6 Herbs That Pack a Health-Boosting Punch

6 Herbs That Pack a Health-Boosting Punch
By Emily Listfield, PARADE

New research suggests that certain herbs and spices can help lower blood pressure, ease arthritis, and even slow the growth of some cancer cells. They also add flavor to food without adding too many calories. Here are six to spice up your life and improve your health.

Turmeric
Studies by the University of Arizona College of Medicine show that curcumin, the active ingredient in this Indian spice, helps prevent joint inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Research by Rutgers University indicates that turmeric may slow the growth of malignant cells in people with prostate cancer. Early animal studies show that it may also slow the growth of breast-cancer cells.

Parsley
This leafy green herb deserves to be more than just a garnish. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, parsley is rich in flavonoids, which may help to protect cells from cancer. It's also a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Sage
A recent University of Georgia study suggests that sage can help prevent tissue damage caused by high blood-sugar levels and may even offer some protection against cardiovascular disease.

Cinnamon
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can help lower cholesterol. It may also reduce the high blood-sugar levels that can lead to Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. And some research suggests that cinnamon can slow the proliferation of cancerous cells in patients with leukemia.

Rosemary
Scientists at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research in La Jolla, Calif., have found that carnosic acid, the active ingredient in rosemary, can help protect brain cells from the normal aging process and from damage caused by the free radicals that lead to Alz-heimer's. It's also a good source of calcium and iron.

Ginger
Ginger has been used for thousands of years to treat gastrointestinal problems. Your mother probably even gave you ginger ale for an upset stomach. Numerous studies have shown that ginger does in fact help to alleviate nausea associated with motion sickness. Small doses may also ease morning sickness. And now research from the University of Rochester Medical Center shows that ginger may reduce nausea induced by chemotherapy. Patients who took a half-teaspoon of it a day experienced up to a 40 percent reduction in symptoms.