It’s not news to most of us that a healthy diet and exercise can pave the way to a longer and fuller life. You know you should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Thirty minutes of daily exercise is a priority on your to-do list or maybe on your New Year’s resolution list. So what if you could do something great for your health that takes no more than a pinch of time? Would you be interested?
Each day more and more research shows the extraordinary benefits of including certain herbs and spices as part of your healthy diet. They are rich in antioxidants, add flavor without the extra sodium and may even help you maintain your weight. Here are just some of the herbs and spices found to have big benefits according to McCormick & Company and The Mayo Clinic:
Cinnamon: This spice is packed with antioxidants and helps regulate blood sugar. Add it to oatmeal, sprinkle it on fruit or whip up a sweet and savory chicken dish. And don’t forget to sprinkle it on your low-fat latte.
Oregano: Another powerhouse of antioxidants, this herb has also been found to inhibit bacterial growth. Toss fresh oregano in your salads, include a generous dose in your pasta sauces, and sprinkle atop steamed or grilled vegetables.
Ginger: This warming spice does more than just up your antioxidant intake; it also does wonders for an upset stomach. Add it to a soothing tea, cool salads and Asian-inspired dishes.
Turmeric: This exotic spice may reduce inflammation, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and potentially protect against Alzheimer’s disease. With so many key benefits, why not add it to everything?
Crushed Red Pepper: If you’re looking to manage your weight, this might be the spice for you. This spicy addition helps to increase your feeling of fullness, prompting you to eat fewer calories. Incorporate it into a variety of savory dishes to keep the holiday weight at bay.
Looking for more ideas on how to incorporate these herbs and spices into your daily dishes? Search McCormick’s recipe database for ideas or stop by your favorite restaurants to see how they incorporate them into your favorite dishes.
Click Here for the recipe database
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I use very little salt in our food. Sodium intake is often ignored. The way to counteract "flavor" is to use dried (and fresh) herbs. I hear all kinds of new research attached to the health benefits of some of the spices we use in our cooking. Enjoy and I hope this is informative!
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