Spicy Challenge
During the Middle Ages, spices like pepper and nutmeg were so valuable that they were worth more than gold!
Even though their monetary value is a lot lower these days, they are still equally incredibly beneficial for our bodies!
Adding spices to your meals enhances the nutritional value without having to add sugar, sodium or fat. Just be careful to avoid spice mixes that contain the words “natural flavors.” (no one ever knows what that means- and it’s not well regulated.)
Your challenge is to add 3 extra spices into your food this week. Here are a few great options that are incredibly good for you:
- Turmeric is a yellow-orange colored spice commonly used in Indian dishes. Its active ingredient – curcumin is known to reduce inflammation in the body, improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy in cancer patients, and is suggested as a treatment for patients with depressive disorders – it can boost production of feel-good hormones such as serotonin, which helps ease depression and stress.
- Cinnamon is a uniquely aromatic spice with a sweet, woody flavor. It’s rich with natural antioxidants such as polyphenols and can actually help lower blood sugar levels. Cinnamon even outranks some of “Superfoods” in antioxidant activity.
- Garlic is praised for its potent smell and strong flavor, and is amazing for more than just keeping the vampires away. Garlic has been used to fight cancer, infections, and even a common cold!
When used long-term, garlic has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which helped many people who were at risk for cardiovascular illnesses.
Do you accept this SPICY challenge? For more healthy living information call to schedule your nutritional consult today!!
Yours in good health,
Heather
Health Coach & AFAA Certified Personal Trainer
FitEffex@gmail.com
(508) 523-6143
