One step toward a new system of self-care can be the use of spices.
1. Black Pepper.
Let’s start with the simplest one.
Just because this spice is found in almost every kitchen, its health benefits are not diminished.
Black pepper is full of antioxidants, which protect cells from free radical damage and therefore reduce inflammatory and other dangerous processes in the body.
That said, freshly ground grains are healthier than “dust” that has weathered over the years.
2. Ginger.
All the health benefits are found in fresh ginger and its juice, which can be used, for example, in salad dressings or drinks.
In this form, ginger is great for speeding up the metabolism and nourishing the body with vitamins A, C, B1, B2, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc, and potassium.
Although some vitamins are destroyed by heat processing, ginger will be useful in the form of tea or other warm beverage – it will soothe the stomach and reduce nausea.
Ginger can also come in handy as a seasoning for soup or stew.
Keep ginger root on hand, just like onions and garlic – it is sold almost everywhere and keeps for a long time.
3. Cinnamon.
This spice lowers cholesterol, sugar, and triglycerides (fats) in the blood.
Try adding cinnamon not only to sweets, but also to hot vegetable dishes (baked potatoes, stewed cabbage, roasted broccoli).
Cinnamon will come in handy when you don’t want to add sugar, but want to give a dessert mood to a dish: its aroma will make your taste buds feel a sweetish flavor.
It’s also great for Greek yogurt, cereal puddings, and morning oatmeal.
Among other things, cinnamon affects the release of happiness hormones and lifts your mood.
4. Curcuma.
Recently, this spice has become one of the health trends.
Turmeric is used to make vegan, caffeine-free lattes (aka “golden milk”), and it is added to smoothies and homemade facial masks.
Curcumin is the main active ingredient.
It strengthens the immune system and improves cognitive function.
5. Nutmeg.
Another remedy to reduce inflammation in the body and improve defenses.
Good in desserts, casseroles and warm drinks.
Of unexpected effects: nutmeg helps fight plaque on teeth and protects against cavities.
6. Caraway.
In many ways, immunity and proper metabolism depend on the proper functioning of the digestive system.
And cumin with its positive, primarily soothing effect on the stomach and intestines is very important.
In the kitchen, cumin is traditionally used in fatty meat dishes.
For healthier options, look closely at Indian recipes, where cumin is often used as one of the components of curries.
7. Oregano.
Seems almost like an amuse-bouche for an Italian-style dinner, while oregano is actually an effective antibacterial to help fight off inflammation during cold season.
Oregano soup is good for stomach flu when you need to soothe the digestive system.
8. Cayenne pepper.
Keeping a bunch of fresh peppers in the fridge is the best option, but as a dried condiment, hot peppers are also good.
In addition to its well-known antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, cayenne pepper has the ability to reduce pain: the organic compound capsaicin helps with this.
