| Herbs and spices are not only useful for adding flavor | | | | lamb and spicy dishes. |
| and depth to food, but are also being researched for | | | | Fennel contains a high level of antioxidants, is believed |
| their uses in promoting good health. | | | | to act as a digestive aid, and may have |
| Knowing how to use fresh herbs and spices | | | | anti-inflammatory properties. Fennel seeds can often |
| appropriately in cooking has always been a sign of a | | | | be found in Italian stews or sausages and rubbed on |
| good chef, but new research shows that not only do | | | | pork and chicken, it’s ground seeds can be used in |
| herbs and spices make food taste better for help visit | | | | baked goods, and the bulbous stalk is used as a |
| but they may also make food better for you. Possible | | | | vegetable and is often roasted with other vegetables, |
| therapeutic uses for a wide-range of cooking herbs | | | | braised with meat, or eaten raw. Fennel is often |
| and spices are being diligently researched around the | | | | described as having a flavor similar to that of anise. |
| world. Most of this research is focused around three | | | | Garlic is believed to build immunity through anti-microbial |
| areas: antioxidant level, anti-microbial effect, and | | | | means, to protect against gastrointestinal and |
| antiviral effect. Research has not, in most cases, been | | | | colorectal cancers, and to possibly aid in the prevention |
| conclusive enough to recommend that any one herb | | | | of cardiovascular disease by decreasing cholesterol |
| or spice be focused on. Scientists are recommending, | | | | levels and blood pressure. Garlic can be used in a wide |
| however, that we work a variety of herbs and spiced | | | | range of food items including soups and stews, |
| into our well-balanced diets. Now, more than ever, it is | | | | sauces, shellfish containing dishes, marinades and salad |
| important to explore the full-range of uses for fresh | | | | dressings. |
| herbs and spices in your own cooking. Included here is | | | | Ginger is believed to act as an anti-inflammatory and |
| information about ten of the most commonly used | | | | to aid in circulation. Ginger is also popularly believed to |
| herbs and spices. | | | | calm an upset stomach, hence the common advice to |
| Basil is believed to contain both antibacterial and | | | | drink gingerale when you are suffering with stomach |
| anti-inflammatory properties. Some research has | | | | problems. Researchers have recently begun to study |
| shown that basil may also aid in the reduction of | | | | ginger for its possible pain-relieving properties. Ginger |
| cholesterol levels. The most commonly used form of | | | | has a peppery and slightly sweet flavor, and is often |
| basil is “sweet basil”, although many other | | | | used in Asian and Indian cuisines and added to stir-fries, |
| varieties are available. Basil has a flavor reminiscent of | | | | curries, root vegetable soups, marinades, chicken and |
| licorice or cloves and is often found in pasta dishes, as | | | | beef dishes and some salad dressings. |
| it pairs well with garlic and tomatoes, making it very | | | | Peppermint contains a high level of antioxidants and is |
| popular in Mediterranean cuisine. Basil is also good with | | | | well known as a stomach soother. Peppermint is also |
| fish, roasted lamb, chicken, duck, goose, legumes, and | | | | believed to contain antiviral, antiallergenic and |
| eggs. Basil’s flavor intensifies with cooking. | | | | anti-microbial substances. Peppermint is also being |
| Cayenne Pepper contains a high level of antioxidants | | | | studied for it’s possible use as an analgesic, or pain |
| and is believed to help fight infection, boost circulation, | | | | reliever for help visit Fresh peppermint is commonly |
| aid digestions, and boost metabolism. Interestingly, | | | | used in gazpacho, fruit compotes, dishes containing |
| some researchers believe that this hot pepper can | | | | carrots and peas, desserts containing strawberries, |
| fight pain. Cayenne pepper is often labeled as “red | | | | and salads. Peppermint oil is commonly used in the |
| pepper”, and it is a very pungent spice – a little | | | | preparation of sweets and candies. |
| bit goes a very long way. This spice is usually used in | | | | Rosemary contains a high level of antioxidants, is |
| ethnic dishes, especially in Mexican and Thai meals. | | | | believed to contain anti-inflammatory compounds, and |
| Cilantro has been suggested to help aid digestion and | | | | possibly helps improve memory function. The flavor of |
| to remove toxic metals from the body. Cilantro has a | | | | rosemary is often correlated with lemon or pine. |
| “citrus like” flavor that is often described as | | | | Rosemary is often used in dishes containing potatoes |
| “sharp” or “tangy”, and is most often | | | | and squash, egg dishes, and with meat and fish |
| found in Mexican and Asian dishes including salsa, | | | | (particularly lamb). Rosemary is often added to stews, |
| guacamole, salads and some cold soups. Cilantro | | | | but is removed once its flavor has been imparted on |
| should not be exposed to heat, and is best used with | | | | the dish. |
| raw foods. | | | | Thyme is believed to have immune enhancing |
| Cinnamon has been cited as an anti-inflammatory and | | | | properties and to act as an antispasmodic. Thyme is |
| anti-microbial plant. Cinnamon is also believed by some | | | | most often used in stews and soups. Thyme is |
| to lower blood sugar levels and to reduce cholesterol | | | | extremely versatile and goes well with most dishes |
| and triglyceride levels. Cinnamon is usually associated | | | | containing meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, or vegetables. |
| with pastries and other sweets, but also pairs well with | | | | |