Spices for your Health

Lately breakfast has turned into my most interesting, healthy, and delicious meal. This inspiration started with Dr. Northrup explaining why 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day are important, if not vital, for stellar health. Then Dr. Oz did a whole program on diet and the direct impact it has on your well-being. So, I began looking into this further and re-discovered the value of spices.

Over the past 20 years, my cooking habits have gotten lazier. Other than pepper, I don't add a lot of herbs or spices. This has changed quite a bit in the last few weeks; not only my body, but my taste buds are better off!

For example, I mixed waffles with cinnamon, anise, nutmeg, maple syrup, and walnuts. The next day I had bananas with cinnamon, anise, ginger, wheat germ, flax, honey, and raisins. All I can say is TASTE EXPLOSION!!!

The spices selected above were based on my own health challenges and taste preferences. Here are some other ideas on specific issues and spices that can help with them:

Aches/Pains: basil, ginger, chili pepper, turmeric
Alzheimer's: ginger, turmeric, sage, curry (yellow)
Anemia: cinnamon, turmeric, cumin
Antibacterial: basil, black pepper, oregano, garlic
Antioxidant: oregano, sage, parsley, turmeric, rosemary, ginger, paprika
Arthritis: ginger, curry, turmeric, sage, cloves, chili powder/peppers
Asthma: sage
Cancer: ginger, turmeric, red chili peppers, parsley, black pepper, curry, rosemary, garlic, paprika
Cholesterol: cinnamon, turmeric, garlic
Circulation: paprika, cayenne, cinnamon
Common Cold: garlic, black pepper, basil, thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger, chili peppers
Concentration and memory: rosemary
Crohn’s: turmeric
Diabetes: cinnamon
Headaches: rosemary
Heart Disease: ginger, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary
Hypertension: garlic, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, pepper, cayenne pepper
IBS: peppermint
Immune System: garlic, ginger, chili pepper
Indigestion/Gas/Bloating: fennel, anise, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger
Inflammation: turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, sage, rosemary, cloves, chili powder/peppers, paprika
Nausea: ginger, cinnamon
Night Sweats: sage
Ulcers: wasabi

If you're interested in a personalized mix just for you, let me know.

As a meditation, close your eyes when you chew (not recommended when on a date) and take a least 30 chews for 1 bite of food. Take the time to be with the experience of the texture, taste, sounds, smells, and joy of eating.

Bon Appetit!

Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.Blogspot.com

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!