The next time you find your food spicy think of all the health benefits you might be getting from them. Studies show that many different spices and herbs can protect you against chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart problems.

Most of these have polyphenols, a type of plant compound, that work on the disease. Besides the major diseases, certain herbs also work improving blood flow to the organs and reduce inflammations in the body. Healthcare experts advice that seasoning your food with herbs and spices not only boost the flavor of the food but are better than artificial flavoring substances.

It may also help if you use them in place of other flavor boosters. Seasonings also play a part in weight control and the good thing is that you do not need too much of it, just a sprinkling of dried and fresh herbs and spices is enough to ensure good health. Listed below are eleven such herbs that help you to remain healthy:

1. Ground cinnamon: It is extremely high on anti-oxidants, and has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Cinnamon is also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. Helps fight high cholesterol, arthritis, common cold, and aids in digestion.

2. Chili peppers: It contains a substance called capsaicin that is found to be effective in treatment of sensory nerve fiber disorders, including pain associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy.

3. Turmeric: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent to treat a wide variety of conditions, including flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain, and colic.

4. Garlic: It is an excellent source of manganese, a very good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C and a good source of selenium, and has therapeutic benefits of lowering high blood pressure.

5. Oregano: Oregano contains numerous phytonutrients that function as potent antioxidants that can prevent oxygen-based damage to cell structures throughout the body.

6. Basil: It is a good source of vitamin A, and is an anti-inflammatory herb that provides relief from inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.

7. Thyme: It contains a variety of flavonoids that increase thyme's antioxidant capacity, and is a very good source of manganese. It is also known to have anti-aging properties.

8. Rosemary: It contains substances that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion; and has anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce the severity of asthma attacks.

9. Parsley: It is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, and has vitamins A and C that help fight osteoarthritis. It is also a good source of folic acid.

10. Ginger: A root that is effective in eliminating gastrointestinal distress. Ginger reduces all symptoms associated with motion sickness including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating.

11. Cloves: It contains an active component called eugenol that makes clove a mild anesthetic as well as an anti-bacterial agent.