ANGELINA L aRUE Many of us take daily dietary supplements or do something as simple as strategically adding a few helpful seeds and spices to our food. We can reap big benefits from these small additions.
I began regularly sipping on green smoothies about three and half years ago. I like to use this drink as a way to take many of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber I seek to include in my diet.
Following is a list of some of my favorite super spices and seeds and why I have grown to appreciate their outstanding value.
Turmeric with black pepper. Turmeric’s claim to fame is its ability to reduce inflammation by way of a compound called curcumin. Inflammation is the source of many aches and pains we may be experiencing. Turmeric with a pinch of black pepper or preblended with black pepper, is even better, as the black pepper is known to help our bodies absorb the turmeric.
Cinnamon helps to lower blood sugar levels due to a compound it contains called cinnamaldehyde. I have experimented with several varieties, one of which is the Vietnamese cinnamon which is naturally sweet.
Amla powder. Amla is derived from an Indian gooseberry and is a rich source of vitamins and compounds. Research shows it can help support the immune system, improve digestion, relieve acidity, control blood sugar, prevent aging and greying of hair, and reduce the risk of heart disease by regulating the build-up of bad cholesterol.
Flaxseed. Flax is an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion. And it is a source of omega 3, vitamin E, and magnesium, which helps prevent heart disease and hypertension, and helps with controlling blood sugar.
Black cumin seeds. Black cumin has a distinctive flavor, but surprisingly does not taste like the ground cumin we are accustomed to adding to Mexican and Indian food. It contains linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and thymoquinone which as an antioxidant can improve the immune system, help prevent chronic diseases, and some types of cancer.
Psyllium husks. Psyllium is another good source of fiber and can be used in place of over-the-counter laxatives, especially when used routinely the way one might take a product like Metamucil.
I realized it would make my routine super easy by combining all the additives in a jar that I could scoop from each time I blend up a smoothie. This recipe contains the amounts I use for a full week. I also use this blend stirred into my oatmeal on days I would rather have a hot bowl of cereal in place of my smoothie.
Always consult your doctor when making dietary changes.
