The temperature is dropping and the chilly air is making us more vulnerable to overeating, illness, and moodiness . While you may want to turn up the heat with a cozy fire or space heaters, you may also consider raising your internal temperature with warming spices.
Hot spices often appear in winter drinks and desserts, and for good reason. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and pepper increase our digestive fire and allow our bodies to better digest the fats and sugars we consume more of in the chilly months. Cinnamon has been well-studied for its ability to reduce blood sugar spikes and A1C levels over time. Research also suggests that cayenne may boost metabolism, promote circulation, and reduce the harmful impact of LDL cholesterol.
Spicy foods may also trigger the “browning” of our body’s adipose tissues (fat). Brown fat is the type of fat the body burns to keep you warm. Children have a lot of it, which is why they can run around in the snow and have very little complaints. But as we age the brown fat dwindles and the white fat takes over. While there are benefits of a healthy amount of white fat, the conversion of white fat to brown fat can keep you warm and be a helpful weight-management strategy.
These spicy plants are also supportive to the immune system. Clove, star anise, and cinnamon are known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, therefore adding an extra support against invading germs and fall allergens. Cayenne contains a significant amount of Vitamin C which builds the immune system over time. The heat can also clear your sinuses.
Smile has a ready-made hot blend of powdered herbs and spices called “Composition Powder”, to support cold-season sinuses by warming and drying.
Additionally, the tingling sensation on your tongue when eating something spicy releases endorphins. Those endorphins can be a much needed mood lift during the dark season. Making desserts with warming spices could balance out the sugar as well as bring some creativity to the holiday table. (Dare I say, Gingerbread village!)
I have been heating my holidays with Mulled Apple Cider. It is delicious and warms my entire body.
Mulled Apple Cider
1 cup of farmer’s markets apple cider
2-3 slices of finely sliced fresh ginger
1 tsp of ceylon cinnamon
1/4 tsp of cayenne
1 star anise (optional)
- Bring ingredients to a boil in a saucepan
- Turn down heat to lowest temperature and stir contents
- Place a lid on saucepan and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes
- Stir and pour drink into your cutest ceramic cup
- Enjoy!
Happy Cooking!
For More Information:
Smile Herb Blogs: Warming Spices
Smile Herb Blogs: Winter Digestion
https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-cinnamon
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/star-anise
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4945767
https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/the-health-benefits-of-spicy-foods
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