Everyone is aware that proper weight control is important to stay healthy, though it can sometimes overshadow the importance of specific details, major components (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) can make us forget about the small things that can make a significant difference. Not only do herbs and spices help to improve the taste of your dishes, but they also carry nutritional values such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost your health.
Tiny Titans, Big Benefits
When it comes to the health benefits, these culinary companions are potent. Let’s explore some of the powerhouses you might already have in your pantry
- Turmeric: This golden spice contains curcumin, a compound that has been found to combat pain and help maintain joint health.
- Ginger: Generally used to soothe upset stomachs, ginger also has anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Garlic: This pungent powerhouse is a natural antibiotic and can help strengthen the immune system to fight against diseases.
- Cinnamon: Not only for sweets, cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar and has been found to reduce heart disease.
- Cayenne Pepper: Add some spice to your life (and maybe your waistline!) Capsaicin present in cayenne pepper can help to raise the level of thermogenesis and be useful in weight loss.
Creative Uses for Herbs and Spices
Enjoying your foods with herbs and spices is an easy way to go for it, but that is not all! Here are some creative ways to incorporate them into your day
- Make infused water: Put a few slices of cucumber, lemon and mint leaves in your pitcher of water to give the water a pleasant taste. This is a good tactic to drink more water, which is crucial for well-being, and even helps to lose weight.
- Spice up your tea: Some of these include dried ginger or cinnamon sticks which will enhance the warmth of any preferred tea. Some of these spices can also be used to reduce the feeling of a sore throat or to relieve digestion problems.
- Herb butter: Prepare a special flavored butter using fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme or parsley. Ideal for barbecued meats or roasted vegetables. Herb butter is perfect when you want to enrich the taste of your meal and can be healthier than normal butter.
- DIY spice rubs: Create your own blends of spices for creating marinades for chicken, fish, or tofu. It is actually entertaining to try new tastes and make your dishes unique and special at the same time. Spice rubs are also another healthier option than commercial marinades because they often contain less sodium.
Exploring the Possibility of Herbs and Spices
Remember, variety is key! Do not limit yourself to a few types of herbs and spices as it is always worth trying new combinations and receiving the maximum of health benefits. Here are some additional tips to get the most out of your herbs and spices
- Buy whole whenever possible: Whole spices are preferred over ground ones because they do not lose their flavor and potency as quickly. Grind them yourself just before using them for the most intensity of their taste.
- Store them properly: Factors such as heat, light, and moisture can affect the quality of your herbs and spices. Store them in a sealed container in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight.
- Think beyond savory: Some of the herbs suitable for sweet foods include the mint, the basil and even the rosemary because they are sweet herbs. Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started: brighten up a fruit bowl with fresh mint, sprinkle some rosemary to peach for roasting or mix basil with fresh strawberries to make a juice.
From Functional to Flavorful
Spices and herbs are flavorful additions and can be procured at a relatively low cost as compared to other foods. With them, a simple dish can be turned into a gourmet delight not to mention the fact that your body will be healthier. Thus, it is best to put away the saltshaker and turn to your jars of spices instead! If you changed your view on food even a little, you would discover a whole new exciting dimension of tastes and positive impacts on your well-being. With those tiny titans added to your diet, you and your cooking skills will level up to the next stage.
Bonus! Fun Facts About Spices
- Are you aware of the fact that the exploration was carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries primarily due to the spice trade? Cloves, nutmeg, pepper etc were so precious that they were called “Black Gold”.
- Saffron is defined as the most costly spice in the whole world based on weight. This is obtained from the saffron crocus flower and it takes around 15000 flowers to produce a mere 1/2 a pound of saffron.
- There is evidence of the use of spices for medicinal purposes and therapeutic benefits. Surprisingly, most of the spices that are in use today possess attributes that can aid in digestion, enhance the immune system, and even alleviate pain.
Therefore, each time you use a spice, you are not only making your food tasty, but also serving yourself a plate full of nutrients that are good for the body. If you dig a little and think creatively, you will realize that herbs and spices are not just limited ingredients; they are true wonders when it comes to cooking!
