There was a time when spices were some of the most sought-after resources. During the founding of the New World, the Spice Trade is a historically well-known event that put a lot of Asian countries on the global map. At a time when refrigeration and food standards were non-existent yet, the importance of spices in preserving food and masking their flavors were crucial for a society that loved food.

While we modern folks already have the luxuries of refrigerators and canned food, some of us still keep a moderate spice rack.  Spices can spice up a dull meal, and you don't need to limit yourself to just salt and pepper. Here are the five spices that will not only give some sophisticated taste to your dishes but some wonderful health benefits to your body as well.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which is an extremely effective anti-inflammatory agent. It can help with a weak digestive system, increase anti-toxin production, and even prevent the development of tumors. It may have a distinct taste with plenty of tablespoons, but add a pinch of it alongside some black pepper in any dish, and you'll hardly be able to tell the difference.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice with a high concentration of antioxidants. These antioxidants help fight against aging, stress, and other toxins that can be harmful to the body. It's also a tasty spice that adds a woody, sweet and spicy flavor to your dish. Most commonly used for desserts, you can even add it to fruits and vegetable dishes if you want to make things a little fancy. It is also a good ingredient to counter the sourness in tomato sauces.

3. Chili

Chili comes in a variety of forms. It can be powdered, whole, cut up or dried, and every form introduces a different kind of spice. However, every single variety provides the same health benefits. Surprisingly, chili contains high amounts of vitamin A, C, and E. Not only that but its signature compound, the capsaicin, isn't just for show — it actually reduces inflammation and relieves congestion as well as a stuffy nose.

4. Garlic 

When garlic is chopped, it forms one nutritious compound, and it's called allicin. This compound has been known to reduce the chances of heart disease. It can also curb the negative effects of high cholesterol and blood pressure. 

Garlic is pretty much what makes most of the dishes you know and love so aromatic and mouth-watering. So here's a tip, whenever a recipe calls for garlic, add two cloves to what they specified. Contrary to popular belief, it takes a lot of garlic for it to become overpowering, therefore, don't be shy!

5. Rosemary

A fragrant herb that provides an earthy twist to your meats, rosemary not only makes your food smell more aromatic, but it also makes it taste way better. Rosemary is best used as a rub for meats such as steak, pork chops, and whole chicken. 

Even giving it a little sniff has shown to calm the nerves and reduce stress, thanks to a compound called 1,8-cineole. Lastly, rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants, helping protect our body from oxidative damage and inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.