Keeping a body balanced and well nourished is a full-time job. Along with eating all your daily servings of fruits and vegetables, just a pinch of these 7 pantry-approved spices can help you reach your full potential!
- Cinnamon: Sweet and aromatic Cinnamon contains the highest levels of antioxidants to help your body fight off any infections or diseases, and is a very good source of Vitamin A. Just add a pinch of cinnamon to your morning yogurt, or blend it in with your green smoothie to get that extra burst of energy.
Photo cred: Macabido.com
- Ginger: Adding Ginger to your daily diet can have long-lasting health benefits. It can instantly soothe any stomach discomfort, and ease the effects of motion sickness and nausea. For long-term benefits, adding ginger to tea or meals can help reduce the risks for high blood pressure and help prevent liver disorders.
Photo cred: Savoryspicesshop.com
- Dried Red Pepper : By simply adding 2 tablespoons of dried red pepper to a colorful veggie stir fry will not only turn up the heat flavor wise, but also help you consume 6% of your daily requirements for Vitamin C and more than 10% of Vitamin A, which in turn will help your body fight off infections and bacteria.
- Cumin: Though it is a tiny seed, Cumin definitely packs a flavorful punch! A key ingredient in many curries of the world, Cumin is also an excellent source of Iron, and when added to gargles can be used to treat laryngitis.
- Star Anise: Famous for it’s star shape and licorice-like flavor, star anise seeds have long been added to teas as a popular digestive aid and even used as a natural breath freshener. Meanwhile star anise oil, a staple in most kitchens as a finishing touch to add to soups and poultry dishes, can also aid with rheumatism and lower back pain.
- Turmeric: Coupled with a few florets of cauliflower, drizzled with olive oil and Turmeric, the sneaky super hero spice, can help reduce the growth of prostate cancer, improve liver functions and reduce cholesterol. Even more reason to add a tablespoon of this spice to your egg salad!
- Rosemary: This spice needs no introduction, and Rosemary leaves, whether fresh or dried, are a great source of potassium (to help control blood pressure), Vitamin A, Vitamin C and also a good source for Iron.
