(WellnessPursuits.com) – There is a whole world of flavors beyond salt and pepper. For those who aren’t used to reaching for other spices and herbs, getting in the habit of adding them to the dish takes some intentional effort.
Finding new recipes and experimenting with new tastes is worth it. Beyond making food more flavorful, there are health benefits unique to certain herbs. Why not get started with these five options?
1. Cinnamon
This well-loved spice adds a delicious kick to foods and is known for containing antioxidants. Eating cinnamon regularly can help your body fight back against the free radicals that cause cell damage, according to Healthline. It can also help regulate blood sugar, reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol and lower blood pressure.
Want to eat more of this powerful food? It’s fabulous sprinkled on coffee, hot cocoa and oatmeal. It is most commonly used in curries and other Indian dishes.
2. Turmeric
It is truly amazing what this single spice can do for the body. A 2018 study published in Neurotoxicity Research observed improvements in the symptoms of major depressive disorders when curcumin, a property of turmeric, was used alongside conventional treatment. It has also been found to decrease inflammation in the body and may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, according to Healthline.
Turmeric is best absorbed with fats. Try adding it as an ingredient in bulletproof coffee, which contains coconut oil or grass-fed butter.
3. Cumin
If cumin isn’t a part of Taco Tuesday, you’re missing out! It’s a little spicy, a little nutty and tastes delicious alongside other spices used in TexMex cooking, like chili powder or paprika.
One of the main health benefits is improving digestion. It is also high in iron, which is great for individuals looking for meatless sources of this essential nutrient. Cumin is even thought to aid in weight loss.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a root and has a peppery kick to it. It tastes good with both savory and sweet foods. It provides natural relief from nausea. Additionally, this spice may help improve blood sugar for individuals at risk for diabetes.
Want more ginger in your life? Add it to tea or use it in stir-fries loaded with vegetables and brown rice.
5. Garlic
Perhaps one of the more widely used spices in American cooking, garlic does more than make food taste great and give consumers bad breath. Garlic can be used to promote heart health, according to John Hopkins. Specifically, it improves the flexibility of blood vessels, which can lower the risk of build-up in arterial walls.
Garlic can be used to punch up just about any veggie. Try adding it to sauteed mushrooms or steamed green beans for a little extra flavor.
If you’re stuck in a rut of cooking the same old things week after week, try your hand at new recipes once a week. Saturday nights or Sunday afternoons make great “new food” nights, giving you the chance to experiment in the kitchen and add more healthy spices to your life.
~ Here’s to Your Healthy Pursuits!
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