7 Spices With Surprising Health Benefits

Cinnamon

Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical evergreen tree and has one of the highest antioxidant values of any spice. The spice has been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar and blood triglyceride levels, alleviate nausea and increase sensitivity to insulin as an aid in fat burning. It’s also a good source of manganese, iron and calcium.

While cinnamon is an incredibly healthy and nutritious spice, it’s often hard to branch out from the most common uses: coffee, cookies, muffins and desserts. But there are healthier ways to reap the benefits of this magical spice: pour it over oatmeal, yogurt or cottage cheese, stir it into peanut butter or protein shakes and sprinkle it on sweet potatoes or carrots. Cinnamon also kills bacteria, so the next time you get a cut, you can actually sprinkle the spice on the wound.