The spices of life: Six seasonings that promote good health

Eating well - choosing healthful, nutritious foods that also taste great - can be a challenge. Don't you wish there was something simple you could do for your health - something that might also make it easier to eat healthy foods?

There is - simply spice things up.

Smart seasoning not only makes your food taste better, it can make it healthier too. A wide variety of spices - from chili to ginger, paprika to garlic - offer well-documented health benefits. If your knowledge of spices, seasonings and herbs is limited to a little dab of garlic powder here and a dash of oregano there, you may want to explore the wide variety of spices, combinations and blends available.

The folks at Penderys, who have been selling spices and making seasoning blends since 1870, offer some spice health basics to get you started:

Ground anise seed - People in some Asian cultures chew anise seed after meals to aid in digestion and cleanse the breath. It's also used as an expectorant. Naturally antimicrobial, anise is a key ingredient in many over-the-counter natural remedies. Anise is great in baked sweets, curry dishes, Mediterranean stews and sweet pickles. Add it to your chocolate icing for a truly unique zing.

Cardamom - Popular in Indian and East Asian cuisines, cardamom is associated with mental health and is thought to act as a digestive aid. The spice is aromatic and offers a sweet taste. Cardamom is not just for curries; use it to enhance meatloaf, sweet potatoes, cakes, cookies, pastries and even good old American apple pie.

Chili - Ground chile peppers are thought to influence a range of health factors, including blood pressure, cardiovascular health and even weight loss. This favorite seasoning can be used on its own or in a blend to season virtually any dish, from meat to veggies or fish.

Ground ginger - Used as a digestive aid in India and China, ground ginger provides a spicy, sweet, pungent aroma and a hot, clean taste. Some research has indicated ginger may be useful in fighting cancer and relieving different kinds of pain, from migraines to menstrual cramps. Use it in marinades, pastries and pickles, or to season the flour for fried chicken.

Rosemary - The well-loved herb we use to season egg and cheese dishes, soups, stuffing, poultry, pork and lamb, is rich in antioxidants and is also used as a memory aid and to relieve pain.

Turmeric - This bright orange spice goes well in egg dishes, with chicken seafood and rice, and is an essential ingredient in curries. It's been used medicinally for thousands of years. Tumeric has been studied for possible applications in a wide range of diseases, including cancer, diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, lymphoma, depression and Alzheimer's, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Spices and seasonings have been used to make food more enjoyable - and healthier - for thousands of years. A little research, some experimentation and a touch of adventurousness can help you reap the many benefits of smart seasoning.

Courtesy of ARAcontent