Increasing your intake of nutrients might also improve the flavor of your meals. Most people are afraid to add herbs and spices to their food, for fear they will ruin the flavor. In reality, spicing up the meals with Herbs and Spices takes plain fruits and vegetables to a higher level and creates a healthier you. And isn't that what we all want - a healthier and fulfilling lifestyle.

A perfect example is the simple dish of sliced tomatoes. Adding a bit of olive oil, sea salt and fresh ground pepper make them a wonderful side dish that’s delicious, nutritious and simple. The garlic is excellent for the immune system as it helps the body fight off disease. Garlic has been used for centuries to fight off a cold and there is scientific evidence to back up the folk lore. Scientific data has proven that Garlic has antiviral, antibacterial and anti fungal properties. Scientists also studied garlic in the fight against cancer. The garlic has phytonutrients that help block the formation of cancer cells.

Garlic has cholesterol-lowering properties and lowers the LDL, the bad cholesterol, while it raises the HDL, the good cholesterol. Studies prove that eating 2 cloves of garlic a day lowers your cholesterol by 9%. Garlic protects the aorta and helps control hypertension by thinning the blood. Garlic could be called the spice of life. A study on the effects of garlic on impotence found the compounds in garlic are important in the production of nitric oxide synthase, necessary for obtaining an erection.

Adding the Italian parsley helps reduce the effects of garlic on your breath but, more importantly it adds tremendous nutritional value. On top of the fiber content the parsley is loaded with vitamin A, K, C, folic acid, potassium. It fights free radicals that cause the aging problem as well as cancer by being loaded with antioxidants. Don't tell Popeye but he could of used parsley instead of spinach. Besides the iron parsley is loaded with magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and trace amounts of zinc, manganese and copper.

Does the addition of herbs and spices fulfill your dietary needs? Absolutely not. The addition of spices and herbs to flavor your food simply increases the nutritional intake and flavor without raising the amount of calorie intake. Just a little change can make a big difference in your health when you do it at every meal.

A breakfast idea that increases your health while spicing up the start of your day is the addition of cinnamon to the breakfast fare. Adding cinnamon to your coffee filter with the coffee is a great way to start the day. For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, add a little bit of sugar. Sprinkle cinnamon or Ginger on your cereal. It’s especially good on oatmeal.

Some of the benefits of cinnamon include iron, calcium and manganese. If your a diabetic like me, it helps regulate blood sugar. It attacks yeast infections, aids in various types of cancer, lowers cholesterol, preserves naturally, a great anti coagulant and helps to improve memory. Researchers at Copenhagen University gave patients a teaspoon of cinnamon with a tablespoon of honey every morning for a month. After the first week the patients had considerable relief from arthritis. Walking without pain was possible for most after one month. This combination makes a great topping for toast.

Giving up good tasting food in not a prerequisite for healthy eating. On the contrary, adding additional Herbs and Spices to your food makes them even healthier. Look for ways to increase the nutritional content while also making the food rival with the dishes found in gourmet restaurants. Your family will never know they are eating healthier they will just know it tastes great.