Spices and herbs not only bring flavour and aroma to our cooking, but many of them also offer significant health benefits. One area where they can be particularly beneficial is heart health.

Let’s take a look at 30 heart-healthy spices and herbs below.

Garlic

Garlic has been shown to help lower high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation in the body. Add minced garlic to your dishes or take garlic supplements to reap its heart health benefits.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Sprinkle turmeric in your curry dishes or take turmeric supplements to boost your heart health.

Ginger

Ginger has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body. Add ginger to stir-fries, smoothies or tea for an extra dose of heart health.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body. Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal, coffee or sweet potatoes for a sweet and heart-healthy boost.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which has been shown to help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Add cayenne pepper to soups, stews or tacos for an added kick of flavour and health benefits.

Basil

Basil is high in antioxidants and has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body. Use fresh basil in your salads, pasta dishes or soups for an added health boost.

Oregano

Oregano is high in antioxidants and has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body. Add oregano to tomato sauce, pizza or salad dressings for an extra dose of flavour and heart health benefits.

Sage

Sage has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. Use fresh sage in your chicken dishes, stuffing or soup to add a healthy boost of flavour.

Rosemary

Rosemary is high in antioxidants and has been shown to help improve heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure. Add fresh rosemary to roasted vegetables, chicken or beef dishes for a healthy and flavourful twist.

Parsley

Parsley is high in antioxidants and has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body. Use fresh parsley in your salads, soups or pesto dishes for an added heart-healthy boost.

Thyme

Thyme has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels in the body. Add fresh thyme to roasted vegetables, chicken or fish dishes for a healthy and flavourful touch.

Mint

Mint has been shown to help improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body. Use fresh mint in your tea, salads or smoothies for an extra dose of heart health benefits.

Black Pepper

Black pepper has been shown to improve the absorption of other nutrients and may also have anti-inflammatory properties. Add black pepper to your dishes for an added boost of flavour and health benefits.

Mustard Seed

Mustard seed may help improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body. Add mustard to your sauces, dressings or marinades for an added heart-healthy touch.

Bay Leaves

Bay leaves may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. Add bay leaves to your stews, soups or sauces for an added boost of flavour and health benefits.

Cardamom

Cardamom has been shown to help improve cholesterol levels and may also have anti-inflammatory properties. Add cardamom to your tea, coffee or baked goods for a healthy and flavourful twist.

Clove

Clove may help improve blood pressure and reduce inflammation in the body. Add clove to your tea, smoothies or baked goods for a healthy and spicy touch.

Coriander

Coriander has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body and may also help improve cholesterol levels. Use fresh coriander in your soups, stews or curries for a healthy and flavourful boost.

Cumin

Cumin may help improve cholesterol levels and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Add cumin to your dishes for an added boost of flavour and health benefits.

Dill

Dill has been shown to help improve cholesterol levels and may also have anti-inflammatory properties. Use fresh dill in your salads, soups or fish dishes for a healthy and herbal twist.

Fennel Seed

Fennel seed may help improve blood pressure and reduce inflammation in the body. Add fennel seed to your tomato sauces, dressings or roasted vegetables for a healthy and licorice-like flavour.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve cholesterol levels. Add nutmeg to your baked goods, oatmeal or smoothies for a healthy and sweet twist.

Paprika

Paprika may help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the body. Add paprika to your dishes for a smoky and healthy touch.

Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes contain capsaicin, which has been shown to help improve heart health by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow. Add red pepper flakes to your dishes for a healthy and spicy kick.

Rubbed Sage

Rubbed sage may help improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body. Add rubbed sage to your stuffing, soups or pork dishes for a healthy twist.

Star Anise

Star anise may help improve blood pressure and reduce inflammation in the body. Add star anise to your tea, marinades or baked goods for a healthy and sweet touch.

Cilantro

Cilantro has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body and may also have cholesterol-lowering properties. Use fresh cilantro in your salads, soups or salsa for a fresh and healthy twist.

Chives

Chives are high in antioxidants and have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body. Use fresh chives in your egg dishes, soups or salads for a healthy and onion-like flavour.

Bayonne Ham

Bayonne ham is high in protein and low in fat, making it a heart-healthy alternative to other meats. Use Bayonne ham in your omelets, sandwiches or salads for a delicious and healthy twist.