Get savvy about herbs and spices
>> this morning on "today's" daily dose. a dash of this and a sprinkle of that can do more than add flavor to your food. herbs and spices are full of antioxidants and other healthy benefits. kerry, good to see you.
>> good morning.
>> let's begin with the difference between an herb and a spice.
>> most people clump them together including myself these days. but there is a difference. an herb comes from the leafy part of the plant and the spice comes from the bark, the root or the seed of the plant.
>> they are good for overall health. they don't just taste good?
>> they are good. they are virtually calorie-free, loaded with health benefits and lots of flavor. anyone can add them any time to any meal.
>> let's get into them. ginger is helpful with digestion. i didn't know that.
>> we think of ginger as calming the stomach. it also has anti-inflammatory properties. research has shown ginger can help reduce pain at the onset of a migraine. it's not just for stir fries. add it to smoothies and yogurt.
>> oregano. i think pizza.
>> most people think of italian food because of the flavor but it has benefits. gram for gram it has four times the amount of antioxidant power of blueberries. because it's so powerful a little bit throughout the day has added benefits.
>> we love cinnamon. it tastes good and it's good for us?
>> it can control blood sugar and reduce heart disease because of the anti-inflammatory benefits of it. important for everybody with diabetes, high blood pressure and heart conditions. also, i love this about cinnamon. it can actually increase your alertness and ease frustration. put a little bit in a container near your desk for a better afternoon.
>> or use it in the morning. one i confess no not knowing much about. turmeric.
>> it is the compound inside that gives it a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property. this is being researched in connection with reducing pain because it mimics pain medications. it's being looked at in pe preventing alzheimer's disease.
>> where do we find it?
>> in curry and it's found added to soups. it's got a great color and flavor. beautify your food. add it to cauliflower, eggs. make food pretty.
>> chili pepper is used in food and drinks . good for us as well?
>> it is. because of capsaicin the star compound. it is known to increase metabolism slightly and also curb hunger. think about it. spicy food . we're more satisfied. if you're congested it may open up your nasal passages. everything from a mojito to things like guacamole. you can even add that to a smoothie.
>> i'll add it to a mojito now.
>> it's friday!
>> keri, thank ss so much. still ahead an ambush makeover for two lucky ladies who took part in the big
