What do you wake up to?
Maybe you have heard the old saying: “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” It means that you should focus your daily intake on the first meal of your day – how you rise determines whether or not you will shine!
So, what do you wake up to?
I love a good spiced latte, personally.
Every morning, my husband helps me start my day right. He sprinkles half a teaspoon of cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron into a glass, fills it with steamed milk, and then adds a shot of organic espresso.
Oh – when I tell you that it’s so good…
But, it’s not just good tasting – it’s also good for the brain. Saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom are powerful antioxidants that protect the brain from the oxidative stress linked to cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, cardiac events, depression, and countless other health issues.
As you can imagine – I love starting my day with a brain boost!
Believe it or not, spices are some of the most underused tools of improving brain performance and mental health. And because they are so easy to use, they are some of the simplest brain-health tools at your disposal.
This season, try adding some of these spices to your menu and see how much their benefits can to your holiday cheer 🙂
1. Saffron – nicknamed the “sunshine spice” for its antidepressant qualities.
I first discovered the sunshine spice 6 years ago when I moved to Sweden. It was found in the seasonal lussekatt buns that my neighbors and friends introduced me to for St. Lucia (13 December).
Honestly, it was a match made in heaven. Today, I add it to all of my meals… because it is a miracle spice.
It is not only an antioxidant, but saffron has also been shown to improve memory and learning ability, sleep quality, and appetite regulation (which is definitely something I need around the holidays!).
I keep saffron in a little vial and take it everywhere I go.
Now, as I said, I add it to everything – but if you are looking for something to bring the spice to the forefront this holiday season, you can try this garlicky saffron rice recipe.
2. Turmeric.
You may know turmeric for its distinctive yellow color and earthy taste, but it is more than just a pretty flavor. Turmeric has been used in medicine for more than 4,000 years to treat a wide variety of health concerns including skin issues, upper respiratory tract disorders, joint pain, digestive problems, and more.
Like saffron, turmeric is also an antioxidant, meaning it protects our brains against oxidative stress. But its main active compound, called curcumin, has also been shown to have neurologically beneficial properties that can encourage neuron growth and fight Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric is used in a lot of curries, but if that is not your favorite, you can try this creamy turmeric chicken recipe – just the photo is making my mouth water.
3. Cinnamon.
With as much as we associate cinnamon with end-of-year festivities, people all around the world naturally enjoy it around this time. This wintertime love of the spice was officially recognized in 2019, when spice company McCormick made the turning point of the fall holiday season, November 1, National Cinnamon Day.
Cinnamon is another super spice, acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent, as well as enhancing your focus and memory. It is usually found in a lot of sugary Christmas treats, but if you want to get your cinnamon fix without the carbs, you can try this cinnamon tea recipe.
4. Cardamom.
Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine (say those 5 times fast!), is a crucial vitamin for a healthy nervous system and immune system – and cardamom is full of it.
And not only that, but cardamom is also packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that protect the brain from free radical damage, as well as neurodegenerative disorders like dementia. As well, cardamom is another “sunshine” spice, improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression.
This cardamom honey chicken recipe is a delicious way to get the spice into your holiday menu!
5. Rosemary.
Did you know that just sniffing some rosemary can improve not just your concentration, but also your mood? (I think that’s pretty cool – but that’s just my two scents. Lol!)
You may use rosemary all the time in your cooking, but don’t take it for granted! Researchers have found that even the small amount used in your meal can help protect older brains against cognitive decline and even improve the quality of their cognition.
I absolutely love rosemary on my potatoes – so I would recommend trying out this rosemary roasted potato recipe!
6. Oregano.
You know oregano as the spice that is everywhere in Italian sauces, but it is also – say it with me, now – an effective antioxidant!
As versatile as it is in taste, it is also in its health benefits: oregano is shown to improve the health of your gut, your brain, and your immune system, in addition to boosting your mood and your motivation.
Plus, researchers saw an increase in alpha-1 brain waves when introducing oregano into the diet. This is the kind of brain activity associated with a relaxed or sleepy state. This means that oregano may be helpful for relaxing and reducing anxiety.
Keep warm this winter with a bowl of chunky tomato oregano soup!
Which of these spices will you use to keep your mind sharp and your spirit bright these holidays? Let me know – I would love to be a part of your health journey!
Make today your masterpiece!
Florina
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