Many cultures that have the most delicious foods use plenty of fragrant herbs and spices. Have you ever noticed that sometimes after a delicious meal that was filled with flavor makes you feel amazing?

It’s not just because it was a great meal; it’s because herbs and spices have a plethora of health benefits that can leave you feeling spectacular.

Recipes like this savory bhel puri are packed with spices that will leave your tummy feeling warm in all the right ways.

So the next time you start to whip up a tasty dish, see where you can add some extra herbs and spices in to pump up the health benefits of the meal.

Millions of people take garlic pills since they have been linked to heart benefits. But it’s not just the heart that can be helped by the garlic.

Garlic can help reduce cholesterol by up to 15%! Not only that, but those who have high blood pressure can benefit from garlic, and in some studies, it proves as effective as lowering blood pressure as tablets.

We know that garlic has a specific smell, and that is caused by the compound called allicin - which is also the ingredient responsible for all the positive benefits.

Breastfeeding mothers often use Fenugreek to help with milk supply, but that is not the only bonus of Fenugreek.

There are many studies that show Fenugreek has the ability to lower blood sugar levels. Although if you are taking medication for blood sugars, you should always discuss any supplements and vitamins with your doctor.

Turmeric latte, turmeric tea, and beauty products have all hit the market in the last few years. And that is thanks to the curcumin that is found in turmeric.

Curcumin is one of the most powerful antioxidants, and it can help to boost our body's own anti-inflammatory enzymes. In fact, in some studies, it has been shown that curcumin has the same powerful anti-inflammatory effect as some pharmaceutical medications.

One of the reasons that having anti-inflammatories is important is that many of the most common chronic illnesses and other common complaints usually have or are caused by some level of inflammation.

Peppermint has many uses - often consumed in tea after a meal to help with digestion; peppermint can be very soothing. For those who suffer from IBS or other stomach issues, peppermint oils can help with pain management.

The peppermint oil can help to relax and soothe the muscles that are typically responsible for causing cramps. Another common side effect of IBS and other stomach issues is painful bloating.

It’s not just the consumption of mint that can help; using peppermint aromatherapy can help to reduce the symptoms of nausea.

Not only is sage delicious with pork, potatoes, and butter, but sage actually gets its name from Salvere - which literally means ‘to save.’

Sage research is showing that sage might be a potential help for those who are struggling with memory and function. Sage is packed with acetylcholine, and it is the decline in acetylcholine that has an impact on those with Alzheimer's.

It’s not just people who have Alzheimer’s that can benefit from the addition of sage; it can help with the memory in young and mentally healthy people too.

Just like Fenugreek, there is evidence that shows cinnamon can help to reduce blood sugar levels. Often cinnamon is in baked goods but can balance the flavor in savory dishes too.

As an antioxidant, cinnamon can help reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol in the blood. But it’s not just there that it makes an impact; cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels in several ways.

Cinnamon helps to slow the breaking down of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, and this improves insulin sensitivity.

As little as 0.5-2 teaspoons of cinnamon per day can have a huge impact.

Ginger has been used for thousands of years to help to reduce nausea, especially in pregnant women and those who are undergoing chemotherapy and seasickness.

Some of the world's most popular dishes like honey ginger chicken, carrot cake, stir fry, and many curry dishes.

Ginger has shown promising results when it comes to inflammation.

Aside from smelling delicious and working with a huge range of veg and meat, rosemary has the ability to help suppress some allergic reactions like a runny or stuffy nose.

Rosemary’s active ingredient is rosmarinic acid, and it is that acid that helps to reduce congestion.

Not many people have heard of holy basil, unlike Thai basil or the Italian basil we are used to. Holy basil is considered sacred in India. Studies suggest that holy basil can reduce the growth of yeasts, molds, and bacteria.

Holy basil has also been associated with lowering blood sugar levels both during meals and after, as well as an anxiety-related depression treatment.

For even more delicious tips and some extra information on some of these delicious herbs, check out Tips On Making A Healthier Meal While Sheltering At Home.