Eating healthy is the best gift that you can give to your body. As more and more people are becoming health conscious, nutritionists, dietitians, and other health experts continue to propagate the benefits of certain foods. Similarly, some companies and businesses saw the opportunity of promoting their brands by innovating and incorporating natural ingredients to deliver the best value to the consumers. They understood the purchase intent of the customers, thereby focusing on particular health outcomes. However, the vast variety of healthy foods can be baffling as you’re not even certain about their uses and benefits. It can be amazing to see those colorful fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs. But it’s still best to know their nutritional values.
Challenge your palate with these natural ingredients and enjoy their incredible benefits.
Turmeric
This brightly-colored spice has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Turmeric also possesses healing properties and promotes brain health. It can be added to your meals or can be mixed with your favorite tea or smoothie. A dash of turmeric to your hot soup gives color and flavor.
Other benefits of turmeric include:
- Mitigates depression
- Reduces risks of heart disease
- Fights viral infection
- Relieves osteoarthritis
- Eases headache
- Reduces the risks of cancer
Raw Honey
Thanks to the honeybees for this sweet, thick liquid which is a rich source of antioxidants. This is nature’s gift to people with a sweet tooth and an excellent sugar substitute. However, not all honey tastes the same. Some are too sweet, others have medicinal taste, while there are some with herbal flavor. The texture may also vary. Others have stickier texture while some have creamier. A good example is Manuka Honey. Just like any other raw honey, a good quality manuka honey can be used as a treatment for colds, flu, sore throats, and dry coughs. It can be mixed with a warm drink or hot tea. Manuka honey is also used as one of the ingredients of some collagen drinks.
Common uses and benefits include:
- Heals burns and wounds
- Relieves allergy
- Treats fungal and bacterial diseases
- Lowers risks of cancer
- Lowers the risk of diabetes
- Healthier hair
- Can be used as an exfoliating or face mask
- Can improve digestion if mixed with apple cider vinegar
Rosemary
Just like any other herbs such as thyme, oregano, lavender, and basil, rosemary is also a member of the mint family called Lamiaceae. Rosemary is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a seasoning, topping, and even best with chicken and other poultry, including lamb, oily fish, and steaks. It is also a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin B-6. However, extremely large doses can cause vomiting and spasms.
Some benefits of rosemary include:
- Enhances memory and concentration
- Boosts digestion
- Promotes eye health
- Protects against brain damage
- Lowers the formation of cancer-causing agents
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a prickly green short-stemmed shrub that is often called the “wonder plant” because of its multiple benefits. It can be used as a food flavoring, cosmetics, food supplement, or herbal medicine. The aloe vera gel has a refreshing taste that can be added to different dishes including smoothies, juices, and salsas. The yellow liquid, on the other hand, has powerful laxative properties.
- Potential benefits of aloe vera:
- Reduces dental plaque
- Improves memory
- Rich source of antioxidant
- Can reduce blood sugar level
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Anti-aging
- Promotes hair growth
- Heals wounds and burns
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a superfood that’s marketed globally. Aside from its delicate taste, it offers several health benefits. Aside from the medicinal properties, its versatility is very evident in the various dishes. It adds excellent taste when mixed with soups, baked goodies and desserts, curry dishes, spread, and many more. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that provide quick energy to the brain and body and encourages the body to burn fats.
- Other uses and benefits include:
- Can be used as a skin moisturizer
- Promotes healthy hair
- Used as cooking oil for natural weight loss
- Improves immune system
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Improves bone and oral health
Lemon
Lemon is one of the most staple ingredients that have multiple purposes. It has an amazing cleaning agent just like vinegar and does not leave any harsh smell, unlike other cleaning products. Bur more than that, it has health benefits that people can enjoy. Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and has antioxidant properties that improve the skin, hair, and nails. There are innumerable sweet and savory lemon dishes that you can enjoy.
Potential uses and benefits of lemon:
- Can be used as exfoliating or facemask
- Can whiten teeth. However, a visit to a pediatric dentist in vista is still advisable for a more thorough teeth whitening
- Great for cooking
- Promotes natural weight loss
- Reduces heart disease
- Prevent kidney stones
- Improves digestive health
There is a wide range of choices for natural ingredients that you can include in your diet. Most of them can be a great snack. This is a more valid excuse to avoid fries, burgers, and other unhealthy foods. However, some of the ingredients should be taken in moderation. Otherwise, it can result in serious effects.
