The title doesn’t sound sexy – but I assure you these three additions to your day will make you feel terrific. This week’s blog is dedicated to three of my favorite things to cook with – Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper and Garlic. I will tell you why they are good for you and how you can easily incorporate them into your daily routine.
Turmeric – science has started to back up what India has been using for thousands of years as both a medicinal herb and a spice. Turmeric is what gives curry its yellow color. Personally I don’t find it has a strong taste at all so find it really easy to incorporate into almost everything I eat. This wonder spice is a natural anti-inflammatory and will do wonders for your joints. An anti-inflammatory diet is suggested for almost every ailment today from cancer to high blood pressure to Alzheimer’s to heart disease. Turmeric has been shown to not only help prevent these diseases but also help treat them once they attack.
Turmeric is also great as an anti-oxidant, which is also suggested to be an anti-cancer agent. It has been shown to lower risk of brain disease and boosts brain function in the meantime. Not enough for you yet? It has been shown to lower depression, help delay aging and fight age-related diseases.
So this is definitely one to add to your spice rack right? Because of its mellow taste I truly put it on or in everything. My morning eggs, on toast, in salad dressings, when cooking chicken or other meats, or in milk. Honestly it is the easiest item to add to your daily routine.
Cayenne Pepper – hot peppers have been known to boost metabolism and in turn, help you lose weight. It also helps to boost circulation and neutralize acidity. It’s great for keeping a cold or fungus at bay, on headaches, allergies, for joint pain and inflammation, good for digestion and heart health, and possibly anti-cancer. This hot puppy is great for you and if you like spice and tastes terrific too. Be sure to go easy with it – it’s hot!
In terms of how to use it, if you are shy on spice you can buy cayenne pepper pills at your local pharmacy. If you’re like me and like a little spice in your life, add it to everything and anything. I sprinkle it on my morning eggs, use it in salad dressings, in wraps or sandwiches and of course on chicken or other meat products. I once did a cleanse that called for water with cayenne pepper, lemon and maple syrup, but I wouldn’t suggest that drink nor that cleanse to anyone. Each to their own of course!
Garlic – nicknamed the ‘world’s healthiest food’, this one packs a punch! It is definitely a flavor that not everyone loves, but just like cayenne pepper, you can purchase garlic pills from your pharmacy. Be careful with those as well as they might give you an after taste or garlic burp.
As for what it is good for? Garlic has been used for centuries to treat colds and infections. Raw, crushed garlic is the best way for it to be absorbed by your body. Garlic is also really good for those looking to reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol, both great when looking to reduce your risk of heart disease. It is also said to be good for your brain while warding off dementia and Alzheimer’s. It has been found to be good for your overall bone health and help you live longer, and recently studies have shown it can help with erectile dysfunction.
When eating garlic remember it definitely has a taste and smell on your breath that can linger. I prefer it at dinner when cooking vegetables or chicken. I also use it religiously in salad dressings and soups. If you’re getting sick, I would suggest taking 1-2 crushed garlic cloves before bed. It really does help!
Science has not proven any of the above statements 100%, and as a result, this blog is of course my opinion, research I have done and testimonials from both myself and friends and colleagues. Adding these three items to your diet will be great for you, but no promises to cure ailments! Please be mindful of this and talk to your doctor about your health regularly.