Sometimes it seems that there are 2 kinds of people in this world – those who love spicy food and those who do not. Regardless of one’s level of affinity for spicy foods, everybody can stand to reap the benefits of adding more spices onto their plates. When we think of “spiciness” we often think of spices that heat up our taste buds like cayenne or chili peppers. However, the classification of spices and the benefits they have to offer includes spices that create less of an after burn like cinnamon, cumin, turmeric and paprika. Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits packed into these tiny flavor particles and brainstorm ways to incorporate them into the diet!
Spices are well respected for their thermogenic properties. Spices kick-start the process of thermogenesis within the human body – this process of creating heat revs the resting metabolic rate and in turn increases calorie output and may aid weight loss. Additionally, spices contain anti-inflammatory compounds such a curcumin found in turmeric and for this reason have been used for their medicinal effects in Eastern cultures for centuries. Lastly, spices act as powerful antioxidants, defending against cancer-causing free radicals in the body. This function paired with their wide array of anti-microbial properties make spices an effective agent in protecting against harmful bacteria.
There are plenty of ways to add more spices to your plates and into your regular diet. One of my personal favorites is simply sprinkling a couple over-easy eggs with smoked paprika, turmeric, black pepper and of course Celtic sea salt. Another flavorful way to reap the health benefits of spices is to make some homemade guacamole using any and all of the spices discussed above. Additionally, pairing these spices with a healthy fat like egg yolk or avocado would aid the body’s ability to assimilate the fat-soluble components like curcumin.
It is easy to get excited about all the potential health benefits to be had from spicing up our dinner plates! However, before jumping in feet first, it’s important to remember to ease our way into the thrilling world of spices as our bodies (and taste buds) will likely need time to acclimate to their bold flavors. If you’re ready to spice things up, swing by Crossroads Family Chiropractic during office hours tomorrow for Tasty Tuesday and sample some Mexican Spiced Dark Chocolate!