- Larissa Spafford, NTP
Use these 6 herbs and spices to make your meals even healthier this Thanksgiving
It’s only October, and I’m already tired of hearing about pumpkin spice EVERYTHING. Actually, I was tired of it in September. So many of the pumpkin spice flavored foods are super sugary and not health promoting. It makes me cringe a little every time I hear the words “pumpkin spice”. The actual spices though, they do have amazing health benefits.
Throughout history, herbs and spices have been used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Today, scientific research is confirming that these plants do have the health promoting benefits that were known and passed down from generation to generation. More research needs to be done, but what’s been discovered so far is more than enough to encourage incorporating more into your diet for their chronic disease preventing properties. (1,2,3,4)
The specific chemical make up varies for each herb and spice. They contain components with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antitumour and anticancer properties. They have glucose and cholesterol lowering properties and can benefit cognition, mood and more.
One of the best things about herbs and spices, is that they make food more interesting and delicious. Here’s some of my favorite fall and winter herbs and spices and a whole food recipe that highlights the flavor of each. Any of these recipes would be great addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. If you enjoy the sciencey side of things, check out the links in the reference section at the bottom of this page.
I hope you enjoy this info and these recipes! If you'd like help using whole food nutrition to feel better and enjoy life more, I'd love to help. You can choose the best virtual or in person service for you here.
Sage (5)
Rosemary (6)
Garlic (7,8)
Ginger (9,10)
Cinnamon (11)
References:
