Spices play an important part in making delicious meals. They give our foods distinct flavor and aroma. Did you know that certain winter spices can give your body warmth? Here are just a few that can help steer off that down to the bone chill winter so graciously offers.
Cinnamon – This winter spice is used often for its distinctive taste and smell. Add a cinnamon stick to a hot beverage. Ground cinnamon is a great topping for toast, oatmeal and fruit. Cinnamon also finds it way into baked foods, chili and soup. Cinnamon can be used as a natural sweetener for applesauce. Diabetics can use this winter spice to help reduce blood sugar levels along with triglycerides and cholesterol.
Ginger – Ginger not only warms a cold body, but is also quite healthy. This spice is known for having powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Many use this spice to help with migraine headaches, arthritis and nausea. Ginger can be added to soups, to top vegetables or sprinkled over meats to give them a tangy flavor. It can also give tea a zesty bite.
Cloves – Cloves have a unique taste. They are often used when roasting meats to give the meat a full flavor. Hams are especially tasty when topped with cloves. This spice can be used in teas or baked foods. Cloves are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
