Various spices and seasoning powders on shelves in a supermarket. McCormick is one of the main manufactures spices, herbs, and flavorings in the world.Shutterstock / Niloo

While you probably already incorporate seasonings into your dishes, you might not know about all of the amazing health benefits of spices and herbs. So, go ahead and give them a heavy shake in your next dish, your body will thank you!

Metabolism Boosting

Pack on the flavor and kick your metabolism into high gear with foods and spices like cayenne, ginger, turmeric, cumin or cinnamon. If you’re not a big fan of spice, start easy with ginger and cumin, before you work your way up to cayenne and turmeric. Shake up your plain rice with some cumin, or add an extra shake of turmeric into your favorite curry recipes.

Fight Inflammation

Cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and turmeric are what you’ll want to add in if you experience inflammation. Throw some ginger into your next smoothie for a kick, or add a little cardamom (which you’ll find in many pumpkin spice blends!) into everything from waffles to tea.

Soothe An Upset Stomach

Is your stomach bothering you? It’s true what they say, ginger really can help ease an upset stomach, whether you’re getting it through some good old ginger ale or dish enhanced with ginger. Cardamom can also do the trick to soothe nausea away.

Boost Heart Health

Your heart is super powerful, and needs a little extra attention. So why not boost your heart health with cocoa, turmeric, garlic, thyme, cayenne or rosemary. The list could go on and on with more herbs and spices that can promote a healthy heart, so don’t be afraid to add as much as you’d like into your next roast chicken or stir-fry.

P.S. Here are eight heart-healthy foods you’ll want to have in your kitchen at all times!

Fight Off Bacteria

Fend off diseases and bacteria with earthy cinnamon, antioxidant-rich oregano and detoxifying coriander. Your body will definitely thank you in advance when you don’t get sick! Have a cold already? Eat these foods to get better fast when you’re sick.

Lower Blood Pressure

Cardamom, cocoa and garlic are all heart-healthy spices that can help lower your blood pressure naturally, whether you have a chronic condition, or are experiencing a spike. Combine tangy cardamom and sweet cocoa into a number of desserts, like coconut tarts and cookies for a [somewhat] healthier dessert option.

Increase Circulation

Poor circulation is common, and occurs when your blood isn’t freely flowing to certain parts of the body. Clear it out and bump up your circulation by adding a power-trio of parsley, garlic and cayenne into any of your dishes, from pasta to fish.

So next time you’re thinking about adding some new spices into your dinner, go for it. Your body and your taste buds will definitely thank you! Here’s a list of essential spices you need in your kitchen!

Looking for more ways to stay healthy with food? Stock up on these for heart health.
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