Many studies have shown that certain spices have powerful mood and therapeutic benefits, helping to improve mental health, uplift emotions, and support physical health. So this holiday season, you can improve your physical and mental health by adding some common spices to your daily meals.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has more powerful antioxidant properties than any other spice. The spicy flavor of cinnamon is a "secret weapon" during the holidays thanks to its ability to lower blood sugar levels in a variety of ways. Cinnamon increases insulin sensitivity, helping insulin work more effectively, while also slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract.

Diabetics or pre-diabetics can use cinnamon daily to control blood sugar. Even if you don't have diabetes, high sugar levels can be detrimental to your mood and energy levels - something you need to have at this time of year.

Try adding a little cinnamon to your coffee, tea, or even a cinnamon smoothie. You'll also find cinnamon in many holiday desserts and egg tarts.

Cinnamon helps reduce blood sugar levels and supports blood sugar control. Photo: Freepik

Cloves

Cloves have many of the same health benefits as cinnamon. What makes cloves unique is the essential oil eugenol. According to the US National Library of Medicine, the anticancer effects of eugenol are achieved through various mechanisms such as induction of cell death, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis in several cancer cell lines. Additionally, eugenol can be used as an adjunct to conventional chemotherapy.

Additionally, eugenol is a natural anesthetic and antibacterial agent that can be used to treat toothaches. Just bite into a clove and you will quickly feel the anesthetic effect. Cloves are found in gingerbread, fruitcakes, and traditional spices. If you want to add cloves to your food, use them sparingly as they have a very strong flavor.

Ginger

This is an effective anti-inflammatory herb that also has mood-enhancing and pain-relieving properties. Ginger also helps to soothe the stomach, reducing irritation, nausea, and stress. The good news for ladies is that ginger can even relieve menstrual cramps.

Not only does it relieve stress, the antibacterial properties in ginger can also boost immunity and keep you healthy. Ginger is often used to make ginger cookies, but people can add this spice to vegetables, fish, and meat dishes. You can also sip green tea with ginger, which helps relax.

Doãn Hùng (According to Epoch, NLM)