A Healthy You: Adding Spice for a Healthier Life

Many of us are trying to include more antioxidants into our diet, and we always think of fruits and vegetables.While fresh blueberries or vegetables such as kale are high in antioxidants, what many of us do not know is that herbs and spices also are rich sources of antioxidants. Many herbs and spices can reduce chronic disease risks.Herbs and spices add not only flavor, but a huge amounts of antioxidants. Just ½ teaspoon of ground cloves provide more antioxidants that a ½ cup blueberries, and a teaspoon of oregano is equal to the amount in a whole cup of sweet potatoes.Cloves have a pungent aroma but can be added to foods such as applesauce, oatmeal, muffins and breads. Cloves go along great with cinnamon and ginger.Oregano is used for Mediterranean cooking and is the herb with the highest total antioxidant capacity. Oregano can be used in more than pizza and spaghetti; try it in salad dressings, sandwiches, eggs and vegetables.Ginger comes from a root and is useful in treating everything from the common cold to motion sickness. Ground ginger can be added to smoothies, cereal, marinades, sweet potatoes. Whole ginger can be used to make teas.Cinnamon is one of the first known spices and is from the inner bark of a tree. It is very versatile and can be sprinkled in yogurt, oatmeal or apples, and is a great spice if you want something sweet.Turmeric is noted for its yellow color. This spice gives curry powder its distinctive color and taste. Research shows turmeric may help prevent cancer, heart disease and Alzheimers disease. To increase the absorption of turmeric, add black pepper along with it.All herbs add flavor to our food. But them also force us to use less fat and salt. So be creative in your cooking, and add some spice to your meals.