Spring is in the air, and with longer, warmer days, everyone is feeling more inspired to get out and exercise and to eat healthier. Healthy living means different things to different people, but it’s often the small improvements that add up to significant changes.
So, with that in mind, here are some health benefits that you can enjoy simply by adding a few extra ingredients to your everyday meals. They’re convenient (and probably already sitting in your spice rack), extremely low in calories, and they’re even vegan.
Oregano
Oregano is a staple in most Mediterranean countries, and when you add the long list of health benefits to the unique flavor-filled taste of this herb, it is easy to see why. Oregano is versatile and can be added to salads, pizzas, pasta sauces and more.
Oregano is high in vitamin K and antioxidants, it also has antiviral, anticancer and antimicrobial properties.
Rosemary
The beloved accompaniment to oven dishes, stews and soups, you’ll find rosemary in most homes.
Like oregano, rosemary is also high in antioxidants and has been linked to healthy digestion and improved cholesterol levels. It may also boost brain function and prevent cell damage.
Turmeric
This spice has been grabbing headlines recently but not because of its distinctive bright color. Turmeric can be added to many different types of curries and soups, and perfectly complements other spices such as cumin and cinnamon.
Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and is used widely as a natural support for people with cancer, for wounds, and to relieve coughs and congestion.
Curcumin, in particular, is the compound found in turmeric that everyone is talking about. It offers a host of anti-inflammatory applications, including pain relief and the prevention of chronic diseases including Alzheimer’s, diabetes and heart disease.
Ginger
The sweet, spicy taste of ginger adds a unique twist to any meal. It’s a popular addition to smoothies, fresh juices and herbal teas and goes well with Asian stir-fries and Thai-style curries.
As with curcumin, the health-giving benefits of ginger are hard to overstate. Worldwide, it’s used as a natural relief for digestive issues and nausea, and because it’s a natural anti-inflammatory, it can also help relieve aches and pains.
With this list, you hopefully have some inspiration to spice up your next meal so you can start benefiting from the myriad of health benefits that these herbs and spices offer!
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