Monday, February 17, 2014

8 ways to SPICE things up!

Funny little things called spices can be added to your foods and they can have some amazing benefits on your body! Use of spices will also help minimize overuse of salt while adding loads of flavor to your dishes! Here are just a few of many for you to try the next time you are in the kitchen.




Studies say.....

Cinnamon: Helps regulate blood sugar. Helps lower LDL cholesterol. Natural anti-infectant (such as assisting with  ulcers induced by H. Pylori causing bacteria in the body). Reduces inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Supplements the body with fiber, calcium, iron and manganeses.

Sprinkle on your oatmeal, add to your granola and muffins...this does not mean go out and eat a bunch of cinnamon rolls:)

Ginger: Helps relieve gastrointestinal distress. Anti-inflammatory. May be helpful with motion sickness, vomiting and dizziness.

Available as a tea, in gingersnaps and delivers great flavor when used as a powder in a  rub or in a marinade for proteins. Versatile to cook and bake with, use fresh in stirfry, soup, dressings and many Asian dishes. Candied form can be chopped up and spices up a baked good.

Cumin: Assists with digestion. Has anti-bacterial qualities for the stomach.

Great in dry rubs, chills, pork dishes and Mexican dishes.

Turmeric: Detoxifies the liver, combats allergies and acts as a natural antibiotic. Lowers inflammation causing enymes in the body.

Use in curry dishes. Add to marinades and salad dressings. Mix with honey for a cough.

Cayenne: Increases circulation.

Great added into tuna salad, marinades, soups and anything lacking zip!

Cardamom: Used to remove toxins from body. Reputed to have anti-tumor effects.

Sprinkle in coffee or tea. Flavor curry and rice dishes. Use in dry rubs for proteins.

Garlic: Used for conditions related to the heart and blood system. Used by some as prevention to cancers. Antifungal properties. The list goes on and on with this one!

Use in any savory dish. Personal favorite: sauté sliced garlic in olive oil until lightly brown and crunchy, add it and the oil to your pasta for amazing flavor!

Nutmeg: May help prevent cavities. Anti-inflammatory.

Add to coffee grounds before brewing. Great in baked goods.




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