Spice up a Healthy Lifestyle
It’s the little things — like a shake or two of cinnamon or oregano — say the herbs and spices experts at McCormick & Company, Inc. that can put you on the path to a healthier diet. The leading global seller of herbs and spices has published some quick and easy tips for better eating with the help of superfoods diet author Wendy Bazilian.
“Making simple lifestyle changes to boost health is easier than people think,” says Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RD, author of “The Superfoods Rx Diet.” “For example, taking a four-minute walk or adding 300 steps each day adds up to an extra mile by the end of the week.”
One of Bazilian’s simplest — and most surprising — strategies to boost health and wellness is to add antioxidant-rich spices and herbs — like oregano, cinnamon and ginger — to meals, snacks and beverages. Instead of sacrificing taste when reducing some of those “off-limit” ingredients in the name of health, adding spices and herbs to foods enhances not only nutrition value, but also flavor.
Antioxidant Benefits Could be Just a Sprinkle Away
While colorful fruits, such as blueberries and pomegranates, and dark leafy veggies like spinach and kale are commonly known as “super foods” with powerful antioxidants, certain spices and herbs are actually rich in antioxidants, too (according to Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity [ORAC] of Selected Foods www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata/ORAC).
“People might be surprised to learn that one-half teaspoon of ground cinnamon has as many antioxidants as one-half cup raspberries or strawberries, and just one-half teaspoon of oregano has as many antioxidants as three cups of fresh spinach,” Bazilian says.
Cinnamon and oregano are two of the McCormick seven Super Spices highlighted for their antioxidant activity, which is comparable to many fruits and vegetables, including today’s “super foods.”
“Because the Super Spices are commonly found in home pantries, they can be such an economical and convenient enhancement to a daily meal and snack routine,” notes Bazilian.
A couple of her tips for shaking your way to better health include: Make guacamole by stirring in 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper or crushed red pepper. Or create spiced Curried Pilaf by adding 1/2 teaspoon yellow curry to two cups hot cooked rice. Add flavor and texture with a handful of shredded carrots, peas, raisins or toasted sliced almonds.
For more flavorful, antioxidant-boosting tips and recipes, plus information about the Super Spices and health, visit www.spicesforhealth.com.
McCormick was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Md. Today, it is a global leader in the sale of spices, herbs and seasonings. McCormick sources high-quality ingredients from far-reaching destinations to bring a world of flavors to consumers.
“Making simple lifestyle changes to boost health is easier than people think,” says Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RD, author of “The Superfoods Rx Diet.” “For example, taking a four-minute walk or adding 300 steps each day adds up to an extra mile by the end of the week.”
One of Bazilian’s simplest — and most surprising — strategies to boost health and wellness is to add antioxidant-rich spices and herbs — like oregano, cinnamon and ginger — to meals, snacks and beverages. Instead of sacrificing taste when reducing some of those “off-limit” ingredients in the name of health, adding spices and herbs to foods enhances not only nutrition value, but also flavor.
Antioxidant Benefits Could be Just a Sprinkle Away
While colorful fruits, such as blueberries and pomegranates, and dark leafy veggies like spinach and kale are commonly known as “super foods” with powerful antioxidants, certain spices and herbs are actually rich in antioxidants, too (according to Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity [ORAC] of Selected Foods www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata/ORAC).
“People might be surprised to learn that one-half teaspoon of ground cinnamon has as many antioxidants as one-half cup raspberries or strawberries, and just one-half teaspoon of oregano has as many antioxidants as three cups of fresh spinach,” Bazilian says.
Cinnamon and oregano are two of the McCormick seven Super Spices highlighted for their antioxidant activity, which is comparable to many fruits and vegetables, including today’s “super foods.”
“Because the Super Spices are commonly found in home pantries, they can be such an economical and convenient enhancement to a daily meal and snack routine,” notes Bazilian.
A couple of her tips for shaking your way to better health include: Make guacamole by stirring in 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper or crushed red pepper. Or create spiced Curried Pilaf by adding 1/2 teaspoon yellow curry to two cups hot cooked rice. Add flavor and texture with a handful of shredded carrots, peas, raisins or toasted sliced almonds.
For more flavorful, antioxidant-boosting tips and recipes, plus information about the Super Spices and health, visit www.spicesforhealth.com.
McCormick was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Md. Today, it is a global leader in the sale of spices, herbs and seasonings. McCormick sources high-quality ingredients from far-reaching destinations to bring a world of flavors to consumers.