Chef Mark Cleveland of Avanti Natural
If you’re an avid reader of Ron and Lisa, then you’re likely keen to the healing power of food for achieving optimal health and wellness. Spices, herbs & seeds are among the most invigorating and body-nurturing ingredients.
Healing Benefits of Spices
Like Lucy Ricardo said so many years ago, “We can spoon our way to health!” For the holidays, why not put your culinary knowledge and creativity into practice by creating flavorful herb and spice gift blends? Foods heal if used properly. Here are just a few medicinal benefits of some spices:
- Oregano is an antiviral
- Cloves are antibacterial
- Turmeric & ginger are anti inflammatory
- Fennel & hibiscus are good for high blood pressure
- Cinnamon & nopales regulate blood sugar
- Chili pepper stimulates the cardio vascular system
Homemade spice blends in packets and bowls. Give the gift of flavor & health for any holiday.
Instead of reaching for multiple jars in front of the stove, help your gift recipient (and yourself) plan ahead by creating great tasting, health-boosting spice blends via a fun-filled, creative hour in the kitchen. Think regional flavors. Think specific health benefits. Think overall wellness. Then get out your measuring spoons and combine varieties.
I prefer a mixture of ground spices, whole seeds & dried herbs. You can get creative with Italian, Thai, Mexican, French, Japanese Spanish and Lebanese. Or, whip up some fun labels with a list of ingredients and serving suggestions, then pack the blends into small Ziploc bags or larger glass jars. Blooming spices in a little EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), avocado or sesame oil creates a ton of flavor instantly. Cooking truly can be fast, flavorful and fun. And, the spicy gifts you offer will nurture your recipient long after they open their gift. Here are a few ways to create balance with spices:
1.) Body (taste nutmeg, cumin, peppermint)
2.) Soul (mediate on lavender, sesame, chamomile & lemon balm)
3.) Mind (inhale sage, saffron, rosemary, garlic & basil)
Gift a tasteful, hand-blended gift of culinary pizzazz to add meaning this holiday season. When you begin to discover the health benefits of herbs, seeds and spices, you’ll find that many are healing powerhouses including: Ginger, turmeric, chili peppers (including sweet paprika, for those that don’t like heat), sage, rosemary, parsley, saffron, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, basil, lavender and fennel. Make up your own concoctions that will fill your senses with soothing fragrances and tantalizing flavor as they soothe and support your overall health. Or, try some of our Avanti Natural recipes to create your own your low sodium solutions by adding more flavor, less salt HERE.
Also, enjoy our favorite Ayurvedic style golden spice blends HERE.
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