The Best Spices for Weight Loss and Health

While spices and herbs are great to help season and flavor our foods, did you know they have several health benefits as well? For centuries, spices have been used for their medicinal and healing properties and some spices may even aid in weight loss!

Take a look below at some of the best spices that may give your health and weigh loss a major boost!

1) Cinnamon 

The first spice we're going to highlight is cinnamon! This warm spice is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to help combat free radicals. Not to mention, some studies also show cinnamon may help reduce blood sugar levels.

Pair It With: Aside from being a usual ingredient in baking or in your morning oatmeal, cinnamon can taste delicious in your morning shake, a cup of coffee, or even in some rubs and marinades for meat!

2) Cumin

This potent but versatile spice (used frequently in Latin American, Hispanic, and Indian cuisines) may help aid in digestion and, like cinnamon, contains anti-inflammatory properties to help keep your health in optimal shape.

Pair It With: This spice works well when used in conjunction with other flavors. It’s a key ingredient in taco seasoning, makes a great rub on pork, beef, or chicken, and can add great flavor to a simple rice and bean dish.

3) Black Pepper

Good news! This next spice is probably already in your pantry, black pepper!

Black pepper has been shown to soothe an upset stomach and support digestion. Piperine, the main active ingredient in black pepper, may also support the brain - giving it an extra boost!

Pair It With: Anything! It tastes especially great when freshly ground on top of grilled meats and fresh salads.

 4) Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is another spice that holds immense benefits for both health and weight loss!

Capsaicin, the active ingredient that gives peppers their heat, has anti-inflammatory properties that can support immunity and may even promote heart health.

Pair It With: Meat, fish, rice, beans, and eggs if you love a little heat!

5) Mustard 

Mustard is another great spice to incorporate into your diet! However, regular mustard sauces tend to be overly processed with added sugars, so check the nutrition label of your mustard to ensure it doesn't have too many unnecessary additives. 

On the other hand, mustard seed is actually a source of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, manganese, phosphorous, copper, and zinc to help support overall health.

Pair It With: Mustard and mustard seed tastes great on sandwiches, in salad dressings, and in marinades.

6) Ginger

Next, this zesty spice is not only great for health, but for your skin as well. You may already know ginger as the spice that can ease an upset tummy, but it's also contains vitamin C to help support immunity and possibly even stimulate collagen production to promote glowing skin.

Pair It With: Grated ginger is delicious in smoothies, teas, marinades, and salad dressings.

7) Turmeric

Vibrant and yellow, turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, is known for its antioxidants and powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may support heart health, radiant skin, and more!

Pair It With: Turmeric is the base of many Indian curries, and can also be used in meat marinades.

8) Cardamom

Similar to cinnamon, cardamom has a floral and sweet taste that is incredibly versatile.

Full of antioxidants, cardamom is a powerful spice that may help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body.

Pair It With: Use cardamom in baking recipes, as an addition to your black tea or even in a meat rub. 

Ready to start incorporating these spices into your daily routine? Check out nutritionist-approved healthy recipes here! 

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