Looking to Spice up your Food? Check out some of the best condiments that are sure to spice up your meal
1. Very Flavorful Vinegar
Low in calories and carbs, and free of fat and salt, vinegar adds a burst of flavor to meats, veggies and even fruit. Balsamic vinegar is an awesome salad dressing, vinegar–mixed with a few herbs and spices–infuses chicken, beef and pork with zest, and reducing fruit vinegar on the stove creates a delicious sauce for grilled meats.
2. Get Healthier Grilled Meats with Rosemary
All by itself, mustard is a condiment all-star. It’s tangy, mildly sweet and is sugar free. The yellow color comes from turmeric, a spice with cancer-combating properties.
Beware of mustards that are gussied up and have mayo, honey and other additives; they tend to be higher in sugar and fat and won’t pack as much of a nutritional punch. Mustard makes a great marinade for meat and dresses up a sandwich quite nicely.
3. Plain Old Mustard
All by itself, mustard is a condiment all-star. It’s tangy, mildly sweet and is sugar free. The yellow color comes from turmeric, a spice with cancer-combating properties.
Beware of mustards that are gussied up and have mayo, honey and other additives; they tend to be higher in sugar and fat and won’t pack as much of a nutritional punch. Mustard makes a great marinade for meat and dresses up a sandwich quite nicely.
4. Stabilize Blood-sugar with Cinnamon
A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down, but a spoonful of cinnamon will keep you from having to take medicine in the first place. By adding it to starchy foods, it lessens the impact the carbs have on your blood-sugar. Sprinkle it on oatmeal, granola yogurt and coffee; add it to pancake and muffin batter; mix it in with mashed sweet potatoes or carrots.
5. Squelch Your Appetite with Hot Sauce
Chili peppers, a main ingredient in this spicy red sauce, is high in capsaicin and works to reduce your hunger-stimulating hormones. Give plain tomato juice or soups a boost with a dash of your favorite hot sauce; add it to tacos, meatloaf or hamburgers; or sprinkle it on grapefruit and oranges for a taste bud tingling dessert.
6. Increase Memory with Olive Oil
Diets too low in fat may be responsible for poor memory, and studies show that oleic acid–a fatty acid–found in olive oil keeps your brain cells nourished and in optimal health. Sauté veggies in this heart-healthy oil, or drizzle it over roasted asparagus with garlic and salt for a side dish that will have the family begging for more.
7. Boost Your Healthy Bacteria Levels with Sauerkraut
Full of good bacteria that eases digestion, relieves gas and overall discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome, sauerkraut is a great accompaniment to turkey hot dogs, hamburgers or veggie-filled stir-fry.
8. Detox with Horseradish
It’s not a spice for everyone, but horseradish has compounds that amplify your body’s natural ability to detoxify and slow the growth of tumors. Just a small spoonful is all you need to add some gusto to your sandwiches, marinades or yogurt-based dips. For a healthy appetizer, mix a cup of Greek yogurt, some fresh dill, garlic and horseradish and serve with raw veggies.
9. Sneak in More Vegetables with Salsa
Made with fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic, you’ll sneak in an extra serving or two of veggies when you top your tacos, fajitas and baked potatoes with this spicy Tex-Mex staple.
10. Cut Your Risk of Cancer with Black Pepper
Keep a peppercorn grinder on the table and season your food to your heart’s content with this spice that keeps cancer-starting stem cells at bay.
