Now that you are on board with a whole foods diet, let’s incorporate some spices to your grocery basket! Maybe you avoid the spice aisle because it seems overwhelming, but here are three spices that pack a punch to any dish – and supply healthy benefits to any kitchen.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in India and China because of its healthy benefits. Turmeric is a medicinal spice that contains Curcumin, a pharmacological agent that has powerful antioxidant benefits, proven to be helpful in treating arthritis, heartburn, stomach pain, intestinal gas and bloating, headaches, colds, and menstrual problems. Its properties have been proven to be as effective as hydrocortisone and Motrin for treating inflammation.
Turmeric can be a well tolerated alternative in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes, but is not limited to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Curcumin has also been touted as having cancer preventative properties. The antioxidant properties protect against the free radicals that can damage cells.
Last but not least, turmeric can improve liver function and contribute to lowering cholesterol levels.
It can be added any sauce, or I like to grate fresh turmeric and add it to my smoothies in the morning – to start the day with a quick jolt of that caffeine feeling, but without the caffeine!
http://simplegreensmoothies.com/green-smoothie-recipes/tropical-turmeric-cleanser
It can be found in the grocery aisle of any health food store.
Ginger
Ginger has a long history of of alleviating symptoms associated with gastrointestinal distress. Studies indicate that it can be helpful in alleviating inflammation in the colon, ease nausea caused by chemotherapy, as well as contribute to alleviating asthmatic symptoms. Research has shown that it can also treat migraines and painful menstrual cramps.
I stock up on ginger all year, but when I feel a cold brewing and am looking for a natural alternative to over the counter medicines, I will brew grated ginger in my tea. Its antimicrobial properties serve as a good defense against a compromised immune system.
Another option is to add ginger to any green juice recipe to keep your immune system in check.
http://www.popsugar.com/food/Ginger-Tea-Recipe-26872795
It can be found in the grocery aisle of any health food store.
Garlic
Garlic is part of the Allium family that includes leeks and onions. While garlic has a pungent odor as a result of its sulfur content, it has many health promoting properties, including strengthening the immune system, regulating blood sugar levels, and treating fever, cough, and stomach pains. Studies reveal that it can contribute to lowering triglyceride levels and total cholesterol by about 5-15%, but more importantly, it contributes to overall inflammatory protection.
Garlic is a powerhouse for vitamin B6, which supplies a boost of energy for a tired and worn down immune system. Rich in vitamin C (which is our bodies primary antioxidant defender), garlic can be helpful in lowering LDL cholesterol levels as well.
It can be found in the grocery aisle of any health food store.
