Eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland. Adding herbs and spices to your meals is the easiest and healthiest way to change things up and give your taste buds a boost. That’s right, say goodbye to your plain and boring chicken breast!
Not only do they pack a ton of flavour, herbs and spices provide a number of health benefits. For example, they can help fight inflammation, lower blood sugar and help aid weight loss.
Cumin
Cumin is often used in different dishes from around the world, including South Asia and Latin America. It’s known to aid weight loss by helping to decrease body fat. In addition to weight loss, cumin helps with indigestion. It’s known to increase the activity of digestive enzymes, which potentially speeds up the digestion process. Cumin also tastes delicious and helps you release bile from your liver!
Cinnamon
Sweet, aromatic cinnamon is one of the more popular spices. But did you know that in addition to smelling and tasting great, it’s an antioxidant and acts against inflammation? It’s also known to lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease and has a number of other health benefits. It’s the perfect spice for baking (hello pumpkin treats!), but you can also incorporate it into your daily routine by sprinkling it on your oatmeal, yogurt, coffee, cottage cheese or fruit. You can even try adding it to savoury dishes like stews or curries.
Rosemary
Rosemary has been used for years for its medicinal benefits, specifically treating digestive issues. Rich in carnosic acid (a substance that keeps weight off by inhibiting the formation of fat cells), rosemary is known to ward off hunger, which can ultimately lead to weight loss.
Ginger
Ginger is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. This root spice can be added to beverages, both hot and cold and pairs well in a variety of sweet or savoury dishes. It’s been used for decades to treat nausea (so that’s why your mom gave you flat ginger ale when you had the flu!) and now is known to help aid weight loss. It’s an appetite suppressant, which will help you feel fuller, longer. Ginger is also known to create thermogenesis, which helps the body burn more calories.
Turmeric
Turmeric seems to be all the rage lately! The reality is that for thousands of years it’s been used to treat a variety of conditions such as arthritis, some cancers, infections and digestive problems. In addition to this, it contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Try adding this bold spice to your seafood and vegetable dishes.