Make your holiday dishes healthier and tastier with festive spices like ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and cloves, known for their digestive and mood-boosting benefits.
Spices aren’t just about leveling up your dishes from “blah” to “bam!” They’ve got some pretty cool health benefits too. So, are you clued in on the spice squad that should be invited to your holiday feast?
We’re gonna spill the beans on the spices you definitely want to have around this holiday season and explore some of their unique benefits.
- Spices to Include in Your Holiday Dishes
- Hot and Flavorful Spices
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Anise
- Turmeric
- Thyme
- Bay Leaf
- Food Salt
- Key takeaways
- FAQ, Myth & Facts
Spices to Include in Your Holiday Dishes
Okay, so we all know spices make food taste amazing, adding that extra zing or that warm, fuzzy feeling, but spices and herbs can be secret weapons against health issues, especially during the holidays. Why especially during the holidays, you ask?
- We tend to overindulge in sweets.
- There’s more mingling, which, unfortunately, means more opportunities for germs to hitch a ride from one person to another.
So, which spices should you be loading up on this holiday? Let’s jump in, shall we?
1. Hot and Flavorful Spices
Hot and flavorful spices like garlic, cloves, and shallots are must-haves during the holiday season. They help with:
- Treating colds: They loosen congestion, helping to clear out mucus. And let’s be real, colds tend to ramp up during the holidays thanks to close contact and wild temperature swings.
- Tackling digestive issues: Because, well, who *hasn’t* had a holiday tummy ache after downing one too many sweets?
You can even toss in some of these hot and flavorful spices into soups. For example, bone broth with garlic is a fantastic decongestant that can help soothe those airways, get that mucus moving, and clear up congestion.
2. Ginger
Turns out, ginger’s good for just about everything, including:
- Relieving what’s called motion sickness, thanks to its stellar ability to knock out nausea.
- Lowering cholesterol in the blood.
- Soothing heartburn.
- Helping treat indigestion.
So yeah, everyone needs this, like, all the time. But it’s extra important during the holidays when that long-lost cousin brings over her infamous seven-layer dip, and cholesterol’s on the rise because, hey, who can resist seconds?
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon’s another spice to include during the holidays. You can use it in holiday sweets alongside other spices.
The reason to pick cinnamon among your holiday spices is that it’s a mood booster. Let’s be honest, the holidays can be stressful. Also, remember that cholesterol we were just talking about?
We’ve noticed that many people want more information on how to maintain a healthy diet during the holidays without feeling deprived. Perhaps that’s something we should explore in another post?
4. Cloves
Cloves come in handy for tackling nausea, stomach upsets, and colon troubles. Plus, they help kick gas and bloating to the curb—all reasons why cloves are a spice you need during the holidays.
5. Anise
Anise helps with kicking gas to the curb and supports the nervous system, which is definitely something we could all use during the holidays.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric, with its golden hue, has some pretty awesome benefits, like being an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powerhouse. It can lower cholesterol and blood sugar, stabilize moods, and treat inflammatory bowel issues. Basically, turmeric’s one spice we all could use, big time, especially around the holidays.
7. Thyme
Thyme is a must-have holiday spice since it’s loaded with micronutrients that help protect our bodies from nervous system conditions and shield us from nutrient deficiencies.
8. Bay Leaf
Bay leaf acts as a nervous system booster and prevents cramps, which is why it’s great during the holidays.
9. Food Salt
While having too much salt isn’t great, it’s still a spice you need during the holidays. Here’s why:
- It helps regulate fluid movement in and out of your body’s cells.
- It boosts digestion and nutrient absorption.
Just remember: moderation is key when it comes to spices and seasonings to enjoy the benefits without going overboard.
Key takeaways
- Spices offer both flavor and health advantages, which is especially useful during the holidays.
- Ginger, cinnamon, and thyme boast properties that relieve nausea, boost the mood, and protect against nervous system conditions.
- Being mindful when you choose spices and seasonings helps to strike a balance that allows enjoying the benefits and avoiding over consumption.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Are spices safe for everyone?
For most people, yes. However, if you’ve got allergies or specific health conditions, it’s always wise to chat with your healthcare provider before drastically increasing your spice intake.
Can spices really help with digestion?
Absolutely! Spices like ginger, cloves, and cinnamon have been traditionally used to alleviate digestive discomfort, reduce bloating, and promote healthy gut function.
Is there a “best” way to use spices for health benefits?
Not really a single “best” way, but incorporating them regularly into your meals is a great start. Whether you’re adding turmeric to your morning smoothie or sprinkling cinnamon on your oatmeal, consistency is key.
I always felt sluggish during the holidays. But once I started incorporating more ginger and turmeric into my diet, I noticed a huge difference in my energy levels and digestion. Now, I can actually enjoy the festivities without feeling like I need a nap!
I used to dread the holidays because I’d always get sick. Then I discovered the power of garlic and cloves. Now, I add them to everything, and I haven’t had a cold in years! Well, almost. Let’s say it really did improve
My family’s always been big on sweets during the holidays, but I knew it wasn’t the healthiest tradition. So, I started experimenting with cinnamon and other spices to add flavor without all the sugar. Now, everyone loves my spiced desserts, and I feel good about what we’re eating.
So, what’s the plan this holiday season? I’m thinking of loading up on these spices and experimenting with some new recipes. After all, it’s all about savoring the good stuff without sacrificing our well-being, right?
