We love using spices to add flavor and complexity to our dishes. While we prefer to use fresh when possible, dry spices work as well (opt for organic), and offer many of the same flavor and health benefits. Here are our top five for healthy and delicious meals:
Garlic Powder
While we always opt for fresh garlic (diced cloves or minced), garlic powder is great when you're short on time and need to whip up a healthy meal for dinner. Garlic has a ton of vitamins and nutrients, including Magnese, Vitamin B6 & C, fiber, iron, and calcium. It's also said to be good for your cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and help fight common colds. Depending on how garlic-y you like things, sprinkle a heaping spoonful in soups, stews, and baked veggies.
Paprika
You're probably familiar with this vibrant red spice; it's popular in many dishes around the world. We love using paprika for flavoring baked chickpeas--our favorite meat-substitute in almost any dish. Baked chickpeas are great in wraps, on salads, and even mashed-up for a sandwich filler. Coat in avocado oil and roll in a generous amount of the spice. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, or until the chickpeas are crispy. Paprika is said to help aid sleep, prevent hair loss, and help with skin problems. It's also anti-inflammatory.
Cumin
Cumin is excellent if you're making Latin-inspired dishes. We love this spice to add a kick to black bean dishes, enchiladas, and chili. Made from a seed, the powdery spice is said to contain antioxidants, help control blood sugar, and even aid in preventing cancer.
Turmeric
Easily one of the healthiest spices on the list, turmeric is loved by wellness experts for its anti-inflammatory properties. Sprinkle on everything from eggs to roasted veggies to soups and smoothies. This one isn't only for curries!
Oregano
This spice comes from a plant and is popular in Mediterranean-inspired dishes. We love it though for its subtle earthy flavor, which is perfect for pasta and meat dishes. Oregano is thought to have numerous health benefits, including aiding muscle aches, regulating blood sugar, fighting bacteria, and relieving indigestion.
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