15 Spices That Will Improve Your Health

4. Cinnamon

Mostly used in baking and desserts, cinnamon has a number of great health benefits. It's antiseptic, has potent antioxidant activity and helps fight inflammation. Most importantly, cinnamon has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It may lower blood sugar in several ways, including slowing the breakdown of carbs in the digestive tract and improving insulin sensitivity. It's a warming spice that boosts your metabolism and leaves you warmed up for hours. There's nothing else that tastes quite like cinnamon; it's woody, warm, a little bit sweet and spicy. Cinnamon is a perfect addition to your morning coffee, baked goods, porridges or sauces.