Being Indian, I have had a lot of exposure to a variety of spices growing up. Through my integrative nutrition program, we have dived further into a few specific ones that I have really started to showcase in my cooking.
For a 'cool' use of these spices, check out my spiced lemonade recipe - great as a morning detox drink during the summer!
Turmeric: widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is derived from the ginger family and has a beautiful orange-golden hue. It's flavor is subtle and earthy when used sparingly. Too much can turn your dish bitter.
Benefits:
- pain associated with arthritis and other joint issues
- rich in anti-oxidants
- boosts brain function, especially loss of memory
- alleviates symptoms of depression
Cinnamon: such a versatile spice. Not only is it good in baking, but also a great addition to savory dishes. I especially like it in Moroccan-inspired dishes like lamb tagine and in my cous cous.
Benefits:
- stabilizes blood sugar
- improves digestive health
- rich in anti-oxidants
- boosts alertness and mental clarity
- anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal
- increases immunity
Ginger: also well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and a classic home remedy for upset tummies as well as cough and congestion. In my house, a classic go-to in the winter is fresh lemon steeped in hot water with grated ginger and a little honey.
Benefits:
- eases digestive comfort
- increases immunity
- eases respiratory discomfort
- rich in anti-oxidants
- improves absorption of nutrients
Cayenne Pepper: one of the spiciest chili pepper seasonings, this is a staple in my chili recipes. Hot peppers are known to boost your metabolism and to aid in detoxification.
Benefits:
- aids metabolism
- improves digestion
- promotes healthy heart
- rich in anti-oxidants
- detoxifying
- aids in healthy teeth and gums
For a 'cool' use of these spices, check out my spiced lemonade recipe - great as a morning detox drink during the summer!
Turmeric: widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is derived from the ginger family and has a beautiful orange-golden hue. It's flavor is subtle and earthy when used sparingly. Too much can turn your dish bitter.
Benefits:
- pain associated with arthritis and other joint issues
- rich in anti-oxidants
- boosts brain function, especially loss of memory
- alleviates symptoms of depression
Cinnamon: such a versatile spice. Not only is it good in baking, but also a great addition to savory dishes. I especially like it in Moroccan-inspired dishes like lamb tagine and in my cous cous.
Benefits:
- stabilizes blood sugar
- improves digestive health
- rich in anti-oxidants
- boosts alertness and mental clarity
- anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal
- increases immunity
Ginger: also well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and a classic home remedy for upset tummies as well as cough and congestion. In my house, a classic go-to in the winter is fresh lemon steeped in hot water with grated ginger and a little honey.
Benefits:
- eases digestive comfort
- increases immunity
- eases respiratory discomfort
- rich in anti-oxidants
- improves absorption of nutrients
Cayenne Pepper: one of the spiciest chili pepper seasonings, this is a staple in my chili recipes. Hot peppers are known to boost your metabolism and to aid in detoxification.
Benefits:
- aids metabolism
- improves digestion
- promotes healthy heart
- rich in anti-oxidants
- detoxifying
- aids in healthy teeth and gums