic. Garlic is essential for any BBQ, and grilling gathering and an important aromatic when it comes to pro and home cooking. Garlic is also known as one of the most potent natural antibiotics as it boosts the function of the immune system.

#4. Onion

Onion is another must-have aromatic used for almost any recipe you could think of. Onion powder, however, is not as commonly used unless you need a good rub for your favorite meat. What makes a great BBQ is a great rub blend. Everyone loves grilled onions, but you shouldn’t forget to put a bit of onion powder into your spice mix. This way, you get more.

Onions are loaded with plant chemicals that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Onion has 25 different flavonoids, making it one of the richest sources in our diets. Regular intake is known to reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as cancer and diabetes.

#5. White Pepper

White pepper comes from the same plant as black pepper, but it’s made by cooking and drying the ripe seeds. It’s known to treat upset stomachs and promote weight loss. It’s a natural painkiller and reliever.

Also known as Safed Mirch, white pepper can treat headaches, keep the heart healthy, and even control your blood pressure. It has many pro and home cooking applications - from seasoning meat to enhancing salad taste. White pepper is a great spice for everyone who considers themselves a real foodie.

These are just some of the spices we use in our blends and mixes.

What’s important to know about JR Gourmet Spices is that we use natural ingredients only and we promote living a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing quality and flavor! Check out our products. We also offer sample packages today!