If you cook as much as I do, chances are you use these top 5 spices in a lot of your dishes. But did you know that these 5 spices have insane health benefits? Just warning you...after reading this, you'll never want to stop using turmeric.

1. Cinnamon

tea, cinnamon
Kristina Rossi

Cinnamon is known to be one of the world's oldest spice and has been used for centuries. It helps to reduce inflammation, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Studies show that chewing or even smelling the spice improves attention and memory. And if that's the case, I may just need to bathe in cinnamon every day. 

Don't know what to do with cinnamon? Try steeping a few cinnamon sticks in hot water for the perfect cup of tea, sprinkling ground cinnamon onto your favorite fruit and yogurt bowl, or on top of oatmeal. 

2. Turmeric

curry, herb, turmeric, cinnamon, condiment, chili, coffee, pepper, cilantro
Shreya Sahni

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that improves digestion, enhances the immune system, and reduces the risk of heart attacks. Recent studies show that turmeric has the power to even prevent Alzheimer Disease. That sounds like a pretty good reason to make it on the Top 5 Spice list don't you think?

Don't know what to do with turmeric? Try rubbing it on potatoes and beef for the ultimate meat and potato dinner or go Indian style and whip up a curry. Click here for 10 awesome recipes that include turmeric.

3. Ginger

ginger, vegetable, galangal, herb
Tyra Wu

Ginger has an inflammation fighting substance called gingerol which helps reduce pain and improve function in people who have arthritis. It also reduces nausea and prevents symptoms of motion sickness. So next time you go driving or sailing, take some ginger roots with you.

Curious how to consume ginger? Steep in hot water for stomach calming benefits or try this yummy coconut and ginger soup. 

4. Coriander

parsley, vegetable, herb, cilantro, coriander
Santina Renzi

Next on the top 5 spice list: coriander. Also known as cilantro, coriander is another good source of antioxidants and is full of iron, magnesium, and manganese. A study done by the Journal of Medicinal Food has proven that coriander can prevent skin damage caused by Ultra Violet (UV) B radiation. 

Want to use coriander in your next meal? Click here for 5 unique ways to use the herb. 

5.  Garlic 

garlic, vegetable, condiment, herb, relish, onion
Kristine Mahan

Garlic not only makes the vampires stay away, but it is proven to protect your heart from heart disease and reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. It is highly nutritious, low in calories, and can be used in just about anything.

My suggestion for adding garlic into your meals? Try making a spice rub, adding it in dressings, or blending it with soups.

Well, there you have it folks. The top 5 spices to enhance health and some tips on how to use them. Next time you're in the kitchen, don't forget to add these glorious spices into your dish. Your body will thank you.