Kickass Healing Spices
Understanding Their Health Benefits
Baking For The Soul
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Does one salt taste different from the other, or is there a health benefit of one salt over another? The answer is yes and possibly.
There is one ingredient you could change this year that will make an impact on your health. This is a simple change and a common element. That ingredient is salt. Time and time again, we are told to limit our salt intake and for good reasons.
Most of us think of salt as table salt. Think of the big blue box of iodized salt we see in every supermarket.
We might think of sea salt, like a caramel macchiato with sea salt or dark chocolate sea salted caramels.
Most times, when we think of Himalayan salt, we immediately think of odd-shaped ‘salt’ lamps and wonder what in the world do people do with those things?
Himalayan pink salt is found deep in the Himalayan mountains, protected by ancient lava, snow, and ice. It’s mined by hand and is considered to be the purest of salt. So why is it pink? The pink color comes from the high content of minerals and iron found only in Himalayan salt.
It’s formed naturally and is naturally high in iodine with no additives like table salt. Some claim switching to Himalayan pink salt over table salt will, balance your body’s ph levels, keep you hydrated, boost your metabolism, and improve your circulation.
Table salt has added anti-caking agents to prevent it from clumping in the box; however, this prevents the salt from being absorbed by your body. And it has added iodine. I like to use ingredients close to their natural state as possible, and regular, store-bought table salt doesn’t fit the bill.
Making the switch to Himalayan salt is simple. Get rid of the table salt, maybe do a craft project with it, and replace it with Himalayan pink salt. Each salt can be used interchangeably.
Himalayan pink salt is the “salt” I refer to in all my recipes. I made the switch over a year ago. I notice the difference in how I feel and have never looked back. When I first made the switch to Himalayan pink salt, my metabolic age was 74-years-old.
Drinking a homemade metabolic drink twice daily, using Himalayan pink salt and Apple Cider Vinegar, along with a balanced diet, has reduced my metabolic age closer to my actual age of 55. My body stays hydrated longer and removes any waste more frequently.
We love cinnamon in our food, and smelling warm cinnamon makes us sit back and take a deep breath.
There is a lot of information on the health benefits of cinnamon and the three common varieties.
These are Korintje cinnamon, an Indonesian Cassia cinnamon; Saigon Cinnamon, a spicy-sweet Vietnamese Cassia cinnamon; and Ceylon, also known as Mexican cinnamon and considered “true” cinnamon.
What if I told you that buying 1 type of cinnamon not only has safe health benefits but also makes your food more flavorful.
In the United States, you usually only find one of the cassia cinnamon’s on store shelves; however, the Ceylon cinnamon has more health benefits.
Ceylon cinnamon has lower content levels of coumarin compounds. Coumarin is a naturally occurring compound in cinnamon and some other herbs and beans. Coumarin in high doses can cause severe health issues.
Be sure you are using the right cinnamon if you are using it strictly for health benefits. Avoid having more than 1 tsp per day of cinnamon.
Health benefits of cinnamon include lowering blood sugar and counteracting the negative effects of high-fat foods you may eat throughout the day.
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of Ceylon cinnamon also aid in flushing toxins from your body. This allows your body to process foods better and loses visceral fat.
One teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon contains 1.4 grams of fiber, helping you meet your daily fiber goals.
A simple trick to incorporate Ceylon cinnamon into your daily routine is to add 1 tsp per cup to your coffee grounds before brewing.
If you’re making 4 cups of coffee and use 8 scoops of coffee, you would add 4 tsp of Ceylon cinnamon to the grinds. Likewise, you can add a Ceylon cinnamon stick to your coffee cup, or if you prefer tea, you can add it to your teacup.
See how quickly the amount of cinnamon you consume can add up?
Ceylon cinnamon also will bring the flavor of your food up a notch. The Ceylon cinnamon has a milder scent and tastes less sweet. If you grate the Ceylon cinnamon stick, it brings a level of complexity to your dish or baked goods.
For convenience, the Ceylon cinnamon powder is fine. I highly recommend you try to use the Ceylon cinnamon stick and freshly grate the needed amount. You will never go back to powdered again if you try it. I use this stainless steel grater all the time. You will love it.
Turmeric is a delicious spice with impressive health benefits, making it an up-and-coming spice to cook with.
Turmeric is India’s golden spice with deep roots embedded in their culture. Medical practices date back over 4,000 years. In ancient times turmeric was used to treat congestion, skin ailments, and bruises. It has since been discovered to have an abundance of other health benefits.
Six health benefits of turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin, include:
Health benefit #1- Curcumin has vigorous antioxidants that fight the free radicals in our system and prevent the damage they could cause.
Health benefit #2- Turmeric is a natural, strong anti-inflammatory agent that performs just as well as anti-inflammatory drugs without the side effects.
Health benefit #3- Turmeric boosts brain function. It reduces brain plaque and dissolves abnormal proteins in the brain.
Health benefit #4- Turmeric stops blood platelets from clumping together. This improves your cardiovascular system and helps to lower your cholesterol.
Health benefit #5- Turmeric helps to detoxify your body by protecting your liver and aiding in increased waste removal.
Health benefit #6- Turmeric is used as an anti-aging supplement. The curcumin in turmeric increases collagen production in your skin, helping it to look young and subtle.
Curcumin is not easily absorbed into our bodies. Healthline has stated that to increase curcumin's absorption benefit by 2000%, you should take turmeric with black pepper.
So, how do you use it and gain all the health benefits of turmeric?
You could take a turmeric supplement, like the one at NaturalCell. Supplements are the most concentrated form of turmeric. NeuroActive6 is made from 100% natural ingredients that are gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free, and dairy-free. The supplement is added to your morning drink beverage. The company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
I prefer to add turmeric to my coffee grounds when I brew my coffee. I do this every morning and include a couple of turns from the peppermill.
Trust me on this just one try it once. I use organic whole bean coffee, ½ tsp Ceylon cinnamon, ¼ tsp turmeric, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, and 2 turns of the peppermill into 2 scoops of ground coffee and 4 cups of water. No need for sugar or cream in this wonderful world of coffee goodness in the morning.
You could also make a Golden Latte for a caffeine-free alternative to your morning pick me up. Or simply grate fresh turmeric and ginger into a teacup. Add some lemon, honey and a few turns of the pepper mill, then pour hot water into the cup and steep.
Then there are the countless dishes you could mix in some turmeric. The simplest (and my introduction to turmeric) is steamed, mashed cauliflower with turmeric and red pepper flakes. It was the first time I actually liked cauliflower.
With this expansive list of health benefits, it’s no wonder turmeric is the golden spice, not only in color but in character as well.
Fresh Turmeric can be found in Indian food markets.
Apple, peaches, pumpkin pie, who’s not ready, holler I!
Yes, nutmeg the extraordinary warm spice found in each pie.
You know that nutmeg is used in luscious baked goods and delicious ethnic foods, but have you ever wondered is nutmeg good for you? The answer will amaze you.
Open a can of chai tea, and the warm aroma stops you dead in your tracks, and you take a deep breath.
Walk into your house while an apple, peach, or pumpkin pie is baking, and you can’t help but breathe in deeply to savor the flavor. Pour some eggnog, and the first thing you reach for is a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Nutmeg the glorious spice we love to bake with, but the question is...
The answer is yes, nutmeg is good for you on multiple levels. Full of vitamin B6, magnesium, fiber, copper, and other beneficial organic compounds, nutmeg, and its precious oil is full of antioxidants.
Nutmeg lowers your anxiety, helps you sleep better, and aids in better digestion. Studies have shown it can be used as a pain reliever and is a germ fighter. Could it also help your libido? To find out, read on!
The National Library of Medicine published an article on the antidepressant effects nutmeg extract had on lab mice. The research supports that nutmeg extracts actually are as effective as an antidepressant comparable to prescribed pharmaceutical drugs with fewer side effects.
A pinch of nutmeg in warm milk has been used for centuries to cure insomnia and give a better quality of longer sleep.
Typically insomnia is caused by other underlying issues, and those issues should be resolved. But, nutmeg has been shown to provide sleep lasting 8 hours.
Suffering from bloating, gas or diarrhea? Nutmeg and its wealth of fiber could be your answer.
The book Essential Oils in Food Preservation, Flavor, and Safety supports the medicinal value of nutmeg. Stating that the warm scent of the nutmeg seed has long been used to treat digestive tract ailments.
Combining nutmeg with spices like Ceylon cinnamon and fresh ginger makes a wonderful caffeine-free tea to settle the grumpiest stomach.
Food and Nutrition Research Journal has an article published on the benefits of using nutmeg oil as a pain reliever. The oil is taken from the nutmeg seed and used to rub into the skin to relieve pain, with no side effects.
Germs, germs, germs are everywhere. It’s an ongoing battle and one you will lose unless you build nutmeg into your daily routine.
Studies have shown that nutmeg has strong germ-fighting powers orally and can be used to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Ancient medicine also used nutmeg as an aphrodisiac. Yes, you read that right nutmeg can help your libido.
I know what you are thinking, if I take nutmeg, I will have a wild night. You couldn’t be more wrong.
What nutmeg will do, is relieve your tension and help you relax. Ancient medicine says that it will ease bitterness in your heart and make you more pleasant so you can enjoy your night.
Absolutely! Aside from the delicious flavor of and its food enhancing abilities, nutmeg has a tremendous amount of health benefits. I listed a few here, but there are many more.
Nutmeg can be used ground, whole, as an oil, or in supplement form. Using the whole nutmeg pod is easy, just grate some over a micro planer into your beverage or food. It stores wonderfully in a cool dark place for a very long time.
Honestly, I have both. I use organic ground nutmeg for its convenience and keep the whole nutmeg pod on hand for quick grating uses. The organic ground nutmeg has just as nice of an aroma as grating whole nutmeg. When I need more than ¼ teaspoon, I reach for organic ground nutmeg.
With all the health benefits of nutmeg, you need to use caution with the amounts of nutmeg taken into your daily routine. It can be toxic if too much is consumed. Never consume amounts more than a small pinch in a single serve recipe.
Is cardamom good for you? Are there health benefits of cardamom? What’s surprised me the most about this up-and-coming spice is where it lands on the list of expensive spices.
Yes, cardamom is good for you. The countless health benefits of cardamom would surprise you. An Indian spice traditionally used to treat ailments such as depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction, to name just a few, cardamom is an extremely versatile spice.
Used mostly in Indian and Mid-Eastern savory dishes cardamom, is just as popular in baking. Baking For The Soul published 2 recipes where we used ground cardamom, 5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Speculoos Cookies, and the New Traditions With Easy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe.
Using cardamom in your baking brings depth to your dish. Basically, it makes you stop and think about what that hint of sweet fragrance, you just cannot quite pin down, and then you guess possibly cardamom? Along with the benefits of cooking and baking with cardamom, you cannot help but look at all the health benefits of cardamom.
Cardamom has been used in Indian traditional medicine to treat a variety of health issues. Many of these treatments are now backed by science in the Western World. Although more work needs to be done, you will find science-backed treatments with cardamom in medical publications. The beauty of using cardamom is that there are no side effects from taking it.
Using cardamom medicinally is as simple as steeping the cardamom pods in hot water to make tea, to treat depression and anxiety. Cardamom has undertones of a minty, sweet fragrance that soothes the soul.
Like nutmeg, ancient Indian medicine claims that drinking warm milk with honey and cardamom will help your libido.
Like turmeric, India’s Golden spice, cardamom is rich in antioxidants, which can lower your blood pressure. Also, like turmeric, cardamom has strong anti-inflammatory agents. It stops the inflammation and protects your cells.
Using cardamom is easy. Ground cardamom can be mixed into baking and savory dishes. Sprinkle some on your favorite hot beverage, brew the cardamom seeds with your coffee.
Cardamom pods can be toasted in a skillet, cooled, and then remove the seeds to be fresh ground. I have not tried this yet, I will, but from what I hear, the best flavor of the spice comes out, and you will never go back to using pre-ground cardamom again.
Once the seeds are removed from the pod, you can use the pod leaf in your tea and grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or spice grinder.
10 pods will give you about a teaspoon and a half of ground cardamom.
Did you know that cardamom is listed as the 3rd most expensive spice in the world? Money Inc. published an article on the top 5 most expensive spices in the world, and cardamom came in at #3.
It’s no wonder cardamom is so expensive with all the health benefits of luxurious cardamom.
Considered one of the most delicious spices on the plant, along with the health benefits of ginger put it on the top of the spice list. What are the health benefits of ginger? Can ginger help you lose weight? How much ginger per day do you need, and what are the uses of ginger?
Oh, that beautiful aroma of fresh ginger root. You know the one the warm, fresh fragrance found in Asian and Indian foods. It’s so powerful, you can’t wait to dive in and taste it.
Natural oils found in ginger are what contribute to that rich aroma. The most common and most powerful oil found in ginger is gingerol. It’s this oil that also makes up the healing benefits of ginger.
Scientific evidence has proven that ginger is full of anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants that reduce the effects of free radicals stored in your body.
Ginger has been shown to help reduce joint pain and joint stiffness. Although not immediate relief, WebMD reports that people who have taken ginger see less stiffness and aches after exercising than those who don’t.
When ginger is consumed daily, it will reduce long-term blood sugar levels in as little as 3 months. Helping to reduce your risk of heart disease. Bad cholesterol levels were also improved in as little as 1 ½ months.
For centuries ginger has been used to treat an upset stomach and nausea.
There is truth to the old wives’ tale of your mother telling you to drink warm, flat ginger ale when you have an upset stomach.
Studies have shown that ginger can help you lose weight. Ginger’s ability to help your body burn calories and reduce inflammation will help you lose weight.
If you had to make a guess at how much ginger per day you need to gain these and many more health benefits, what would it be?
It’s a lot less than you think and is a lot easier than you think to work it into your diet.
If you look at fresh ginger root, a 1-inch section grated would give you about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. That’s all the ginger you would need to consume daily to get the health benefits of ginger.
Considering ginger root is readily available at most grocery stores and is easy to store, it’s feasible and convenient to work it into your diet. The question becomes what are the uses, how do I use fresh ginger root?
Remember that sweet citrus, almost pepper-like smell so distinct that is found in a fabulous gingersnap cookie. What about the warm aroma of ginger miso soup and ginger sesame dressing? All sources of ginger, but you have to eat the whole batch. Not such a great idea.
Have you considered your chai drink or, better yet, a golden latte? Consuming just 1 homemade drink of either each day gives you all the delicious health benefits of ginger, along with the added benefits of Ceylon cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, or cardamom.
The Golden Latte
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 5 MinInactive time: 5 MinTotal time: 15 Min
Yield: 2
Author: Baking For The Soul
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 5 MinInactive time: 5 MinTotal time: 15 Min
Yield: 1
Author: Baking For The Soul
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 0 MinInactive time: 0 MinTotal time: 5 Min
Yield: 1
Author: Baking For The Soul
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