Have you ever wondered why we are so excited about the holidays and then as soon as January hits it’s dark and gloomy with nothing but spring to look forward to?
One reason could be the spices we find ourselves eating more of around the holidays.
“When you start reaching for spices to add to your holiday meals and baked treats, you are actually reaching for amazing mood boosting and health boosting ingredients without realizing it. Cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and star anise are holiday staples, but also foods that we should incorporate into our meals all year long,” shares Jaya Jaya Myra, former immunologist and bestselling author and mind-body wellness expert.
Let’s explore what spices Jaya Jaya Myra recommends we use during the holidays to incorporate all year round, especially in the winter!
Cloves
- Rich in Antioxidants and Powerful Immune Booster: Cloves are super high in antioxidants, and can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Cloves also have antimicrobial properties that can support immune function, making them a cold and flu season staple!
- Digestive Aid: Cloves stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, supporting better digestion which can help after a big holiday meal.
- Oral Health: Clove oil contains eugenol, which has natural pain-relieving and antibacterial properties: a perfect option for a pesky toothache!
Cinnamon
- Blood Sugar Regulation and Heart Health: Cinnamon can improve and help lower blood sugar levels – so stressful times call for a good dose of cinnamon! It can even help fight off bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides
- Anti-Inflammatory: The compounds in cinnamon fight inflammation in the body, which is important for year round health, but especially during heavier meals we gravitate towards in colder weather. An added benefit is that anti-inflammatory foods boost mood!
- Brain Health: Cinnamon is great for boosting brain function and mood, and since we spend more time indoors and in the dark, is great for keeping us sharp in the winter!
Ginger
- Anti-Inflammatory and Digestive aid: It contains gingerol, which reduces inflammation and may relieve joint pain. Ginger also helps speed up digestion, reducing bloating and discomfort, and also elevates you mood.
- Immune Support: Ginger is great when it comes to boosting circulation and improving immunity. It is also a powerful ingredient in skincare to help keep your skin hydrated and bright!
Nutmeg
- Sleep Aid: Nutmeg contains compounds that act as natural relaxants, aiding better and more restful sleep, which is what winter is for after all!
- Pain Relief: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate joint and muscle pain – does anyone else get knee pain when it is rainy or snowy outside?!
- Brain Health, Liver, and Kidney Health: Nutmeg has been linked to improved cognitive function and memory retention along with being a great aid when it comes to keeping our liver and kidneys happy and healthy.
Star Anise
- Immune Booster: Star anise is rich in shikimic acid, a compound used in antiviral medications, making it an immune supporter superstar (pun intended of course!)
- Digestive Health: It aids digestion, reducing bloating and indigestion.
- Respiratory Health and Antifungal and Antibacterial: Its bioactive compounds can protect against infections we are more prone to dealing with in the winter. Star anise can help soothe coughs and other respiratory issues.
“I make a point to reach for all of these spices year round to get the amazing benefits on a regular basis. In particular, I love to incorporate these into my morning tea so my day starts off bright and cheerful. Setting my day with intention in my morning tea has made a huge difference in my day-to-day,” she says.
