The warmth and flavor of winter can be captured in the tastes and smells of seasonal spices and nutritionists say you probably don’t even realize you’re doing your body good.
“There are some health benefits to a lot of the foods that we use, especially in the spices,” nutritionist and chiropractor Dr. Eric Snow said.
Let’s start with peppermint: it relieves the pressure from sinus congestion and helps with stomach woes.
“Have some peppermint tea or even something with some peppermint oil in it to help relieve an acidy stomach or indigestion,” Snow said.
When you think cinnamon, think circulation.
“Especially females who have any type of PMS cramping, muscle cramping. It can even benefit general stiffness in the muscles,” Snow said.
Cinnamon also helps control your blood sugar.
Next up: clove, a natural pain healer, especially with tooth and gum pain.
Feeling stressed, grab the nutmeg.
“It can be good for helping with anxiety and other nerve conditions, so when you think nutmeg, think nerve tonic,” Snow said.
Ginger is another spice that can soothe nausea, swelling and boost your immune system.
So, enjoy a gingerbread cookie, sprinkle nutmeg into your eggnog, sip on some peppermint tea and enjoy the flavors of the season that give a healthy kick.