CityView Magazine

16 | January/February 2017 C enturies ago you couldn't reach into the medicine cabinet for antibiotics, over- the-counter pain relievers or antacids. Instead, you resorted to spices. In today's world, spices—lauded for their health benefits—are an easy addition to add complex character to your favorite meals and recipes. Impressive antioxidants, vitamins and minerals—all of which are a crucial part to our health and well-being—can be found in spices. So, if you are looking for an easy way to eat healthier without sacrificing taste, why not begin with a few of our favorites? Even in small doses, spices can have a big impact on the flavor of your food and your health. Cinnamon Cinnamon comes from the dried bark of laurel trees. Since ancient times, cinnamon was used to improve appetite and relieve indigestion. For most of us, cinnamon may be a staple on top of a steaming bowl of oatmeal or some fresh-from-the-oven baked apples. Cinnamon is also commonly used in pill form to help diabetics control blood sugar spikes aer a meal. Digesting cinnamon raises your good cholesterol levels while removing the bad. Cinnamon contains antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, which can be an immune-booster and aid you in fighting even the worst of your seasonal colds. Brenda Harris, owner of Apple Crate Natural Market, says, "I use cinnamon quite a bit." She laughs when she says her favorite way to eat cinnamon is still on top of oatmeal, but customers oen come into her store seeking cinnamon in combination with turmeric for a powerful nighttime drink. is "tea," also referred to as "Golden Milk," aids in relaxation, boosts the immune system and serves as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Harris suggests using fats (like coconut oil or ghee) when using spices, as fats will help the body absorb the spices and their benefits properly. With the Golden Milk, the addition of black pepper also aids in absorption. • Blends well with nutmeg, sugar, allspice, ginger, cloves, chili pepper, cumin, and vanilla. • Pairs well with honey, chocolate, lamb, apples, peaches, bananas, pears, cranberry, figs, squash, yams, nuts, bread, coffee and tea. Turmeric Turmeric is a plant of the ginger family and is the essential ingredient in curry powder. A compound in turmeric called curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant and a powerful anti-inflammatory, is renowned for its extensive healing properties. It is linked to delaying and reversing depression and Alzheimer's disease. Plus, curcumin reduces the risks and effects of heart disease and even works as a natural inhibitor to the growth of cancerous cells, most particularly in colon, prostate and breast cancer. • Blends well with garlic, cumin, coriander, allspice, anise, cloves, chili, curry, fennel, nutmeg and onion • Pairs well with eggs, chicken, veal, seafood, lentils, carrots, beans, zucchini, root vegetables and rice Chili Pepper e chili pepper can range from mild to hot, but it is prized for its hot heat! e compound found in chili peppers is capsaicin, which is known to stimulate the digestive system, boost metabolism and increase fat burning. Chili peppers have both Vitamin C and Vitamin A which are powerful antioxidants. Chili peppers are linked to destroying bad cholesterol and can act as a fighting agent against heart diseases. Chili peppers also bring fresh blood to infected areas acting as a natural antibiotic. • Blends well with paprika, ginger, allspice, caraway, cardamom, oregano, saffron, cinnamon and turmeric • Pairs well with chocolate, beef, shell fish, sausage, cheese, beans, all vegetables, sauces, soups, breads and pasta Oregano Oregano has a very pleasant aromatic scent. It is a rich source of Vitamin K and also contains manganese, iron, Vitamin E and calcium. It has been found to slow down the progression of cancer. Oregano is useful for fighting

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