Spice Up Your Health!

By Dr. Kathleen Reagan, ND

The holidays are approaching, and it’s time to think about how to manage the festive excess. While restricting certain foods may be tough, it’s easier to spice up your health by adding beneficial spices to your daily routine. Spices like turmeric, garlic, and cayenne pepper not only improve the flavor of meals but also bring powerful health benefits. Many spices have a long history of medicinal use, offering anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, and even potential protection against conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Here Are Some Spices You Can Add to Bring a Bit of Health to Your Holiday:

• Calm the Nerves with Basil
  • Traditional cultures in India and the Middle East have used basil to detoxify from cannabis overuse.
  • Beyond detox, basil stimulates and relaxes the nerves, making it a great holiday dish accompaniment.
  • Add basil to pesto, mix with tomato sauce, top a pizza, or add to a Caprese skewer for a delicious flavor boost.
  • Basil’s medicinal properties are perfect for the holiday season as it helps promote relaxation and digestive health.

• Manage Cravings with Cinnamon
  • Cinnamon helps manage blood sugar swings caused by high sugar or carbohydrate meals or insulin resistance.
  • It has potent antibacterial and antiviral benefits and can also help prevent the common cold.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon into stuffing, soup, mashed sweet potatoes, carrots, desserts, or cocktails to enhance both savory and sweet dishes.
  • Cinnamon is a great addition to your diet, supporting both health and flavor.

• Reduce Cholesterol with Cumin
  • Cumin, commonly used in Indian spice blends, helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides while promoting digestion.
  • Research shows cumin can assist with weight loss and can be easily added to foods like yogurt, potatoes, and rice.
  • This spice’s aromatic flavor adds a healthy touch to your kitchen, aiding in cholesterol management while supporting overall heart health.

• Boost Immunity with Ginger
  • Ginger is well known for its ability to fight cold and flu symptoms, clear sinus and lung congestion, and settle nausea.
  • This powerful herb is often used in traditional herbal medicine for its digestive benefits.
  • Add fresh or dried ginger to soups, stews, or stir-fries, or make ginger tea to soothe your stomach and boost your immune system.
  • Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a must-have in any diet to support overall health.

• Remember More with Rosemary
  • Rosemary is known for enhancing memory and stimulating circulation to the brain, which can help you stay sharp.
  • It also aids in burning blood sugars and fats, supporting metabolism.
  • Rosemary can be used in culinary dishes like baked goods, meat seasoning, or as a tea, and it can even be soaked in a bath for its aromatic benefits.

• Control Reflux with Slippery Elm
  • Slippery Elm is a medicinal herb that helps heal gut irritation and control reflux caused by the overconsumption of rich foods and alcohol.
  • It’s great for soothing digestive discomfort and improving gut health, making it perfect for the holiday season indulgence.
  • Add 2 teaspoons to your morning porridge or an afternoon smoothie.
  • It’s important to take slippery elm away from medications to avoid interactions.

• Add Turmeric for Powerful Anti-inflammatory Benefits
  • Turmeric, containing the compound curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory spice that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
  • It has been used for thousands of years in traditional herbal medicine for its therapeutic properties.
  • Add turmeric to your diet through curries, soups, or smoothies to enjoy its health benefits and promote joint and muscle health.

Encouraging Holistic Care:

For those looking to improve their diet with powerful herbs and spices, naturopathic care can help guide you in using these remedies effectively. If you’re interested in learning more about how naturopathic medicine can support your health, contact a naturopathic doctor today. Adding the healing properties of spices like turmeric and ginger to your meals is just one way to promote wellness in your daily life.

Ready to spice up your health? Contact us today to learn how adding spices that spice up your health can transform your well-being!