Healthy Foods
Healthy Spices – Oregano, Turmeric and Garlic
by Leanne Ely, CNC
Spicing up your food can also give your health a little boost–did you know most herbs and spices contain specific antioxidant qualities? Not only do they add great flavor to the food you cook, but they’re more than just a little bit healthful.
Take oregano for example. Believe it or not, oregano is a part of the mint family and is usually used in a form of crushed leaves. The rosmarinic acid compound found in oregano is antifungal and antibacterial. Oil of oregano is used for allergies and healing by alternative practitioners a lot.
Turmeric is another potent spice. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s the spice that is usually found in curry powder that gives off that rich yellow hue. This neglected little spice is another champion for antioxidants as its anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent against Alzheimer’s disease. To get more turmeric in your life, go ethnic; Indian and Thai food especially have a fondness for curry.
And last, but never ever least: garlic. Yes the stinking rose that does a number on your breath is known as nature’s antibiotic. Garlic is right on par with oregano. The great thing about garlic is you can nearly add it to everything you’re cooking come dinner time.
Ever had Garlic Lime Chicken? By far our most popular recipe, give it a try this week!