World's healthiest spices
Not only do they make our food taste better, but spices, which are full of antioxidants, are also good for our health. (As if the Swedes needed another good reason to drink glögg and enjoy cinnamon buns or coffee cakes .…)

Antioxidants are measured in ORAC per 100 grams of food and the recommended daily dose is 2500 ORAC. According to Svenska Kryddföreningen and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, here are the top five spices for good health:

Cumin (76,800 ORAC)
Cumin is commonly found in cheese and spiced wine. It’s one of the spices with the longest history in Europe but has been hidden in a corner of the spice shelf. Dried cumin seeds have a sharp scent, and tea made with cumin is good for colic and stomach aches.

Turmeric (159,000 ORAC)
Turmeric is good for your skin. It is a strong antioxidant that is also helpful for inflammations, arthritis, joint problems, stomach problems and gallstones. Turmeric has a strong yellow color, a pigment called Curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties that are similar to cortisone. Turmeric works against fungus and bacteria and is used when healing wounds. There are bandages in India that have turmeric in them.

Cinnamon (267,000 ORAC)
A super spice full of antioxidants, two grams alone is said to equal over 2.2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, so you do the math. It kills both bacteria and fungus, improves digestion and is great when you’re feeling nauseous or have diarrhea. A teaspoon of cinnamon a day keeps the blood sugar on an even keel. And if your stomach bothers you, then sprinkle some cinnamon and cardamom on your breakfast yogurt to prevent gas.

Cloves (314,000 ORAC)
Cloves are a great expectorant and in the fight against bronchitis. They also help minimize hay fever. Cloves are also good against nervousness and are soothing for the stomach, colic, gas, nausea and a poor appetite. If you chew on a clove slowly, it is also said to soothe a toothache.

Oregano (200,000 ORAC)
Oregano is good against cough, whooping cough and infections in your mouth and throat. It also aids against indigestion and is an effective spice in fighting bacteria and fungus. Oil made of oregano is often called Mother Nature’s antibiotics, as it is said to strengthen the immune system.