Spice It Up for Holiday Health
“Spice Up Your Life” was a title track by the Spice Girls in the latter 1990’s. Though the internet has different versions of interpretation of the song’s lyrics, I feel, these opening stanzas reflect the energy of a healthy diet with the addition of spice, herbs, and colorful foods.
When you're feelin' sad and low
We will take you where you gotta go
Smilin', dancin', everything is free
All you need is positivity
Colours of the world
Spice up your life
Every boy and every girl
Spice up your life
People of the world
Spice up your life
Cultures around the globe have long understood the medicinal properties of herbs and spices as remedies for improving health. Today, in the modern world there is a panacea of recipes bringing herbs and spices to the forefront for daily gastronomic pleasure.
The Holiday season is a perfect time to be adventurous with, both, the sweet and savory spices often used in traditional dishes. First, just the willingness to try a new recipe gives the brain a nudge of stimulation and inspiration. Not too mention, that cooking is a positive cognitive exercise for brain health! Time in the kitchen requires the brain to be engaged with planning, time management, eye hand coordination and strengthens short-term memory. Second, the pleasing aromas of spices and herbs reach our brain before well before our food is tasted. The smell inviting us to enjoy the positive reward of nutritious healthy foods. A favorite Holiday spice is cinnamon delivering warmth to our senses evoking warmth and love well before we dive into a warm gooey cinnamon roll. Lastly, improved eating habits can be gained by incorporating spice into our daily diet. Here’s a list of some spices & herbs to have on hand to massage the spice rack into a prescription for health improvement.
1. Cinnamon – lowers blood sugar
2. Ginger – aids digestion
3. Turmeric – reduces inflammation
4. Garlic – boost heart health
5. Cayenne – eases pain
Rosemary, Sage & Thyme....such a delightfully aromatic and medicinal combination!
Rosemary - a fragrant herb has been hailed since ancient times for its medicinal properties, traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth.
Sage - is loaded with antioxidants that are linked to several health benefits, including improved brain function, lower cancer risk and oral health.
Thyme - as an essential oil is often used for aromatic and therapeutic purposes because of its active substance carvacrol. In a 2013 study, carvacrol was shown to affect neuron activity in ways that boosted the subjects’ feelings of well-being. So if you use thyme or thyme oil regularly, it might have a positive effect on your feelings and mood.
The author of this Cozy Apron blog is an excellent recipe for herb chicken which I couldn't agree with more! Give it a try and let me know how you enjoyed!
High Plains Spice Company describes lavender as this:
Native to the Mediterranean, lavender is an attractive, aromatic plant that is grown in herb gardens all over the world. The lavender most often grown for culinary use in cultivated in England and France. Lavender has a sweet, floral aroma with mint and citrus undertones. Its flavor is quite intense and can easily overpower a dish, so use sparingly.
Lavender works well in sweet dishes that contain cream, such as cake icing and ice cream. It is also a great addition to savory foods, including chicken, lamb, pheasant and rabbit. We use lavender in our Herbs de Provence blend.
A personal favorite is this Lavender Rosemary Shortbread recipe. Follow this recipe and add 2 TBL of fresh lavender buds or simply add 2 TBL each of chopped fresh rosemary and lavender into your favorite shortbread recipe. Enjoy!
To learn more on the characteristics of spices. Should you feel hesitant as to where to start, pick one savory dish and one sweet recipe with a new spice or herb. Whatever you may choose to sample, may you enjoy the fun found in an ever expanding kitchen craft as you spice up your life!
Contributing source: Coreview Coach