When we cook meals in the house we always make our food from
scratch and steer clear of packaged sauces. I have a collection of spices
and have a cupboard dedicated to the growing number. I couldn’t live without
these. They make cooking much easier, cheaper,
tastier and more important healthier.
Spices are packed with excellent health boosting agents.
These spices can fight inflammation, curb hunger and help maintain your overall
health. Here are some spices that can be found in my cupboard.
Tumeric:
Is a rich anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric
is best at reducing inflammation in the muscles and joints. This spice is also
believed to be a great breast cancer preventing food .
Ginger:
Ginger has long been used as a spice which help ease all
types of nausea/ Ginger also have a great gastric mobility abilities and aids
healthy digestion.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon has great weight loss properties. According to a
recent study by Diabetes Care, a simple teaspoon of cinnamon a day rapidly
reduces blood sugar levels, as well as cholesterol by 26%, meaning it protects
against diabetes, weight-gain and cardiovascular disease.
Paprika:
This is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which may lower
the risk of cancer.
Black Pepper:
Black pepper can boost your metabolism by as much as 8% for
several hours after ingesting.
Garlic:
Garlic has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects
and some studies show that it can stop block clots from forming in your
arteries.
Rosemary:
The compounds in rosemary appear to help reduce inflammation
in the body and inflammation is a trigger and indirect risk factor for many
chronic diseases.
Cayenne Pepper:
Red pepper in its various forms is known for enhancing
metabolism and potentially stimulating fat burning. Enhances memory.
All Spice:
Antiseptic; balances blood sugar
Cardamom:
Reduces heartburn and helps digest grains
Cumin:
Antiviral; anti-inflammatory; memory enhancer
Here is a recipe for a chicken korma dish from The Gracious Pantry which uses a lot of the above spices-
Clean Eating Chicken Korma
Ingredients
5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 large yellow onion
5 garlic cloves
2 tsp. cardamom
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garam masala
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup, plain Greek yogurt
Directions
Step 1 – In
a large frying pan, saute the onions and garlic in the olive oil until
translucent.
Step 2 –
Add the chicken to the pan.
Step 3 –
Add all other ingredients in the order listed, EXCEPT for the yogurt. Cook
until chicken is cooked through.
Step 4 –
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the yogurt to taste.
Step 5 –
Serve over brown rice.
