Many times when we hear about “powerfoods”, the experts are talking about fruits, vegetables or other food varieties. A lot of the time these are either expensive, really hard to find or not that great tasting. Many people have a very hard time with their diet and everyone is telling them to “eat more protein”, “stop eating carbs”, “cut out sugar” or “watch out for fats”. It is nearly impossible to be able to just pick one “diet” or rule to live by and expect it to work for everyone. However, there are some amazing spices and seasonings that can be used everyday and do some great things for your body. With no further ado here you are:
Ground Cinnamon: NOT CINNAMON SUGAR. Sure it tastes great on toast with some butter, but it can hardly fall in the category: super spice. Cinnamon has been proven to regulate blood insulin, which is highly important if you are body composition (body fat) conscious. This will help the insulin work towards building lean muscle, which everyone wants.
How To Use: If you are someone who enjoys a post workout shake, sprinkle some cinnamon in there. Otherwise use it with breakfast foods or with fruit such as apples, pears or bananas.
Sesame Seeds: These powerful little seeds found many times on breads (hamburger buns, bagels) actually have great health qualities. Sesame seeds have plant compounds that go by the name of lignins. Lignins have actually shown in some studies studies to burn fat. They also help normalize blood pressure and improve vitamin E absorption. Sesame seeds are packed with magnesium, fiber, iron and potassium.
How To Use: This one is easy; sprinkle them on salads, meat or vegetables. The flavor is not too powerful at all and really can be used with anything.
Turmeric: This is the spice that makes Indian food yellow, and is a main player in curry. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, has anti cancer properties and looks out for the liver. Seeing how many illnesses, diseases and pains come from inflammation, the more you can get the better. This is likely the one seasoning you are not using, which you should start to.
How To Use: This taste good on just about everything, really it does. Scrambled eggs go great with turmeric and many different dinner combinations. Look up some curry recipes and load it up with turmeric.
Oregano: You have likely heard a lot about foods being antioxidants; well here is an antioxidant seasoning. This one definitely has a lot of healing properties and is likely one you are using and do not realize how good it is for you.
How To Use: This one is obvious; dinner is spiced up with some oregano. Use it with just about anything and it adds some great taste to your dish.
Garlic Powder: Hopefully by now many of you have heard that garlic is great for lowering cholesterol. Seeing how it can be a pain to chop up some garlic for every meal, use the powder when you’re feeling lazy. Not only will it help lower cholesterol, but also it has been shown to be full of antioxidants, and help prevent infections.
How To Use: Anything that you would throw garlic on, throw garlic powder on. Although nothing beats the real deal of raw garlic, powder is great when you are in a rush and don’t have time to chop up a clove.
