Spice Up Your Life!

Are you ready to spice up your life? If yes, include more root, bark, and plant derivatives in your diet!

Spices add excitement to any meal and are dense sources of nutrients that promote optimal health and prevent disease. In fact, many spices contain higher concentrations of disease fighting antioxidants that fruits and vegetables. They also provide an inexpensive way to enhance flavor without relying on added fat, cholesterol, calories, or sodium.

Reap the health benefits by spicing up your diet with the following:

Turmeric is often referred to as “Indian Saffron” due to its golden hue and use in many traditional Indian foods, like curries and dolls.   It is a root with an earthy, slightly pepper flavor that pairs well with savory dishes.  Turmeric is packed with vitamins and minerals and contains an antioxidant compound called curcumin that is associated with many health benefits. Studies show that turmeric and curcumin support healthy aging and digestion and reduce the risk of many inflammatory and chronic diseases, like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Use turmeric to season protein (meat, poultry, fish, beans, tofu, etc.) or roasted veggies, spice up soups, make hummus a little more exciting, or even add it to smoothies.

Cinnamon is a brown spice obtained from the inner bark of Cinamomum It has been used for centuries by Eastern cultures not only for its sweet, spicy flavor, but also its medicinal benefits. Rich in nutrients, it is high in fiber, minerals, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Cinnamon promotes digestive health by preventing gut infections and, consuming as little as 1 gram of cinnamon per day, can help Type II Diabetics lower blood sugar levels. Try cinnamon as a sugar substitute in coffee, tea, and yogurt; sprinkle it over fresh fruit and in smoothies; or use it to add rich flavor to slow cooked meats and curries.

Cumin is produced by a flowering plant in the parsley family that is native to the east Mediterranean and South Asia. Cumin seeds, in both whole and ground form, have a warm, woody flavor and are common in the cuisines of many cultures. Like turmeric and cinnamon, it is known for both enhancing the flavor profile of dishes and providing health benefits. Cumin contains many beneficial nutrients, including protein, fiber, iron and other minerals, vitamins, and, of course, antioxidants. Studies show that cumin may support weight loss, improve blood lipid profiles, and stabilize blood sugar levels in diabetes. Add cumin to your diet by incorporating it in chili, curries, and beans and rice, or sprinkle it over yogurt for a savory twist!

Check out these Moxy Kitchen recipes for more ideas on how to use spices into your diet:

• Homemade and Healthy Brisket
• Quick Sugar-Free Applesauce
• Butternut Squash Curry
• Black Olive and Caper Tomato Sauce

Dr Kara

My journey to find a balanced way of living led me to a Ph.D. in Nutrition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s in Public Health at the University of California-Berkeley. My studies and experiences afford me a deep understanding of diet and lifestyle factors that contribute to optimal health. I contribute to projects in the U.S. and abroad that improve the health of individuals and families through nutritious foods. I believe the foods we eat impact our lives in so many ways, ranging from nourishing our body’s cells and tissues, to supporting emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. I am thrilled to be a part of the Moxy Kitchen team and support the development of flavorful, easy-to-use food products that add a nutrient-dense punch to daily meals.