A well-stocked spice cabinet is a powerful thing, one that makes food so much more enjoyable, but it’s benefits don’t end there.
In addition to bringing palate-pleasing flavors to your meals, some spices can benefit your blood sugar, a trait which can help you feel more energized, limit inflammation, and benefit your overall health.
So, what should you be seasoning your meals with besides salt and pepper?
For optimal blood sugar management, consider adding these four spices to your diet.
When you get a taste of these flavors, you won’t even remember you’re doing this for your health.
Brighten Things Up With Turmeric
Turmeric is a relative of ginger whose main reputation among home cooks is as an ingredient that will turn your entire kitchen yellow.
And, while it’s true that turmeric a great natural dye, the plant also contains a compound known as curcumin.
This has been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels in mouse models of Type 2 diabetes, as well as improve insulin sensitivity, which is a problem both in diabetics and in many individuals with other metabolic disorders.
Never used turmeric before?
The spice is a staple in many curries and can help counterbalance the high glycemic index rating of coconut milk, a common curry base.
In fact, as you construct your dish, you may wish to look at a glycemic index chart so that you can ensure you don’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
A Little Spicy, A Little Sweet
Even if you’re only an occasional cook, one spice you almost certainly have in your cabinet is cinnamon.
After all, you can use cinnamon in all kinds of simple baked goods, such as snickerdoodles and zucchini bread, as well as seasonal favorites like apple sauce and pumpkin pie.
When it comes to your blood sugar though, cinnamon may just be the secret weapon you need to help manage your blood glucose levels, as studies show it may produce a statistically significant reduction in response in oral glucose tolerance tests.
Give Ginseng A Go
Most people know ginseng as a potential cognitive aid, but like ginger and turmeric, this root also has its place in the kitchen – along with its ability to support islet cell function.
If you’re interested in testing ginseng out as something other than a supplement, you can use the roots in soup or brew up some ginseng tea.
Though the root can be somewhat bitter, it can add an earthy sweetness similar to carrots or beets when balanced with other flavors.
Ginger Meets Glucose
Given the presence of so many of ginger’s relatives on this list of blood sugar stabilizers, it’s no surprise that ginger also shares in these benefits.
Studies show that consuming ginger can reduce fasting blood glucose levels, as well as hemoglobin A1c, which is used to measure the average insulin activity.
It also pairs well with many of the other ingredients on this list on meats and vegetables.
So often, eating healthfully means sacrificing flavor, but in reality, it doesn’t have to.
With a little know-how, you can enjoy delicious foods that are also good for you, in the ultimate win-win.