Stock up on spices! There is an abundance of antioxidants in them!
Did you know that there are tremendous health benefits in your spice cabinet? In fact, about 1⁄2 teaspoon of cloves will contribute more dietary antioxidant than a 1⁄2-cup serving of blueberries and, 1⁄2 teaspoon of dried oregano contains the equivalent antioxidants of 1⁄2 cup sweet potatoes. Wow, this is definitely a good time to take a look at the spices you have, throw out the ones that have been sitting unused for years, and get a good system in place for you to store and use an abundance of spices on a regular basis.
The more antioxidants people consume, the better the chance of ridding the body of free radicals. Antioxidants are critical to good health and weight management. You should consume foods that deliver a high amount of antioxidants, and spices can do just that for you! There are lots of great spices that deliver health benefits but here are the top 10 according to a scientific measurement tool that records the greatest amount of antioxidants.
Top 10 Herb and Spice Antioxidants
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Oregano
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Parsley
- Basil
- Sage
- Mustard Seed
- Ginger
Just because the above list consists of only 10 spices doesn’t mean you should ignore the others. Please add these wonderful spices to your cabinet too, because they also deliver tremendous health benefits:
- Allspice
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Saffron
- Tarragon
- Peppermint
- Lemon Balm
So now that you know what to have on hand, check out some great ideas for storing them. Some of these are really creative.
And finally, aside from getting your spices in order, you can mix a few together in separate bottles to make your own mixes like taco seasoning, steak rub, and ranch dressing, to name a few. It is easy to do, and so much healthier than buying pre-made packages as they are full of MSG and other crazy chemicals. Here are some great recipes from Keeper of the Home.
Now, take some time this week, gather up some bottles, and head on over to your favorite spice store with your list in hand. Your body will thank you!
