Spices have been used since ancient for medicine and food preservation.
Although spices have been mainly used as flavoring and coloring agents, their role in food safety and preservation has also been studied. Spices have exhibited numerous health benefits in preventing and treating a wide variety of diseases such as cancer, aging, metabolic, neurological, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases.
Many spices also possessing significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against many food spoilage bacteria, pathogens, and harmful fungi. Some research indicates that both turmeric and curcumin have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic activity.
Why you should skip herb supplements and choose the real thing?
You may have noticed that some herbs and spices are sold as supplements (oregano oil or capsules of cinnamon extract, for example). Unless your doctor recommends otherwise, it’s best to eat the herb or spice instead of taking it in pill form.
There aren’t many regulations about supplements and there’s little government oversight. So a capsule may not have the amount of something that it claims to, or it may have unhealthy additives.
Spices are the safest choice when you are looking for some extra microelements to add to your diet. Compounds from herbs and spices as well as the other foods you’re eating work together to provide health benefits. We don’t know if you get the same result from taking a single ingredient as a supplement.
Best herbs with antiviral properties.
1. Ginger. You may heard that Ginger really can help with an upset stomach and has a calming effect on the lining of your digestive system.
But not many know that Ginger has been shown to have impressive antiviral activity thanks to its high concentration of potent plant compounds. Additionally, specific compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and zingerone, have been found to inhibit viral replication and prevent viruses from entering host cells.
2. Turmeric. This yellow spice gets a lot of hype, and for good reason. It’s a good source of curcumin, an antioxidant that eases inflammation. Research suggests that curcumin may help ease the pain. And other research shows that eating even small amounts of turmeric regularly may help prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s disease, possibly by helping prevent the brain plaques that lead to dementia.
Cook By Color combined those two powerful ingredients in a delicious GINGER TEASE™ flavor.
3. Rosemary. An ultra-fragrant herb, frequently used in cooking, rosemary is rich in antioxidants that are known to prevent cell damage. Rosemary has therapeutic applications due to its numerous plant compounds, including oleanolic acid that has displayed antiviral activity against herpes viruses, HIV, influenza, and hepatitis A, which affects the liver.
4. Garlic. This plant has a powerful compound called allicin. Lab studies have shown that it may lower your chances of getting heart disease. And other research shows that eating garlic regularly may help with a wide array of conditions, including viral infections. Garlic shown to have antiviral activity against influenza A and B, HIV, HSV-1, viral pneumonia, and rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Some studies indicate that garlic enhances immune system response by stimulating protective immune cells, which may safeguard against viral infection
4. Habanero pepper. We mostly hear about chili and cayenne peppers. That's why Cook By Color introducing you another type of hot in our signature blend HABLA HABANERO™. Freshly dried and powdered, habaneros will give your food a kick. They also may boost your metabolism and help keep blood vessels healthy. Habanero peppers are higher in capsaicin that other hot peppers, the compound that makes them spicy and has strong antiviral properties.
5. Saffron — the most expensive spice in the world — has been revered for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Modern research confirms the benefits of saffron for mental health, eyesight, and immunity, as well as strong antiviral properties. Crocin, a major carotenoid of saffron, in a recent study has shown to be effective against HIV and Herpes by inhibiting virus replication and cell penetration.
We added Spanish Saffron to our beloved BELL OF THE BALL™ blend.
6. Cinnamon. Cinnamon is great because it’s sweet but very low in calories and sugar-free. You can add it to almost anything, including coffee, tea, or milk of your choice. Lab studies show that cinnamon also may help with inflammation, fend off free radicals that can damage your cells, and fight bacteria.
If you love taste of cinnamon, you will fall in love with CINNFULLY™.
7. Cocoa. You may think of cocoa as the key ingredient in chocolate, but it’s a spice with many health perks. The cocoa bean is chock-full of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have been shown to boost heart health. Cocoa contains biologically active ingredients that have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which includes an inhibitory effect on influenza virus infection. Cocoa activates natural immunity and enhances vaccination-induced immune response, providing stronger protection against influenza virus infection.
Try our cocoa based SAY-SHE-ATE-IT™ seasoning.
If you’re new to cooking with herbs and spices, Cook By Color recommends trying a pinch at a time to figure out which flavor combinations you like.