• Spices are a tremendous source of antioxidantsspice seeds image by Aussiebloke from Fotolia.com
  
  A diet high in antioxidants is essential for maintaining a healthy body and strong immune system. A scientific study published in the January 2010 issue of "Nutrition Journal" identified 10 spices with the highest antioxidant content.
  
  

Spices vs. Other Foods

• According to the Nutrition Journal study, the antioxidant action of spices is 3,600 percent greater than that found in vegetables and 2,300 percent higher than in fruit.
  
  

Cloves

• Cloves are not only the spice with the highest antioxidant content, they have a load of other nutritional benefits as well, and can even be a mild anesthetic. Because of the high eugenol content in cloves, the spice can help guard against cancer, harmful pollutants and joint pain.
  
  

Peppermint

• Peppermint has been historically viewed as a natural remedy for upset stomachs and indigestion. Popular forms of consumption are drinking peppermint as a tea, or adding it to soups and salad dressings.
  
  

Allspice

• Like cloves, allspice has a high eugenol content that can work as a pain reliever and improve digestion. The herb is a central spice in Jamaican jerk and barbeque recipes.
  
  

Cinnamon

• Cinnamon can be helpful in the prevention of blood clots, as well as bacterial fungi growth. The fiber and calcium content can also increase colon health and heart health.
  
  

Oregano

• Besides being an herb commonly used in Italian cooking, oregano is nutrient packed and historically has been viewed as a natural form of treating colds and other common ailments, such as stomach aches, premenstrual cramps, coughs and colic.
  
  

Thyme

• Nutrients found in thyme---such as manganese, calcium, and vitamin K-- can help guard the human body from bacteria. Thyme can be used in salad dressings, soups, beans and pasta.
  
  

Sage

• Sage is a multi-purpose herb than can liven up a variety of dishes, including pizza, stews, casseroles, tomato sauces and meat. Along with the benefits derived from the high antioxidant content, the herb can be useful in improving memory and reducing inflammation.
  
  

Rosemary

• Rosemary is a spice commonly used on meat roasts and potatoes. But the benefits go beyond the amazing flavor. High in antioxidants and nutrients, rosemary can contribute to the development of a healthy immune system, improve circulation and digestion, and ease inflammation from arthritis and asthma.
  
  

Saffron

• Characterized by the yellow color it adds to dishes, saffron is a spice typically used in Arab, Iranian, Indian, Turkish and Asian cooking.
  Saffron's antioxidant and nutritional content has many health benefits, including enhancing circulation, protecting against cancer and treating depression.
  
  

Tarragon

• Commonly used in Mediterranean cooking, tarragon has been historically used as a natural means of providing relief from a toothache and indigestion, and can act as a light sedative.