spicy | Her Happy Balance

I almost never eat any food plain. I have a pretty well-stocked spice cabinet at home, and I’m always reaching for a bottle of my latest craving. I have to admit that I am also an awful recipe follower. I got in trouble in Home Economics class in middle school for not exactly measuring out my ingredients. If a cookie recipe called for a cup of oats, I’d be very liberal with that cup. If snicker doodles needed 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, whelp my cookies got about a tablespoon. What can I say, I just like certain ingredients more than others! Sometimes foods just need more spices than they call for! I am not one for bland foods. Luckily, there are some spices that have some pretty tremendous health benefits:

1.) Cinnamon

“Cinnamon contains substances that work as antioxidants to protect cells against damage caused by harmful free radicals — substances found in the environment and inside the body that destroy cells,” Elisa Zied, R.D.
Rich in polyphenols. Helps regulate blood sugar, great for type 2 diabetics
Can help satisfy your sweet tooth without having you reaching for artificial sweeteners in processed foods

Ways to use it: sprinkle it over oatmeal, add a dash to tea or tea, use as a healthy topping on vanilla ice cream or yogurt. Sometimes I even take cinnamon in pill form.

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2.) Red Pepper Flakes

Contains capsaicin, which while it gives your mouth that kick of spicy, has been shown to reduce pain neurotransmitters
Can help suppress appetite as well as body fat accumulation
Can I put ridiculously delicious as a health benefit? Oh, I’m writing this post and can do whatever I want? Okay, it’s delicious then!

Ways to use it: Sprinkle it on top of pizza, stir-fry, soups, into mashed potatoes, or essentially everything you want to have a little kick!

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3.) Oregano

“One teaspoon has as much antioxidant power as three cups of chopped broccoli” Dr. Wendy Bazilian, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients
Most effective natural antimicrobial against Salmonella and E. coli.
Because of its antimicrobial properties, oregano extract is used in some mouthwashes and can help your breath stay fresh!

Ways to use it: Sprinkle it on top of pizza or pasta dishes, my dad also swears by it as a salad topping.

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4.) Rosemary (one of my faves!)

May help reduce your risk of cancer! Helps reduce carcinogenic compounds
High in antioxidants, can help reduce inflammation
“Rosemary has shown significant antifungal and antibacterial activity […] It has been studied specifically for its ability to interfere with candidiasis [yeast infection] growth.” Cheryl Forberg, R.D., chef, nutritionist for NBC’S “The Biggest Loser”
Being studied for it’s role in helping heart health

Ways to use it: Bake it into breads, add it to salad dressings and marinades. I love it on brussel sprouts with a little brown sugar.

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5.) Ginger

Anti-inflammatory, helpful for people with arthritis and even those congested with cold and flu symptoms
Digestive aid; can help reduce stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea

Ways to use it: I use it in juices, but you can grate it into stir-fry, add it to veggie and fish dishes, and sometimes I will use it in a marinade with soy sauce for red meats. It helps to tenderize them.