Improve Your Wellbeing as You Spice Up the Fall Season

The thought of fall conjures up smells and thoughts of warm spices, like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and mulling spices. 

Did you realize that, besides smelling delightful, these spices are incredibly healthy for you? 

Paulette Lambert, RD, CDE, explains that there’s no need to pay for expensive supplements that have no proven benefit yet. “Indeed, the science is not quite there yet on exactly how spices play a role in health,” she says. “However, many studies are currently looking at the health benefits of many fall spices.” 

Lambert advises that people consume these spices in their natural form to get an organic health boost. 

How Fall Spices Benefit Our Health 

Scientists are exploring how, exactly, fall spices benefit humans. Here are some of their hypotheses and research findings. 

• Lower Inflammation 

Many chronic illnesses, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, arthritis, and some cancers, are caused or impacted by inflammation in the body. 

Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cloves are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Sprinkle some cinnamon or cloves on your morning oatmeal, or add turmeric and ginger to your daily smoothie. 

• Ease Digestion and Improve Gut Health 

Fall means that the holidays are right around the corner. If you tend to overeat this time of year, you may want to add some extra fall spices to your life. 

For example, ginger is excellent for aiding digestion. Add it to a cup of peppermint tea after a heavy meal to reduce bloating and other digestive pain. Turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves can ease digestion and improve overall gut health. 

• Antioxidant Properties 

Some spices, such as nutmeg, have antioxidant properties that can improve health.  

• Improve Insulin Sensitivity 

Insulin is a hormone that regulates energy use and metabolism. The body relies on insulin to carry blood sugar to the cells via the bloodstream. 

People who have Type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance, which means the body’s cells don’t respond to insulin. 

Research suggests that cinnamon can lower insulin resistance, making it easier for insulin to lower blood sugar levels. 

However, cinnamon is not an insulin replacement. Anyone taking diabetes medication should consult their physician if they have questions about how adding cinnamon can benefit their overall health. 

• Keep You Grom Getting Sick 

Some fall spices have antibacterial properties, such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. They may boost your immune system and keep you from getting sick. 

Are You Ready for Fall? 

Because there is still a lot we don’t know about the connection between fall spices and our health, it’s a good idea to stay away from supplements unless advised by a physician. 

You can get great benefits simply by adding these fall spices to your diet. Stock up your pantry with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, turmeric, and cardamon, and add them to every meal. In addition to getting some health benefits, you’ll get tasty flavours in every meal. 

Consider a culinary experience from the Center for Health & Wellbeing at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village for more nutrition and wellness advice. You can learn more about incorporating fall spices into your meals or get a nutrition consultation that helps you map out a meal plan based on your unique needs.