Five Beneficial Holiday Spices

There are few things that can immediately remind you of the holidays, no matter what time of year it is – the scent of a pine tree, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg – they instantly take you there.  Holiday spices are incredibly inviting and comforting but did you know they can also be very beneficial to your health?
 
These spices hold a purpose beyond their delicious taste that you may not have realized before.  Your favorite holiday spices have wonderful health promoting properties that provide you with several health benefits to keep your immune system strong this season, consider:
 
Cinnamon.  Perhaps the most popular holiday flavor and the most widely used spice year-round.  Cinnamon provides a warming effect for your body in the cold months, boosts your immune system, stabilizes blood sugar and aids in digestion.   
 
Nutmeg.  Another favorite holiday spice, nutmeg adds a punch of flavor but a little goes a long way so use sparingly in small doses.  Nutmeg stimulates your digestion, helps detoxify your body and promotes healthy circulation.
 
Cloves.  Similar to cinnamon and nutmeg, cloves also aid in promoting healthy digestion, which is certainly helpful after those heavy holiday meals.  Cloves are also beneficial for reducing phlegm, which is a common ailment this time of year due to cold and flu season.
 
Rosemary.  A favorite to add to your roasted veggies, rosemary is a popular Mediterranean herb that can be used sparingly to add a punch of flavor to your dish.  Rosemary is helpful for natural stress relief, combating inflammation, detoxifying the body and calming an upset stomach. 
 
Peppermint.  The perfect follow-up to your hearty meal, peppermint is wonderful for aiding in digestion, relaxing the stomach and enhancing your mood.  Have yourself a cup of peppermint tea as a daily ritual during the cold months and notice of how different you feel.
 
Now you know that you have an array of health promoting herbs and spices to infuse into your kitchen this season.  Whether you add a nice cup of peppermint tea to your after-dinner wind-down, a dash of cinnamon to your oatmeal, or sprinkling of fresh rosemary on your roasted vegetables – take every opportunity to enjoy these beneficial spices this season.  Bon appétit!
 
Need some helpful tips to stay ahead of holiday stress? Send me an email at sarawolfsen@gmail.com to request your free holiday download! And be sure to inquire about a free sample of Peppermint Essential Oil to warm your winter blues.

 
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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health & Lifestyle Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.

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