Healthy Ingredients to Add to Your Meals This 2021
Earlier in the century, doctors did not have modern technology to create the pharmaceuticals you see today. As a result, your average doctor needed to use natural methods of treatment. For the most part, they used plants to treat your ancestors. Read on to find out which herbs and spices to add to your meals for additional health benefits.
Cinnamon
Generally, Cinnamon is a spice that you can obtain from a tree. In this case, the spice is found from the inner bark of several trees. You can use it as a condiment with a strong aroma or a flavoring additive for many cuisines namely apple pie and hot chocolate. Finally, Cinnamon has many health benefits that can help maintain your health.
What does Cinnamon Taste Like?
Cinnamon is regularly used for many baked treats because it adds a woody and sweet flavor with a hint of citrus to the dish.
Here are a few benefits Cinnamon gives:
- High Antioxidant Content
As a result of its high antioxidant content, Cinnamon can protect your cells from damage. Hence Cinnamon helps keep your immune system running. The antioxidants may also help in fighting tumor growth to lower your risk of developing cancer.
- Lower Blood Sugar
Cinnamon, similarly to insulin, increases the transportation of glucose into your cells. The effects of Cinnamon can also increase your sensitivity to insulin to make it more effective.
- Anti-Inflammatory
Your sore muscles may experience relief as a result of Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties.
What Dishes Use Cinnamon?
There are many dishes that can use Cinnamon. Dishes such as Apple Pie, Roasted Chicken, Pork Chops, and Bolognese Pasta can use Cinnamon to add flavor.
Sage
Sage is an herb found under the mint family that adds flavoring to many dishes found around the world. The herb has an earthy flavor and provides a strong aroma for any dish. Even in small amounts, this herb is full of nutrients when compared to other herbs.
What does Sage Taste Like?
In addition to Sage’s earthy and herbal flavor, it also contains a hint of pepper. You may also taste hints of lemon, eucalyptus, and mint.
Other Uses
In addition to flavoring, the herb can also be used for cleaning and pesticide.
Here is a list of the health benefits of adding sage to your cooking:
- Improve Brain Function
As a result of its antioxidants, Sage can boost your brain’s defenses. The compounds in sage may halt the breakdown of Acetylcholine, which subsequently helps prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Antimicrobial
Sage also contains antimicrobials that can prevent the formation of dental plaque. Using a sage-based mouthwash can neutralize cavities when compared to other types of mouthwash.
- Relief for Diarrhea
Fresh sage contains compounds that may relax your gut and help relieve diarrhea.
What dishes use Sage?
Pork, chicken, beef, and duck dishes can benefit from Sage for added flavoring.
Ginger
Ginger is generally considered one of the healthiest herbs on the face of the Earth. This flowering plant originates from Southeast Asia and is regularly used for many dishes. It’s oils, raw form, and juices are also used to create many medicines.
What does Ginger Taste Like?
Ginger has a sweet and somewhat peppery taste with a spicy and pungent aroma.
Here is a list of benefits that Ginger imparts:
- Anti-inflammatory
As a result of Ginger’s anti-inflammatory content, the herb is used for sore throats and aching muscles. Ginger is usually made into a tea for its pain relief benefits.
- Antioxidant
Similar to other herbs, Ginger protects your immune cells through its antioxidant properties. Including Ginger in your diet may stop your body from developing cancer by protecting your cells.
- Nausea and Morning Sickness Treatment
Ginger can stabilize your digestive process and also keep your blood pressure consistent, which can help against nausea and morning sickness. As a rule, never use Ginger for nausea without consulting a doctor first.
What Dishes Use Ginger?
Ginger’s unique flavor is especially good for Stir fry noodles, Porridge, soups, and Baked Chicken.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an herb with a strong aroma under the mint family. The herb is a cross between spearmint and watermint. It is native to Asia and Europe and is regularly used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.
Peppermint adds flavor to candies, mints, and other foods. The tea is refreshing and caffeine-free. Its organic compound namely, menthol gives peppermint its cooling properties and minty scent.
What does Peppermint Taste Like?
Peppermint tastes minty, sweet, and gives off a cooling sensation as a result of its menthol.
Here is a list of benefits from Peppermint:
- Reduce Digestive Problems and IBS
For the most part, Peppermint relaxes your digestive system to ease your indigestion. It may also prevent the contraction of your smooth muscles for relief to your gut spasms. Likewise, it can reduce the severity and frequency of your stomach pain. Peppermint’s effects can relieve you of other conditions, namely irritable bowel syndrome.
- Migraine and Tension Relief
Peppermint is also a muscle relaxant and can diminish certain headaches. The menthol in peppermint can increase the blood flow and provide a cooling sensation, which consequently offers relief. Its aroma may also help relax your muscles and minimize your headaches.
- Relief for Clogged Sinuses
Peppermint contains antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve your clogged sinuses. The menthol in Peppermint can also improve the airflow through your nasal cavity. Incidentally, the improved airflow will help you breathe easier.
What dishes use Peppermint?
Peppermint adds a minty flavor to tea, dips, and even ice cream.
In conclusion, there are plenty of ingredients you can add to your food to make it healthier. Using some cinnamon, sage, ginger, and peppermint can add more health benefits to your meals. Try adding these ingredients for a healthier diet this 2021.