Natural Ingredients Every Kitchen Must Have For Health Purposes

Garlic is the king of all medicinal herbs and its healing powers are known all over the world. It’s used in many dishes such as stock and curry stews but it depends on the user preference. It also increases the release of insulin and helps to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Garlic also lowers down the cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It has antibacterial properties such that when combined with honey it helps in reliving one from cold as well as upper respiratory tract infections and shortness of breath.

Drinking garlic water everyday lowers the risk of cancer and protects our hearts from cardiovascular problems like heart attack.

2. Basil

Basil is a natural antibiotic herb in the mint family that has powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties which helps treat different infections in our bodies. Apart from its ability to add flavors to dishes, it also improves digestion and fights against loss of appetite.

RELATED: 9 Dangers Found In Sugar For Your Health

It reduces bloating and stomach cramps during menstruation. Basil has a lot of vitamin k which helps the body to absorb calcium and antioxidants that fight oxidation by slowing down effects of aging.

Its cooling effect on the throat leaves a fresh breath in ones mouth hence getting rid of bad odor.

3. Oregano

Oregano is used as a spice to enhance flavor in meat, fish and chicken dishes. It can also be used in salad, soup, sauces and gravy. It contains strong antioxidant properties that are able to support immune system health by healing and preventing any kind of diseases in our bodies.

Its soothing effect prevents upper respiratory infections and coughs caused by cold. Its rich in vitamin k which helps promote bone growth and reduce blood clotting. Oregano tea is an excellent digestive aid that treats digestive problems and detoxifies the body.

4. Mustard seeds

Mustard seeds can be used to add flavor to dishes like curry pastes, stews, sauces and salads. They are excellent source of essential minerals like potassium, calcium and phosphorous.

They also help in regulating regular heartbeat, cholesterol and blood sugar in our body system because of their magnesium contact. Ground mustard seed is known for its ability to release congestions in the respiratory organs and clearing mucus in the air passage.

It is also a good source of calcium, iron and vitamin c which prevents soreness and damage to muscle tissue from exercising.

5. Ground ginger

This is another natural ingredient in the kitchen and good for your health. Raw ginger can be added to smoothies and juices. It can also be grated and added to stews or used to make marinade for fish, chicken and meat dishes.

Ginger tea helps in chest congestions, headaches and nausea especially morning sickness for pregnant women. It also contains volatile that’s excellent for stomach problems such as indigestion. Ginger and lemon water detoxifies the body and burns extra calories hence weight loss.

RELATED: How Bad Is It To Consume Fats For Our Body?

It also manages flue and clears a sore throat during cold season.

6. Chia seeds

These are tiny black seeds and among the most nutritious foods because they are loaded with fiber, protein, iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber reduces inflammation, enhances cognitive performance and reduces high cholesterol in our body systems.

Chia seeds can be added to any favorite smoothie, pudding or drinking water. They aid in weight loss by preventing food from getting absorbed without the harmful side effects. Other benefits of chia seeds include promoting healthy skin, reducing signs of aging and reducing menstrual cramps.

7. Coriander

Coriander is widely used as a culinary spice and its leaves are good for garnishing curries, salads or soups. Most homes love coriander because of the aroma it adds in meals but apart from that it has some wonderful health benefits that are important in our bodies.

It has antioxidants, antifungal and detoxifying properties which are able to clear skin infections such as eczema and dryness. Coriander water helps lower blood glucose thus maintaining blood sugar levels which makes it antidiabetic.

RELATED: 10 Foods To Lose Weight

It also reduces inflammation and swelling around the joints hence beneficial for people suffering from arthritis.

8. Bay leaves

Bay leaves provide a savory boost of flavors in gravy, soup and stew. They are mostly added in their whole form and then removed or used as garnish since they can not be consumed when whole. Dried bay leaves are the most used because they are the most efficient.

Bay leaf tea is known to be beneficial in managing diabetes. Apart from this they have amazing health benefits such as the ability to detoxify the body and protect it from certain types of cancer and bacterial infections. Bay leaf also soothes stomach ulcers and stomach aches when eaten regularly.

9. Black pepper

Black pepper is mostly used in dried form as a spice and seasoning in meals. It’s used in different dishes such as salads, soup, stew, gravy and preparing marinade for chicken and fish. As much as it enhances flavors in meals, it also improves digestion by increasing hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach.

Black pepper aids in the breakdown of fat cells which are later easily processed by the body resulting to weight loss. Its ability to burn down the unwanted calories and reduce belly fat makes it very effective against obesity.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric is herbaceous plant of the ginger family, no wonder they almost look alike when fresh but in powdered form one can easily differentiate because turmeric is deep in color. It is a medicinal spice that brings out the yellow color when added to meals such as rice, soup, pancakes, beans and stew among others.

RELATED: Asian Food vs Western Food – Which One Is Healthier?

Turmeric’s main strength is curcumin which is a natural anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin lowers the risk of heart diseases and increases the antioxidants in our bodies which are essential in protecting our bodies from free radicles that damage body cells and contribute to aging.

11. Peppermint

Peppermint is from the mint family and is widely used all over the world for its outstanding health benefits. It’s mostly used for seasoning or added to tea or smoothies to bring out its taste. Peppermint tea helps in relieving flu symptoms and clear congestions from the head.

Inhaling mint aroma helps in asthma as airwaves are opened and calmed to allow a more stable air flow. It also aids in digestion process of the body and helps in constipation. Mint provides a cooling sensation to the skin which effectively lessens the skin irritation such as itching and burns.

12. Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are most effective when dried for flavor addition in meals. Like other natural ingredients we’ve talked about, fennel seeds also improves digestive health, heartburn problems, and loss of appetite. Fennel seeds contain anethole which increases milk secretion in breastfeeding women.

They can as well fight germs that cause bad breath if chewed hence enhance fresh breath. Fennel seed is also rich in calcium and potassium which helps regulate blood pressure.

Some spices we use in our kitchen while cooking can make our food delicious, but are they healthy? Living a healthy long life is everyone’s desire but it’s difficult to achieve that if we don’t take care of our body system.

To make this dream come true, one has to combine good nutrition, regular exercise, and a positive attitude. There are many things that you can do to improve your lifestyle but these are just some of the main natural ingredients every kitchen must have for health purposes.

Maintaining a healthy body comes with many benefits like less number of clinic visits and this is the best present you can gift your body.

Source1 || Source2 || Source3 || Source4 || Source5 || Source6