- Hot spices add extra zing to a meal, giving food added flavor. Research suggests that hot spices can even boost your metabolism, according to the Spice House, an online spice resource and store. Many hot spices derive from peppers, including crushed red pepper, chili powder, black pepper and ground chipotle pepper. Jamaican Jerk seasonings and Cajun and Creole spices add a little fire to your taste buds. These hot spices can be added modestly or generously, depending on your preference.
- In addition to flavoring food, many spices offer health benefits. Ginger, a spice typically used in Asian foods, has been known to help alleviate stomach pain and indigestion. Thyme is full of antioxidants, and this spice also helps maintain heart and cognitive health. Another well-known spice, cinnamon, if eaten often, is said to decrease the chances of heart disease. Cinnamon also contains high levels of polyphenols, which lowers glucose levels in diabetics.
- Cultures throughout the world flavor food with seasonings and spices unique to the country or culture. Ginger root, star anise, bean paste and sesame oil are common spices found in Chinese cuisine. In India, it's common for meals to include coriander seeds, curry powder, aniseed, saffron and turmeric. In France, meals are often prepared with rosemary, bay leaves and parsley while German meals often contain caraway seeds, white pepper and juniper berries.
- In the hot and sticky summer months, it's important to keep the body cooled off, and various food spices can do just that, according to the Global Healing Center, an online store and resource for organic living and natural health. Cook dill with fresh vegetables to give the dish a fresh and cool taste. Add basil to pesto, ginger to iced tea and cilantro to salsa.
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