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Why You Need Some Spice in Your Life

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Few sensations can compare to the pure joy we feel when we season our foods with spices. Throughout history, herbs and spices have been extremely valuable. However, before they were used in cooking, they were primarily used for their medicinal properties. Indeed, modern science has demonstrated that using the right seasoning can provide us with significant health benefits.

Fruits and vegetables are well-known for their high antioxidant content, which can help prevent heart disease and certain cancers. It turns out that spices contain the same properties. They are, in fact, more abundant than previously thought.

As more studies revealed the potential health benefits of spices, the United States government continued to examine the antioxidant properties of herbs and spices. They were so encouraged by the data that they added them to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) nutrient database.

The fact is that we love using seasoning in our meals because it brings out the best flavoring possible. Spices are also beneficial for antioxidants, anti-inflammation, workout recovery, heart health, and a variety of other things. 

As we see it, seasoning improves virtually every aspect of our day-to-day lives. Not sure where to start in getting some spice in your life? No problem. We’ll be taking a look at two of our favorite spice products from The Spice Way: Black Cardamom seasoning and Chipotle Powder seasoning

But, before we get into why these two seasoning products are a must-have in every kitchen, let's go over some seasoning basics. This article will explain the history of spices and the distinctions between herbs and spices. We'll also look at how to use spices for health, as well as some tips for using them in cooking!

What are Spices?

Spices are "aromatic vegetable substances, in the whole, broken, or ground form, whose significant function in food is seasoning rather than nutrition,” according to the FDA. 

In other words, spices are the dried portions of plants that are used in little amounts to flavor meals. They are typically derived from a variety of plant parts, including:

  • Roots (ginger, turmeric)

  • Rhizomes

  • Stems

  • Leaves

  • Bark (cinnamon)

  • Flowers (saffron)

  • Fruits/berries (black pepper, chili powder)

  • Seeds (cumin, nutmeg)

It's no surprise that spices offer such a diverse range of flavors!

What’s the Difference Between Spices and Herbs?

While both spices and herbs are derived from plants, they are not the same. Nonetheless, both terms are frequently used interchangeably. Spices are derived from dried plant parts, whereas herbs are derived from fresh plant parts. For example, cilantro is derived from the plant's leaf, whereas coriander is the seed and spice that grows cilantro!

Fresh herbs are excellent for garnishing and should be added to dishes near the end of the cooking process for maximum flavor. Fresh herbs have more taste than dried herbs, so use them at the beginning of the cooking process. This will allow them to regain their moisture and flavor.

Spices, on the other hand, can be cooked for longer periods at low temperatures as some of them require time to open their full aroma. Just don't leave them on the stove on high heat or they'll burn and taste bitter. When comparing flavor profiles, spices have stronger flavors than herbs.

Using spices and herbs to make a seasoning that is both delicious and healthy is a no-brainer. You'll be able to develop a flavor combination that's perfect for cooking. Herbs and spices are good for more than just flavor; they're also good for your health.
 

The Best Spice Products by The Spice Way

The Spice Way was founded in 2014 by a second-generation traditional spice producer. Its mission is to raise awareness about the health benefits of herbs and spices! Many people don’t know, but a big majority of spices that are sold today are simply not pure. They are contaminated with anti-caking agents, artificial coloring, preservatives, and at times even artificial flavoring.

All the things that The Spice Way stands against and we praise them for it! Their motto says it all, "Nature with Benefits," highlighting the need of consuming natural goods in their purest form to receive the most benefits!

Let's look at two of our favorite The Spice Way products: Black Cardamom seasoning and Chipotle Powder seasoning. 
 

Black Cardamom Seasoning

The pods of black cardamom grow on a herbaceous plant in the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family. The pods have tough, dried, wrinkly skin, are about an inch long, and are filled with small, sticky, dark-colored seeds. Black cardamom has a strong aroma and flavor of citrus and eucalyptus.

Black cardamom is commonly found in savory Indian dishes such as curries, stews, daals (lentil dishes), and pilafs. The pods are used in jin-jin braised pork dishes in China, particularly in Sichuan cuisine, and in pho noodle soup in Vietnam.

How to use: The addition of black cardamom seasoning to many slow-cooked foods and drinks improves their flavor.



Health benefits of Black Cardamom

  • Gastrointestinal health: Consuming black cardamom has been shown in studies to help regulate your digestive system and fight stomach ulcers. It's also good for keeping your stomach acid under control. Black cardamom also stimulates the appetite and promotes heart health. Finally, it aids in the reduction of gas and bloating.

  • Antioxidant and diuretic properties: According to studies, cardamom may help lower blood pressure because of its antioxidant and diuretic properties. Participants in these studies were shown to have an increase in antioxidant status of up to 90%!

  • Cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of black cardamom has been shown to help in the maintenance of a healthy heart. It also helps to control our blood pressure and minimizes the risk of blood clots.

Chipotle Powder Seasoning

Chipotle peppers are frequently misidentified as another type of pepper. In reality, they are jalapeño peppers that have been smoked whole for several days over a wood fire. This method removes all of the moisture from the pepper while imparting a distinct, smoky flavor.

Chipotle Powder seasoning is an excellent addition to your home kitchen spice rack. Chipotle powder is far more convenient to use in recipes and stores than whole peppers.

How to use: Excellent for a deep, hot, fruity flavor. Great for rubs, salsa, shakshuka, meat, and any other dish that needs a kick!


Health benefits of Chipotle Powder 

  • Helps prevent cancer: Capsaicin, the organic molecule that gives peppers their spiciness or heat, has been associated with the activation of cells that attack cancerous cells. Chipotle is beneficial in the treatment of prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancer.

  • Diabetes management and prevention: Capsaicin can help manage insulin levels in the body, which can help prevent flare-ups and blood sugar increases. Therefore, the quality of chipotle peppers is incredibly beneficial to diabetic individuals, particularly those with type 2 diabetes.

  • Anti-inflammatory activity: These hot peppers have anti-inflammatory properties when used internally and topically. When used externally and blended with creams, it can help in the relief of aching joints and muscles. When ingested, it can help with inflammation caused by illnesses such as arthritis and tumor growth.
     

Add a Touch of Spice to Your Life

Spices can be easily incorporated into your favorite dishes as well as new recipes to improve your health! The Spice Way's Black Cardamom and Chipotle Powder seasonings are a sure bet. It is best to consume a range of spices, and we encourage you to try spices you have never tried before.
 

* In partnership with our friends at The Spice Way LLC.* Photo courtesy of The Spice Way LLC. 
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
* The information available on ewellnessmag.com, including text, graphics, and other materials is for informational purposes only. Reliance on any information in ewellnessmag.com is at the user's own risk. Sponsored product placement may appear in the article. The visitor of this website acknowledges that the information available on or through ewellnessmag.com is not and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Copyright © 2022 Brawo Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

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