The benefits of spices are numerous and are very powerful. However, people don’t often consume spices and herbs in significant amounts. Yet, even small doses can be powerful providers. They provide minerals, vitamins, cancer-fighting constituents, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, and nutrients. In this post, we are going to uncover the benefits of six healthy spices and how you can add them to your diet.
Our top pick list of Healthy Spices.
Do you want to step up your healthy living game with different aromatic seasonings? Congratulations, because you’ve come to the perfect place. Below is our top pick of healthy spices with the most benefits.
1. Turmeric.
Turmeric has become a big topic in the health setting, and for good reasons. It is famous for being added to tasty curries. However, its uses have become more flexible. It’s simple to add to your diet that makes it easy to reap its benefits. You can easily put it in smoothies, rice, soups, or even tea.
Did you know this spice is an excellent inflammation fighter? It can make a big difference in people suffering from rheumatic pain. That’s because curcumin is an active constituent and yellow bioactive compound that lends its turmeric color.
2. Ginger.
Ginger is another multipurpose spice that’s simple to use. Ground ginger and fresh ginger are both advantageous. Like turmeric, it is inflammatory as well. That’s why it’s very soothing for an upset stomach. Ginger can lessen markers of inflammation.
Ginger can also offer relief against stomach ulcers and cure menstrual cramps. It can soothe diarrhea and nausea. Ginger tea is good for soothing flu symptoms too.
Raw ginger is also rich in iron, phosphorus, niacin, magnesium, manganese, copper, and potassium. When it comes to vitamins, you can get a vitamin c and vitamin b6 boost from this spice.
Spices give you great health benefits, so you should add them more to your diet. Ginger is great in soup, main dishes like stir-fry, and even in dessert. Or make a tea from it for easy absorption of the body.
3. Cinnamon.
The famous aroma of cinnamon comes from the bark of trees that belongs to the Cinnamomum family. Cinnamon is utilized in different dishes and recipes because of its spicy and sweet flavoring. It can also be used as a natural remedy for common ailments.
This spice has many benefits because it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This may help support good heart health, lower blood pressure, fight infection, soothe pain, support cognitive function, cure inflammation, and support strong bones’ development.
Cinnamon is often used in desserts for its sweet flavor and is specially used with apples, making an outstanding combination. Like apple pie, apple sauce, or rasped apple with yogurt for breakfast or a smoothie.
4. Anise.
Did you know that the anise seeds come from the Apiaceae plant family? It provides a licorice taste with a sweet smell. This appealing fragrance is attributed to the chemical compound anethole.
This spice adds beneficial minerals and vitamins to your diet. Such include vitamins A, B, C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and copper. Those nutrients also offer, digestive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. Anisa can also enhance your immune system and skin by supporting proper circulation.
Anise is very versatile, you can use it in savory dishes like soups or stews but also in sweet recipes like cookies or a warm spiced Chai tea.
5. Black Pepper.
Black Pepper is one of the most frequent spices used all over the world. It has an active compound, called piperine which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This spice may even have the most benefits of all spices.
Black pepper may improve blood sugar control and lower cholesterol levels. And Black Pepper may have cancer-fighting properties and may even benefit your brain functions.
The recipes to use black pepper are endless but mostly savory dishes. It gives an extra kick to your diet.
6. Moringa.
Different parts of the moringa tree are eatable. Its leaves provide a slightly bitter taste with a spicy taste in the background. The taste of the leaves does have unique qualities. However, it’s delicate so that you can add them to different dishes. It is great to use this spice in smoothies or smoothie bowl for breakfast or an easy lunch. But you can add it to cupcakes, pancakes, or guacamole.
Moringa is rich in various nutrients that include vitamins A, B, C, iron, calcium, and potassium. It also has antioxidant properties and a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Add these spices to your food so you can reap the benefits. The easiest way to do so is in a smoothie. Find some Smoothie recipes below with beneficial spices! Enjoy!
Turmeric Smoothie with Banana, Honey, and Almond milk.
Ginger Mango Smoothie with pineapple juice and Almond Milk.
Banana Smoothie with Cinnamon and pear.
Persimmon Smoothie with Anise for a sweet sensation.
Green Smoothie Recipe with Moringa, for your gut health.
Sambal Tomat.
Do you like to try healthier food options? Why not have a look at this article from familydoctor.org: Nutrition: How to Make Healthier Food Choices
