12 Superfood Spices to Use for Cooking
Spices are present in every household and are used to flavor the food cooked. Some spices, however, do more than just spicing up your food. These superfood spices, when used for cooking, also provide you with numerous health benefits that can help manage or prevent several conditions or infections. The 12 superfood spices listed in this article should be used for daily cooking to experience their benefits:
- Black pepper
One of the most potent superfood spices used for cooking is black pepper. It stimulates digestion and comes with antioxidant properties. It is also known for its anti-tumor properties. - Cayenne pepper
The popular spice Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which not only enhances the flavor of food but also aids weight loss. Using this spice for cooking helps reduce the craving for calories. Additionally, it is anti-cancerous and can improve circulation. - Oregano
A popular spice used most commonly to flavor Italian dishes, oregano is rich in antioxidants. It is antiviral and antibacterial and can kill bacteria like E. coli, which cause stomach infections. It can also help the body fight against cold and cough. - Cloves
Cloves are a popular spice used as a grandmother’s remedy for tooth pain. They can also treat fungal infections and are anti-inflammatory. - Fennel
Fennel is a spice that aids digestion. It can reduce colic and is an age-old remedy for stomach pain. Fennel is used for flavoring food, but it can also be used to make tea to reap the benefits. - Saffron
Saffron is a spice used to impart a red color to food. It is the most expensive spice and needs nearly 250,000 flowers to produce one pound of the spice. It is a natural antidepressant and can help manage mood swings. - Cilantro
Cilantro is a spice known for its ability to remove toxins from the body, especially heavy metals. It has antioxidants and also helps in reducing stress. - Nutmeg
This taste-enhancing spice is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals. It is also anti-inflammatory and can help reduce pain from inflammation in conditions like arthritis. - Rosemary
Rosemary is an anti-mutagen and can help prevent cancer. It is antibacterial and is one of the spices that can prevent infections, especially those caused by E. coli. It can also reduce inflammation in the lungs. - Sage
Sage is an antioxidant that can help prevent the rancidity of oils. It is also helpful in reducing blood sugar levels and is known for its use in providing relief from the symptoms of menopause. - Cardamon
This is a popular superfood spice used for cooking, especially while preparing sweet dishes. It can help in digestion and can also be used to treat dyspepsia. It is anti-inflammatory and can help in the treatment of colon cancer. It also has anti-ulcer properties. - Basil
Basil comes with anti-inflammatory properties and helps in killing harmful bacteria and aids the body in fighting infections.