With a new year comes new opportunities to reassess what we give life to in our day-to-day lives and what areas we need to refine—including our own diets. Adding spices to your diet not only adds a flavorful touch to any meal, but it’s also proven to reap a number of health benefits, too.
Cardamom
This spice is as pungent and sweet as it is complex. Thanks to its high mineral concentration—including elements like magnesium and zinc—cardamom boasts a number of health benefits, including an ability to soothe an upset stomach. The spice has also proven to act as an ingredient that can help fight inflammation.
Turmeric
This spice is proven to be one of the most versatile items on the market right now, and for good reason. Turmeric is rich in curcumin—an antioxidant that eases inflammation and can help to combat chronic pain. It also increases the body’s antioxidant capacity. Curcumin could help lower the risk of heart disease, as well as possibly prevent or treat cancer.
Ginger
One of the most universally known cures for an upset stomach or nausea is to drink a ginger ale—and with the health benefits provided in ginger, it’s a no-brainer why. Ginger helps to produce a calming effect on the lining of a person’s digestive system, ultimately alleviating feelings of sickness in the process. The spice also has a number of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to prevent diseases like cancer.
Garlic
There are few foods that a touch of garlic doesn’t make infinitely better. Though technically a vegetable, garlic is often used to spice up foods. And luckily, it is actually packed full of more than just great flavor. Within the garlic plant is a powerful compound called allicin—which studies have shown may help to lower a person’s chances of getting heart disease. Other research shows that garlic helps to combat high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Just make sure to chop or cut the garlic clove if you’re looking to reap its benefits, as allicin is formed after the cells in the garlic have been cut.
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