| SPICE UP YOUR HOLIDAYS AND PUMPKINS
Spices, in general, are added to wake up the taste buds. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, turmeric, and nutmeg are spices that not only go with festive meals and baking, but they also have some health benefits. While the little we use in recipes probably does not provide enough for any health benefit, when added in supplements, they may help.
Cinnamon can be added to many baked recipes and drinks. It helps regulate blood sugar by using glucose more effectively.
Cloves (fundamental to gingerbread, fruitcake, and pumpkin recipes) are high in antioxidants. This can help lower the risk of chronic diseases. Cloves also contain certain vitamins and minerals.
Ginger (like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg) adds punch to holiday stuffing and root vegetables. It’s well known for digestive benefits, relieving nausea as well as gas and bloating. (I take it whenever going on a boat or cruise.)
Turmeric has an earthy, slightly peppery taste. It adds pizzazz to turkey, roasted carrots, and cauliflower. It’s rich in phytonutrients that may protect the body by neutralizing free radicals, thereby shielding cells from damage. Some studies link it to less arthritic pain and improvements in mood.
Nutmeg, like cloves, is rich in antioxidants. Like ginger, it also helps with bloating and gas. There may even be some sedative effects to help with sleep. Large doses, though, may result in hallucinations and an increased heart rate.
(Did You Know? Canned pumpkin puree comes from a Dickinson pumpkin and NOT the carving pumpkin most associated with Halloween.)
Pumpkins are in the same family as gourds, watermelons, honeydew melons, and cucumbers. They are rich in vitamin A and potassium. These nutrients are also found in other squash varieties, as well as carrots and sweet potatoes. (Which is probably why they go good together.)
Pumpkins are used in many ways around our current holidays, but are also good in many international foods. They are used in Indian and Caribbean curries, Russian pancakes, Thai custard, African stews, Italian risottos, and stuffed pastas. They are interchangeable with butternut, acorn, and kabocha squashes.
Don’t forget the seeds of pumpkins. When oven-roasted with salt, sweet, or spicy seasoning, they are a great, healthy snack!
-Harvard’s Women’s Health Watch, Tuft’s Health & Nutrition Letter, Gemini |
