Being healthy does not only mean keeping some things out of your diet. It also means adding a few extras. This is where the health benefits of spices come in. Although small in appearance and rarely given attention, these tiny granules of dried veggies pack more than their size. And they will surely help keep you firm, fit, and right.

A spice, in the culinary realm, refers to a dried pungent or aromatic vegetable that is used either to flavor or enhance the smell of food. Examples of this are cinnamon, ginger, pepper, paprika and other similar seasonings. It comes in several forms, generally fresh, whole, or powdered.

It should be noted however, that a spice is different from an herb (although there are places where the terms are used interchangeably). A spice normally comes from roots, flowers, fruits, seeds, or barks of plants. It is often used to add flavor to food and can also function as preservative. Moreover, it is used only in small amounts because of its strength.

Meanwhile, herbs are those that came from non-woody plants. They are meant to improve the smell of food and are also valued for their medicinal use. Unlike spice, they are used in greater quantities.

Herbs and spices, however, may come from one plant despite their distinct definitions. Dill is among the many examples that can serve this statement. Dill weed for example comes from its stem and leaves, while Dill seed is from its seeds apparently.

Meanwhile, with regards to health benefits, spices pack a lot of antioxidants. In fact, they are known to contain more antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables. But more than that, they also contain minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients that are good for the body.

Now, there are a lot of them used in the kitchen and you need only to know a few to know about the common super spices. They are dubbed "super" because they have the highest potential for health enhancement. These "super" condiments are what you need in your diet to protect your health.

Number one in the list is Cinnamon. This sweet roll of spice is loaded with tons of health benefits. Cinnamon contains calcium, magnesium, iron, and even fiber. Moreover, it can help lower sugar and cholesterol in people with diabetes. One-fourth or one-half teaspoon of Cinnamon twice a day is recommended by experts.

Another is Turmeric. Coming from the ginger family, this bright yellow spice is not just a mere curry ingredient. It also helps maintain good mental condition while aging. Also, it contains curcumin, which is an antioxidant that can help fight cancer.

One more common super spice you should know is red pepper. It contains capsaicin, a substance known to relieve pain. Also, dried peppers may be the things you need for your diet so that you'll achieve that shape you have been dreaming of. This is because peppers are metabolism enhancers, and they promote satiety as well as burn fat.

The desire to be healthy has gained popularity over the years. This is due to the fact that pollution is getting harder to combat every day. And the best tool against it is a strong immune system. Good thing being healthy is no longer hard because of the health benefits of spices.