Salt and pepper are so passé. Fall is the time for aromatic, warming spices and seasonings. Not only can herbs and spices elevate most dishes from tepid to tantalizing, they also contain a surprising slew of health benefits.
While salt still dominates the Global Spices and Seasonings Market, consumers are catching on to the health benefits of herbs and spices as tasty seasoning alternatives—a switch that is leading to a projected CAGR of 4.93 percent from 2013-2018 in the spice market.
In the spirit of the season, TechNavio has pinned down six spices to add to your pantry, for better health and better flavour.
Cinnamon
- Can help regulate blood sugar, which reduces appetite and decreases fat storage
- Can be used used to gently reduce congestion and phlegm in the lungs, and dry up runny noses
Turmeric
- Super antioxidant power
- Improves digestion
- Fights inflammation
Ginger
- There was a reason your mom used to always give you ginger ale when you were sick—it is a commonly used to combat nausea and other digestive complaints
- Useful against mild coughs and colds
- Fights heartburn and bloating
Cumin
- Helps control blood sugar
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
Cardamom
- Helps digestion
- Supresses sugar cravings
Cloves
- Anti-inflammatory
- Digestive aid
- Relieve upper respiratory tract infections
Nutmeg
- Major detox properties
- Used to relieve indigestion
- Can also be used as a pain killer to naturally relieve achy joints and even toothaches
Bonus!
Garlic
Okay, so this is cheating a bit. Technically garlic isn’t a spice, it’s a bulb (similar to an onion or shallot) that’s actually part of the lily family. But we just couldn’t leave it out! On top of being a great flavour addition to pretty much any savoury dish, studies have shown that garlic may actually disrupt the metabolism of tumour cells. On top of that, it’s a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory! So eat up, but don’t forget your mints.
