The Sass on Spices
Spices are earth’s treasures ~ tasteful to enjoy with natural medicinal benefits
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a very versatile spice. It adds sweet flavor to foods and beverages and a powerful boost to immune system and metabolism. The compound, cinnamaldehyde, is what gives cinnamon its punch on flavor and health benefits. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant, balances blood sugar, fights infections and viruses, reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduces hormone insulin resistance.
Add a pinch or two of cinnamon to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit salads, or healthy desserts.
Ginger
Ginger has always been known to aid in nausea, muscle soreness, inflammation, and blood sugar regulation; but now new studies show gingerol, one of ginger’s oils, aiding in biological pathways towards cancer cell death and new cell cycle rejuvenation.
Start using ginger in tea, smoothies, stir fry, and stews; a little goes a long way and it takes time to build up in your system so get your ginger on and respect the power of spice.
Ground Black Pepper
This headache relieving, immune system boosting, digestive improving, cancer fighting spice offers a multitude of nutrients including vitamins A, C, & K, riboflavin, folic acid, manganese, zinc, and iron. Pepper contains piperine, a strong component known to increase the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food; and when used as an essential oil, helps ease aching muscles, digestive issues, and even arthritis. Recent studies found that piperine blocked the expression of a gene responsible for arthritis and also reduced pain perception and inflammation acting as a natural painkiller.
Enjoy fresh ground black pepper on your favorite cooked proteins and vegetables and in vegetable-based juices and smoothies to reap all the benefits it offers.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, the active ingredient that acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing allergy reactions in your sinuses, inflammation in your joints, levels of triglycerides (fats) in your bloodstream, and less cancer-causing free radicals in your cells making this a serious winner for overall health.
Add to fish, chicken, and vegetables for optimum health.