Spices. We all use them in cooking, but did you know that many spices have health benefits too, including boosting your immune system? I love using spices all year round for immune system support, including during flu and cold season. The great thing about spices is that you don’t have to take them like you would take medicine. You can add them to your favorite foods and beverages, which makes it easy to include them in your everyday life.
Without further ado, here are three of my favorite spices to help keep your immune system strong and healthy this holiday season.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a favorite all year round, but it can be a great addition to all your winter recipes. It’s popular in natural medicine, and it has been for centuries. Turmeric is an antioxidant-packed addition to any of your favorite foods from morning smoothies, to curry, or golden milk. This powerful spice contains amazing anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and antioxidant compounds. The most well known of these is curcumin. Curcumin has been widely studied for its beneficial health properties and is well known for its role in reducing inflammation. It is best to pair curcumin with a pepper extract for better absorption in the stomach.
Not only is Turmeric a powerful ally in supporting our immune function, the anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and antioxidant nature of turmeric makes it a powerful spice for our hormones as well. Turmeric and curcumin may be especially helpful in hormone-related headaches, painful menstrual cycles, PMS, PCOS, ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, and auto-immune conditions like Hashimoto’s.
Check out my Golden Milk Latte recipe below to boost your immunity. This is one of my favorite warm drinks at any time of the year.
Cloves
Cloves are a sweet and spicy addition to any recipe. While cloves are typically used in pumpkin-based desserts, they can be used in a variety of dishes, including meats, fruits, and more. Cloves are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which make them perfect for fighting against seasonal health threats and shielding your body against infections. Cloves are often used in Ayurvedic remedies for cough and cold. Another benefit of cloves is that they are also full of other vitamins and minerals.
Eugenol is a powerful antioxidant found in cloves that reduces the inflammatory response in the body. It may also help fight off oxidative stress and free radicals that contribute to chronic disease. Clove also provides fiber, vitamins, and other minerals. One of these minerals, Manganese, is beneficial for brain function and helps support strong bones, and plays a role in blood sugar regulation.
Cardamom
There are two types of cardamom—green and black. Both green and black cardamom can boost your immunity. Black cardamom is very effective when it comes to fighting off colds and other seasonal threats. Cardamom oil, which comes from the seeds, can relieve throat soreness too. Cardamom is a spice that I really grew fond of during the years that I lived in the Middle East.
Cardamom is full of antioxidants and is protective against chronic disease due to its anti-inflammatory effects. It also has antibacterial properties and helps balance blood sugar.
To help boost your immune system this winter try adding cloves, turmeric, and cardamom to the next dish you prepare. You can also look for recipes (check out my recipe 👇🏻) that specifically call for these spices to get you in the holiday spirit while prioritizing your health.
By using these powerful spices on a regular basis, you can help keep your immune system functioning at its best and protect yourself from seasonal illnesses. Plus, you can continue to use these spices if you happen to get sick, they may help you to recover more quickly.
Turmeric Golden Milk Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups of organic almond, hemp, or other nut milk
1 ½ tsp turmeric, ground
¼ tsp cinnamon, ground
½ tsp honey
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a small saucepan. Whisk to combine.
Warm over medium heat, whisking frequently. Heat until hot, but not boiling.
Serve & enjoy!
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