Herbs and Spices

Oregano is one of the most well-known herbs in the world, thanks to the popularity of Italian cuisine. Now scientists are discovering that this humble herb that flavors pizza sauce is one of the most powerful aids to immunity in our pharmacopeia (and our kitchens). What are the health benefits of oregano, and how can you add this amazing (and delicious!) herb to your diet?

We hear about superfoods all the time — amazing, exotic berries harvested from over 17,000 feet up in the Himalayas, or rare roots found only on Tuesdays three days before a full moon. I’m exaggerating, of course, but the functional food industry loves to sell us extremely expensive products that they claim contain health-promoting powers that don’t exist in “ordinary” foods. It turns out, though, that many of the inexpensive, readily available foods right under our noses are unappreciated “superfoods” in their own right.

Cooking with the right herbs and spices can turn ordinary meals into culinary superstars. And not only are many herbs and spices delicious and aromatic, but they’re among the healthiest foods science has ever encountered. You can buy many dried herbs and spices pretty much anywhere, but have you ever tried growing your own, or getting fresh ones and drying them yourself?

If you grew up eating the standard American diet, your first curry might have been a shock to your palate. (Either “My mouth is on fire; where’s the fire extinguisher?” or “Where have you been all my life?” depending on the level of spiciness and your tolerance.) But if you have Indian, Thai, Caribbean, or Chinese ancestry, curries may have been part of your culinary tradition for centuries. So what kinds of curries are there? Are they good for you? Can they be plant-based? And how can you get started cooking some of the world’s most popular dishes?

Also called the “Miracle Tree” and “Tree of Life,” moringa has been heralded as a superfood even more amazing than kale. Research confirms its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cancer-preventive powers. And it’s great for the environment, and can even combat world hunger! Here’s all you need to know about this little-known, yet nutritious, superfood — and superplant.

What do salads, sandwiches, and salaries have in common? They all take their names from one of the most historically and nutritionally important foods in the human diet: salt. Salt has played an outsized role in military campaigns, sometimes driving them and sometimes acting as a weapon. In this article, we’ll focus on a modern dilemma in the realm of nutrition: should we avoid salt and sodium, is it completely bad for us, or is there a healthy place for salt in our diets?

Many Eastern healing traditions rely on certain plants to help the body deal with stress and regain balance. The West is just now catching up on the use of these plants, known as adaptogens. And they’re becoming increasingly popular. But do they work? Are they safe to use? What does the research say about them, and would you benefit from taking them?

Ginger is a popular spice found in many cuisines and home remedies. But aside from flavoring a variety of dishes and drinks, what do we know about this spicy root? Discover the health benefits of ginger and its potential side effects, in addition to ginger uses and recipes.

Name a spice that’s equally at home in Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern food. If you said “cumin,” bingo! There’s a good chance that you’ll find ground or whole cumin seeds in your pantry right now, but do you know everything this spice has to offer?

Maca root has gained popularity in the supplement aisle, but where does it come from, and what exactly is this vegetable? Does maca have any health benefits, and if so, are they worth giving it a try? Are there any reasons to avoid maca? Here’s what the current research says about maca root — and some easy ways to incorporate it into your diet if you want to do so.

Have you heard of alliums? The most common ones are onions and garlic. These veggies have some incredible benefits. In this article, you’ll see exactly why Allium vegetables are so good for us (most of us, anyway). And you’ll learn easy ways to get more of them in your diet.

Spices can add fabulous flavor. But new research is telling us that these five healthy spices can also fight Alzheimer’s, inflammation, cancer, migraine headaches, stomach problems, and type 2 diabetes. Add culinary delight to your meals with these 5 fabulously healthy spices!