Spices are packed with natural antioxidants, that’s right, the same stuff that you would find in fruits and vegetables. Why are antioxidants good for your health? Here are a few reasons:

• boost immune system
• reduce inflammation (prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases)
• curb your appetite
• boost your metabolism

McCormick® has done an exceptional job explaining the health benefits of spices and providing consumers with an array of information (See “Spices for Health”). They have put together a list of “7 Super Spices” (cinnamon, ginger, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, thyme and yellow curry) complete with how you can use them. Here are a three of my faves:

1. Keep a shaker of Ground Cinnamon handy to sprinkle over everything from hot cocoa to smoothies, oatmeal and fruit salad.
2. Add a hint of Ground Ginger to hot or iced tea. Sweeten 1 cup tea with 3/4 teaspoon sugar mixed with 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger.
3. Wake up tast buds with Herbed Scrambled Eggs. Beat 1/8 teaspoon Thyme or Oregano Leaves into 2 eggs before scrambling.

McCormick® also encourages consumers to Take the 30 Day Challenge: 30 Ways to Power Up Your Plate complete with a Super Swaps calendar! How sweet/spicy/tangy is that?!

What do you do to add a little bit of spice in your life? What are some of your favorite spice secrets?

Follow me on Twitter @NutritionExpert for my “Why Spice?” Tweets!

Assistance provided by Monica Lobo.