For centuries, human beings have experimented with different plants to understand how they impact our bodies, whether rubbed on the skin, ingested or smoked.
In my opinion, the science with spices is spotty. Measuring how one element in a small amount effects your body amongst all of the other foods you consume is challenging. Adding one element and holding everything else steady is unreliable. Even if the science doesn’t provide measurable evidence for using spices, there are plenty of other reasons to incorporate them into your diet.
Spices Complement a Healthy Diet
Based on the lack of tangible results, I choose to think herbs and spices as a totally personal choice. Herbs and spices do have some measurable effects, like added fiber plus trace amounts of important vitamins and minerals. More importantly, however, if you enjoy the flavor and it improves your mind and spirit, there is definite worth. Here are three spices I work into my diet whenever I get the chance:
Turmeric is a relative of ginger. This yellow spice is most common in asian cooking. Turmeric contains many trace elements, including iron and potassium. Many believe strongly in its anti-inflammatory properties. I use it in smoothies and sauces whenever it makes sense. Whenever you add pepper, you can add some turmeric.
Cinnamon is a significant source of fiber as well as calcium. Most importantly, cinnamon allows you to lower added sugar and some studies show it lowers blood sugar levels. Cinnamon is perfect in oatmeal, smoothies and teas
Ginger may aid in digestion and help with nausea. In addition, it has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory. Ginger makes a great afternoon tea, particularly if you add it with lemon and raw, local honey.
Avocado Banana Shake recipe
One particular way I incorporate spices into my diet is via smoothies and this avocado concoction is my favorite for a great start in the morning. Here is the recipe:
1/2 Avocado
Small Banana
Raw Egg
1 cup Flax Milk with Protein or milk of choice
1/4 tsp. Turmeric, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
1/2 cup water
Raw Honey - to taste
Add all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Drink
Nutritional Information (my calculations) based on 2000 calorie diet:
45% Fiber, 30% Protein, 20% Saturated Fat, 45% B-6, 35% B-12, 35% Vitamin c, 35% Vitamin D, 35% Calcium, 25% Potassium, 15% Magnesium and 10% Iron. All of this for 375 calories!
Others Spices to Consider
Besides these three spices, others that I incorporate regularly are rosemary, sage, paprika, garlic and nutmeg (as in the smoothie recipe). There are certainly more. Once you start experimenting, you can find all kinds of places to add these to your diet from sauces to drinks to salads.
I believe there is a reason people have used some of these spices for centuries. They work on the mind and body and encourage a healthier mindset to consumption and living. Try some for yourself. Experiment. Even though it cannot be measured, you will find a benefit.