Spices For Healthier Meals

We’ve all heard about how eating balanced and healthy meals of wholesome food can help keep one healthy.  However, apart from using organic and natural ingredients prepared in a way that doesn’t add a lot of saturated fats and sodium there’s a way to boost the nutrient content of dishes while improving the flavor of the dish–herbs and spices!

Even if these are used in relatively small amounts compared to the main ingredients, studies have shown that flavoring dishes with herbs and spices can add nutrients, particularly antioxidants.  These in turn can contribute to an overall healthy diet and help fight off diseases from diabetes to various types of cancer.

To educate those not familiar with the terms, herbs, such as basil, cilantro, parsley, rosemary and thyme are derived from different parts of plants mostly the leaves while spices are usually taken from the seeds, berries, bark, or roots of plants.  It is these spices such as aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano and turmeric that show significant levels of antioxidants known for their disease fighting properties.

Apart from antioxidant properties, spices like cinnamon and turmeric help relieve inflammations in the body.  These abnormalities can result in ailments like heart disease and cancer.  Cinnamon, a perfect accent to pumpkin and apple pie and other cakes and pastries has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes.  Some studies show that compounds found in hot chili peppers also boost fat-burning activity within the body as well as lower blood pressure.

 

So rather than using monosodium glutamate and other artificial and manmade seasoning, go for natural preferably organic herbs and spices in boosting the flavor of your savory and sweet dishes.  Without realizing it, you’re actually making the dish much more wholesome and nutritious at the same time.  Adding one or a combination of herbs and spices adds depth of flavor and reduces the need to add salt.

Studies also show that tastier foods are more filling than bland dishes so you are filled and satisfied by eating a smaller amount which promotes weight loss naturally. 

Add a touch of turmeric or yellow ginger and create new healthy food recipes; egg salad sandwich as well as Asian dishes like curry stews and rice dishes.  Oregano, thyme and rosemary all complement a variety of Italian dishes from soups to pasta and pizza.  Dried herbs and spices concentrate the beneficial compounds antioxidants and phytonutrients such that a little of it goes a long way.

As we do not add large quantities of spices into food, it is important to try incorporating a variety into every dishes.  Cinnamon can be added to breakfast cereals, oatmeal and smoothies as well as added to a variety of baked goods.  It’s worthwhile taking the time to learn what spices go with particular foods.  That is easy enough as labels usually provide recommended pairings.