For thousands for years herbs and spices have been used to give food flavour, and have been used for medical purposes for even longer. It has been used for centuries to cure upset stomachs and treating infections. Now modern science has shown that many spices do indeed carry remarkable health benefits.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a strong flavour which can be found in curries, breakfasts and sprinkled on coffees. Cinnamon was traditionally used to treat dental pain, and due to its antibacterial properties it was often used to ease toothache. It can even fight off bad breath!

We now know that cinnamon is packed with antioxidants, which are good for you. They can protect brain function and even slow down the ageing process. Your heart will thank you as well, as it helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Cumin

Almost every curry dish will have cumin in it, and a lot of people add it by the tablespoon, and for a good reason to. It is packed full of flavour and has tonnes of health benefits.

You can buy cumin in the form of powder or seeds and it can do wonders to your digestion, as well as reducing bloating and reducing the feeling of nausea. Cumin contains vitamins A and C which can boost your immune system and can reduce fatigue as it is packed with antioxidants.

Coriander

Coriander is made from the seeds of the cilantro plant and is found in a huge number of traditional Asian dishes.

Whether it is used in as a powder, seed or sprinkled on top, it is a key part of Asian cuisine. Coriander has a big benefit on your digestion and can be used to ease the effect of stomach discomfort as well as lessening the effect of nausea. Similar to the other spices, it is also an antioxidant and can help lower your cholesterol.

Whether you are adding it to your oriental vegetables to create a flavoursome dish or just using it as a garnish, so it good to know that it has these great benefits.

So, whether you are looking to spice up your food or just improve your health, make sure you start adding these spices to your meals.