So I'm always trying to find out what foods give you the most nutritional bang for your buck. Imagine my delight when I saw an ad in my Eating Well magazine for McCormick and their seven spices to boost your health. Now I won't feel so guilty eating those nachos if I just sprinkle some oregano on it, ha!

1.) Cinnamon: has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice and even more than many foods. One teaspoon of this warm-tasting spice has as many antioxidants a full cup of pomegranate juice or ½ cup of blueberries. Additionally, cinnamon is also rich in natural compounds called polyphenols which appear to act like insulin in the body and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
2.) Ginger: eases indigestion and reduce pain. One of the active ingredients in ginger, gingerol, has anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that this ging compound may work like certain drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen by inhibiting an enzyme that causes inflammation. Research hints that ginger may offer pain relief for everything from arthritis to nausea and migraines.
3.) Oregano: Of all the dried herbs, oregano has one of the highest antioxidant levels. One teaspoon of dried oregano leaves has as many antioxidants as three ounces of almonds and ½ cup of chopped asparagus. Oh yeah and random factoid for you, if you haven't watched Rachael Ray enough, oregano means "joy of the mountain."
4.) Red pepper: Capsaicin is the fiery compound in peppers that gives chiles their heat and their antioxidants. The hotter the pepper, the more of these two guys you'll find. Cayenne or ground red pepper contains the most, but all red peppers, including chili powder and the milder paprika, are surprisingly good sources of antioxidants. This spice also has dietary benefits. That capsaicin compond helps increase satiety, or a feeling of fullness. Beyond helping you control your appetite, findings of some studies indicate that adding cayenne, chili powder and paprika to your meal can help boost your metabolism. If you can't stand the heat, sweet red peppers have been found to increase calorie burning as well.
5.) Rosemary: antioxidants
6.) Thyme: Just one teaspoon of this herb contains about the same amount of antioxidants as a carrot or a ½ cup chopped tomatoes. Thyme also contains a variety of special compounds called flavonoids that increase the herb's antioxidant strength and may offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Some studies suggest the antioxidants in thyme could help maintain brain function and promote heart health.
7.) Yellow curry: Turmeric, found in curry powder, is a concentrated source of antioxidants, equal to strawberries, raspberries, cherries and grapes. According to some studies, curcumin, the bright yellow compound in turmeric, may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells, reduce inflammation and safeguard the brain. In some studies, curcumin helped fight off the development of destructive brain plaques. As a result, this cognitive-friendly compound may be able to protect against Alzheimer's disease.