American households spend around $7,923 a year on food, whether it’s at home or dining out.
It’s clear we’re fanatic about our meals, and an easy way to elevate them is with healthy spices. Perhaps you want to live a healthy lifestyle and improve your cooking game, but you’re not sure which spices are the best for you.
Sounds familiar? Luckily, we’re here to help. Here are the top healthy spices and how to use them.
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Cinnamon
One of the best spices with health benefits is cinnamon. It’s a fantastic alternative for sweeteners and those with high blood pressure use this instead.
Further, cinnamon boosts heart health as it reduces high cholesterol, a lifesaver for those with diabetes. Note, add around 1/2 a teaspoon to your breakfast smoothie or sprinkled over oats to reap the benefits.
Vanilla
If you’re a die-hard fan of vanilla flavor, you’ll be excited to learn that it’s healthy for you. Know that simply smelling this spice offers calming effects and aids with sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
It is also a great way to reduce your sugar intake, while not sacrificing its sweet taste. Further, the alcohol in vanilla extract is often used to alleviate tooth pain and reduce antioxidants.
You can add a dash of vanilla to Greek yogurt, baked goods, and even pasta sauces. Won over? Then grab Slofoodgroup’s vanilla beans today.
Cumin
Cumin is one of the main healing spices in Mexican and Indian cuisine.
Aside from its delicious fragrance, cumin releases digestive enzymes and bile which helps digest fats. Further, cumin is packed with iron which supports children’s growth and prevents anemia caused by iron deficiency.
Cumin is also the go-to spice if you’re on a weight loss journey. And this popular seasoning has antimicrobial properties, protecting you from food-borne infections.
A popular way to enjoy cumin is by marinating chicken in a cumin rub before roasting it. You can also sprinkle it into your curries or whip up a delicious chili con carne.
Turmeric
Turmeric is synonymous with the subcontinent and has become part of the superfood trend.
This is because turmeric contains curcumin, an effective property that reduces inflammation in the brain. Not only does this offset Alzheimer’s but it alleviates depression too. Curcumin also reduces pain and swelling in joints, making it useful for arthritis patients.
Many great recipes use turmeric but start by slathering it over your veggies or meat before roasting. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash to your morning latte.
Ginger
Since ancient times, ginger has been used to alleviate nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Aside from tea or powder form, you can enjoy ginger gummies, lollipops, and even capsules for a quick fix.
Further, this healthy spice reduces your post-workout soreness. So add 1/2 a teaspoon of ginger into a curry or sprinkle it over your pancake batter.
Cayenne Pepper
Many people add cayenne pepper to their meals as it contains a useful substance called capsaicin. Not only does this make these peppers spicy, but also offers pain relief.
This is because capsaicin reduces the number of pain signals sent to your brain so you don’t experience discomfort. Or, if you don’t want to eat it, rub creams that contain capsaicin onto any painful joints or muscles.
You can enjoy cayenne pepper in many ways, whether it’s in a stew or on your favorite meat dish. And why not add a dash to your hot chocolate?
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is one of the best heart-healthy spices, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also packed with antioxidants which protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Further, nutmeg has antibacterial properties and can prevent the growth of E.coli bacteria. Many people also use nutmeg to improve their oral health and prevent gum disease.
To reap this spice’s benefits, sprinkle it over your potato dishes or into smoothies.
Black Pepper
Most of us use black pepper daily, whether it’s sprinkled over pasta or meat dishes. But we’ve likely overlooked its health benefits. For example, black pepper is high in antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Further, black pepper contained piperine which improves brain function and prevents degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. Black pepper also improves blood-sugar metabolism and lowers cholesterol levels.
Paprika
Paprika is famous for its antioxidant properties and potent taste. It also helps your digestive system break down food and, like cayenne pepper, paprika contains capsicum.
Further, paprika is packed with iron which carries oxygen around your body. Because of this, you feel more energized and reduce the risk of suffering from an iron deficiency. And paprika contains a large amount of fiber which helps move food through your system while promoting a healthy gut biome.
If you want to reap paprika’s benefits, sprinkle a teaspoon into your fajita mix or your soup for a smokey note.
Clove
Clove is another super spice you should consider. It contains eugenol which has anti-cancer properties and improves liver health.
Plus, clove also prevents the growth of bacteria and regulates blood sugar. If you’re interested, brew clove tea or add powdered clove to your favorite curry dish.
The Top Healthy Spices
Hopefully, you’ll now sprinkle these healthy spices in your favorite dishes.
Try adding cayenne pepper, clove, and cumin to reap their benefits. You should also taste popular spices like cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg to improve your mental and physical well-being. Happy cooking!
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