5 Spices That Keep You Healthy

When you're trying to eat healthy, adding things like salt, sauces and condiments to your food might be frowned upon. But plain grilled chicken can get boring rather quickly. Spices are a great way to add tasty benefits to your already healthy meal. Adding spices to food gives it life and for many cultures they are the distinctive taste of a countries trademark cuisine. They are filled with antioxidants and can be used in a variety of ways. Don't worry, there’s no need to go to an exotic country for these wonderful ingredients — some of the best spices can be found at your nearest supermarket.

“There are more than 100 common spices used in cooking around the world. Spices are concentrated sources of antioxidants,” says Diane Vizthum, M.S., R.D., research nutritionist for the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “But some have been more studied for their therapeutic properties than others.”

Cinnamon

Ah yes, the taste that reminds me of Fall. Not only is cinnamon delicious when added to pies, hot chocolate and cookies but you can also add it to your daily meals. This sweet spice can be used in anything from oatmeal to chili. Cinnamon may also provide heart-healthy benefits, such as reducing high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. I personally like to use it when baking or in a tea as a substitute for sugar. You better believe I add it to my chili too!

Turmeric

This trendy super food is mainly known for its uses in traditional Indian curry dishes. Its health benefits include reducing inflammation and pain. A Johns Hopkins study found that a combination of curcumin and a chemotherapy drug was more effective at shrinking drug-resistant tumors than using chemotherapy alone. Wondering what you can add it to? Pretty much anything! I add it to chicken, ground turkey and sometimes just a hint to salmon. I also recommend sprinkling on vegetables for a nice kick. Of course, if you're a fan of spice, you can make a delicious curry and soak up all of this super spices' goodness.

Garlic

I don't know about you, but I cannot cook anything without garlic. Since I was very young my mother taught me that garlic is the key to tasty food and that advice has never steered me wrong. Whether it's meat, vegetables, pasta, legumes or fish, garlic is magic. But its flavor is not the only reason I can't live without it. Eating garlic may protect your heart from changes that lead to heart disease. Let me explain, As you age, your arteries start to harden. This process is completely normal and is called atherosclerosis and occurs as fatty deposits made up of cholesterol and other substances build up on the inside of your artery walls which causes them to narrow. This can cause heart attacks and strokes. Use this important spice in any dish for flavor and heart health.

Ginger

Asian cultures have used ginger for thousands of years to aid digestion and treat stomach issues. It's strong spicy flavor is best in moderation if you're not use to it but it can add a nice zing to chicken and soups. I like to make ginger tea and have it before bed or after a heavy meal. You can purchase the whole root or in powder form.

So, reach for your spice cabinet more often for amazing natural flavors filled with long lasting health benefits.