Spices are very well-known for adding vibrant colors and kicks in our food. They take ordinary foods…and make themextraordinary just with one pinch, dash, shake or teaspoonful. But wait…there’s fantastic news. They’re a lot more than that…
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:
- Keep a shaker of Ground Cinnamon handy to sprinkle over everything from hot cocoa to smoothies, oatmeal and fruit salad.
- 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.
- 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.
Try cinnamon on meat and chicken (with stews, backed, roasted, etc). I use it a lot in my cooking and it’s in most Middle Eastern recipes. Pair cinnamon with all spice.
I’ve done research about turmeric and trying to include it too.
I love the smell and taste of Oregano when added in some recipes..,: