Incorporating more spices into your cooking will open up a whole new range of flavors, provide numerous health benefits, and allow you to use less fat and calories without sacrificing taste!
Here are some delicious spices to consider next time you're in the kitchen:
1. Cinnamon - Just a 1/2 teaspoon of this super-spice helps to lower blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Also, it has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, and the smell of cinnamon has been shown to boost cognitive function and memory! My personal favorite is to sprinkle ground cinnamon on my morning cereal.
2. Nutmeg - This spice contains antibacterial compounds that can help to ward off E. coli and salmonella. Nutmeg is a versatile spice and can be added to either sweet or savory dishes. Add a dash to a skim milk cappuccino for a little something extra or try it with sweet potatoes or spinach dishes.
3. Ginger - Its soothing effect does wonders to curb nausea, relieve heartburn, and prevent bloating. Try grating some into a cold glass of ice water for a refreshing beverage or add some to Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries.
4. Curry - In actuality, curry is not a spice - it is a mixture of several spices that promote health and wellness. Curry is said to aid with digestion, have anti-inflammatory properties, contain antioxidants, as well as help prevent type 2 diabetes. Try adding curry to chicken dishes, soups, or stews - it's delicious!
5. Dried Red Pepper - The capsaicin (better known as the "heat" in chilies) is said to lower your risk of colon and skin cancers and also helps people to consume fewer calories. Add red pepper to pasta dishes or vegetables to give them a kick!
You probably have many of these on your spice rack already! Why not pull some out next time you're cooking and experiment a bit. I guarantee you'll enjoy them.
Happy Spicing!
