Do you really think that healthy food has to taste bland and boring? You’ll be surprised at how spicing up your meals not only makes it taste better, but also can benefit your health. Holy Basil, for instance, is used in Asian cooking, but is more often used for its health benefits. It helps you feel more relaxed and reduces the hormone of stress, cortisol. Sage is another herb that helps the body. In fact, it’s genus name, salvia, means to heal in Latin. The chemicals sage contains, such as luteolin, quercetin and rosmarinic, also improve memory and alertness.
Sour cream and chives make a good topping for potatoes, but chives also have a health benefit.
If you top your baked potato with chives, you’ll be adding a powerful cancer fighter. It contains choline, too. Choline aids brain functions, sleep, bone building with its vitamin K and muscle movements. They also contain calcium, folate, magnesium and potassium, yet only have one calorie per tablespoon.
Turmeric is a yellow spice that’s often used in Indian dishes.
However, it’s also a potent anti-inflammatory. It’s used for arthritis, digestive issues, anti-cancer benefits and even Alzheimer’s. Research has shown that if you flavor with turmeric, you’ll reduce the risk of cancer and may even help slow the progression if you already have it. It’s been used to treat dementia as well as Alzheimer’s because of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ability to dissolve fats. Studies indicate abnormal inflammatory reactions contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and the curcumin in turmeric help prevent it.
Marjoram and oregano are also good for your health.
Marjoram helps balance abnormal hormone levels that can cause PCOS—polycystic ovarian syndrome. Marjoram also has antiseptic qualities and is often used to treat signs of flu, headaches and coughs. It’s also used as a pain reliever. Oregano is also used for those same things, since it’s rich in antioxidants and is antiseptic. In fact, making a tea and using it to wash your face can be an effective acne treatment or use it on the hair for dandruff.
- Boost your brain power with peppermint. In fact, just sniffing peppermint can boost your energy, alertness or improve your mood. Put a drop of peppermint oil on a handkerchief and sniff it when you need a boost. Putting a drop on the neck, sinuses, or temples can help relieve headaches.
- Cilantro and coriander both come from the same plant. Cilantro is the leaves and coriander the seeds. Both are high in vitamins A, K and E, iron, zinc, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, copper, calcium and magnesium.
- Garlic is one of the favorites when it comes to good health. It can combat even the common cold. Garlic can also lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, fight against Alzheimer’s, and help you live longer.
- Fennel can be an herb or the bulb can be a vegetable. It has a licorice smell and contains many nutrients, including vitamins A, C, B6, E and K. A tea from the leaves or chewing on a seed is good to help settle the stomach.
For more information, contact us today at Next Level Fitness