I’m a BIG fan of spices!
    Every time you add spices to your meals, you are supercharging your food without adding a single calorie. You can change ordinary bland dishes into something exotic and truly extraordinary, just by adding spices.
Many herbs and spices contain some of the most potent antioxidants on earth!  In fact, a good number of herbs and spices rank even higher in antioxidant activity than the highest ranked fruits and vegetables. 
    Herbs and spices add tons of extra flavor and when combined with other nutrient packed superfoods, they work synergistically to boost the natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power of foods.  In fact, combining herbs and spices with specific foods can often greatly magnify the antioxidant and nutrient value exponentially!
    These spices have the highest amount of antioxidants and super-nutrients, so add them liberally to your favorite dishes:

    Allspice

    Basil

    Cayenne or hot pepper flakes

    Cloves

    Cinnamon or its cousin Cassia (which is what we in the United States use)

    Ginger    
    Marjoram
    Nutmeg

    Oregano

    Sage

    Thyme

    Many spices are actually thermogenic, which means they naturally increase your metabolism and help you burn calories faster, partly because they are so nutrient-dense.  Hot peppers are naturally thermogenic and will increase metabolism, raise the temperature in the body, and burn fat. 
    Other spices such as cinnamon can regulate blood sugar and help control insulin.  When your blood sugar and insulin are stable, your body will burn more calories as energy, and store fewer calories as excess body fat.
    Many popular herbs and spices have actually been scientifically proven to be as effective as some medications for certain health issues. (But always check with your physician before you quit any medications you may be on.)

    - For example, just two teaspoons of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. It also improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cinnamon has an ORAC score of 267,536. It is a powerful antimicrobial agent - found to kill E. coli and many other bacteria, and also has strong anti-inflammatory compounds.

    - Turmeric has an ORAC (antioxidant) score of 159,277.  It is not only a general immune system booster due to its very high antioxidant levels, but it is also an effective anticancer agent. The active ingredient in turmeric (curcumin) has been proven to be more effective in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s than some medications. 

    - Licorice helps to calm the inflammatory response by increasing natural steroid output by your adrenal glands. So it is a natural anti-inflammatory.

    - Black pepper increases the bioavailability of just about all other foods, meaning that your body will extract the maximum benefit from the foods you eat with the addition of black pepper.

    - Cloves are the ORAC high scorer, with a score of 314,446 - the highest of all foods tested! Cloves contain eugenol and are best known for their mild anesthetic benefit as well as being a good anti-inflammatory.

    Spices can increase your feelings of satiety, and fullness, so you eat less. One study showed that when a person consumed an appetizer with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes before a meal they ate 15% less food. Another reason to love red pepper flakes!
    Check out some of the other health benefits of some of the most popular herbs and spices:

    Rosemary and basil are anti-inflammatory.

    Cumin and sage fight dementia.

    Cayenne, coriander and cinnamon burn fat and help regulate insulin.

    Lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron are calming.

    Oregano is anti-fungal and antibacterial.

    Garlic, mustard seed and chicory are excellent for the heart.

    Basil and thyme make the skin softer and smoother.

    Turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, garlic and ginger strengthen the immune system.

    Coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper help banish depression.

    When cooking meat at high temperatures, spices can help avoid any of the negative effects of oxidation from the heat and the harmful chemicals that result. In one study, adding a blend of spices to burgers significantly (71%) reduced the level of malondialdehyde, a chemical marker for oxidation. 
    Next time you get ready to grill that SUPER HEALTHY grass fed steak, burger or free-range chicken, be sure to spice it up!   Marinades that include vinegar or lemon juice with an array of spices are one of the best ways to make your meat as juicy, flavorable, and healthy as possible. 
    Liberally add spices to virtually every dish or meal you create and you will get the maximum health benefits out of the foods you eat.