Winter Warmer Series Continued: Spice up your Life!

It is accepted that in life, we should continuously experiment and try new things, because the new perspectives gained, build invaluable life experience. The same applies with the food we choose to eat.

People are so accustomed to flavouring food with salt and pepper or that familiar bottle of Italian seasoning, but many haven’t gone out of their way to sample the wide variety of spices and seasonings available. Herbs and spices not only provide flavour but also a big bang of anti-oxidants that boost the immune system.

“If not now, then when?” Winter is the perfect season to experiment with spices to create hearty winter soups, deliciously spiced curries and stews with a punch of flavour.

There are four essential spices that should form the backbone of your spice rack or cupboard and they are: Cayenne Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon and Turmeric.

Cayenne Pepper

The capsaicin in cayenne pepper is the ingredient that gives it the “heat.”  It stimulates secretions, which help to clear mucous from nose and lungs. It is an instant blood flow stimulant, enabling the promotion of blood circulation and aiding the transport of nutrients to the cell. Cayenne has been shown to assist in dissolving fibrin, which causes formation of blood clots, and preliminary evidence may indicate that it could play a role in reducing triglyceride levels.

Winter Warmer Top-Tip: Cayenne Pepper is the perfect addition to cauliflower mash. Simply steam cauliflower florets until soft and tender. Drain water & add a dash of Low Fat Milk, a grind of black pepper and a generous shake of Cayenne Pepper. Drizzle with 1 Tbs. Olive Oil and blitz in a food processor or blend with a hand held blender until smooth.

Ginger

Ginger contains several compounds that are believed to provide health benefits. Its active compound, gingerol, has anti-microbial properties used to treat bacterial concerns. Studies show that ginger may protect tissues and organs against oxidative damage at a cellular level and may possibly reduce pain and swelling in those suffering with osteoarthritis.

Winter Warmer Top-Tip: Ginger can help to beat the flu’s blues! Wash and peel a small ginger root and grate the flesh into a mug. Add the juice of 1/2 a lemon & a few lemon slices and top up with hot water. Drink this winter warmer 3-4 times per day to help in keeping the Winter chills at bay.

Cinnamon

The active ingredients in Cinnamon, at adequate doses, have become known for their potential ability to improve blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in people with Diabetes. Cinnamaldehyde, an active compound which has anti-microbial properties may help to stop the growth of harmful bacteria or fungi. As a powerful anti-bacteria agent, cinnamon may have applications in food preservation, protecting against microbial overgrowth of certain food borne pathogens.

Winter Warmer Top-Tip: Spice up your morning oats with a cinnamon & apple twist. Prepare your oats as usual in the microwave or on the stove top. Whilst the oats is cooking add 1/2 a grated Apple (with skin), 1 tsp. Xylitol & 2 tsp. Cinnamon. Continue to stir and allow to simmer until soft and ready to eat. Enjoy this spicy morning splendour with a dash of Low Fat Milk.

Turmeric

Turmeric is derived from the plant Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family The main constituent of turmeric is called curcumin the bright yellow polyphenol compound which is extremely effective as it is appears to have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This polyphenol has been shown to have potential activity against cancer, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic diseases.

Winter Warmer Top-Tip: Turmeric can take a bowl of vegetable or chicken soup to new heights! Your family favourite it set to feel even more warming when it’s tinged with golden turmeric. Ad 1-2 Tbs. to the vegetables whilst sauteing and enjoy the added warmth and flavour this powerful spice adds.