Spices not only add flavor and aroma to your favorite dishes but also offer a myriad of health benefits. Packed with bioactive compounds, these culinary superheroes have been celebrated for centuries for their medicinal properties.
Allow me to introduce the spices you should be using every day and why!
Turmeric– This vibrant colorful spice originates from South Asia, turmeric is also known for its bitter ginger-like bite. You have probably tasted it in curries, golden milk, teas or tofu scramble. The active anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric is called curcumin! The health benefits include alleviating joint pain, but also improving digestion, and heart health. Add it to your meals and smoothies too or take it as a supplement to increase you daily dose.
Ginger- This amazing spice is known for its distinctive spicy flavor, ginger has long been celebrated for its amazing digestive properties (reduce bloating, help with nausea) but ginger can also be used as an anti-inflammatory which may help with pain. Incorporate freshly grated ginger into stir-fries, curries, herbal teas, or add it to your homemade salad dressings for a flavorful kick and a digestive boost.
Cinnamon- This delightful spice (because of its comforting aroma and sweet taste) that I love to add to my morning oatmeal, sprinkle it on top of roasted sweet potatoes, or add it to just about every dish (let’s be honest) is a miracle spice used to regulate blood sugar by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance. How amazing is that? By stabilizing blood sugar levels, cinnamon may help prevent energy crashes, control cravings, and support weight management efforts.
Chili Peppers- These make a spicy addition to just about any savory dish (My favourite is anything Mexican). The active compound in chili peppers, capsaicin (which is what gives it that zingy feel on your tongue), has thermogenic properties- what does that mean? It increases metabolism and calorie burning!! Capsaicin may also help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management- BRING. IT. ON 😉 It is also known to alleviate join-pain.
Garlic- Although its distinct aroma and taste can linger for hours it offers impressive immune-boosting properties. It contains a compound called allicin, known for its antimicrobial and antiviral effects. Garlic is a super immune booster! In addition, it supports cardiovascular health helping regulate cholesterol levels.
Black cumin- This pungent spice is also known as Nigella sativa and is the powerhouse of spices when it comes to weight loss benefits. It may act as a metabolism booster, helping to increase calorie burning, it may help to suppress your appetite including cravings and supports a healthy gut. All it takes is ¼ tsp to a ½ a tsp a day! Add it to salads, grains, lentils and stews.
JOINT PAIN
Turmeric, Ginger, Chilli peppers
DIGESTION & WEIGHT- LOSS
Ginger, cinnamon and BLACK CUMIN
IMMUNE BOOSTER
GARLIC
SPICES HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS (All of the above PLUS…)
Marjoram – Comes from the oregano family and can be added to sauces
Mint- Add it to teas, tabouleh, smoothies
CLOVES: You can add it to chai tea and desserts, a pinch is all you need!
Spices can provide so many health benefits and a little goes a long way, incorporating the above spices into your whole food diet can have a transformative impact on your well-being. So, the next time you journey into the kitchen, spice it up- your body will thank you!