Generally, seniors lose their appetite which may lead to nutritional imbalance. By adding herbs and spices, meals can be tastier which can entice seniors to eat. Besides that, herbs and spices contain nutrients that make healthy foods even healthier.
With seniors’ increased susceptibility to illnesses, eating healthy foods is one way to decrease their vulnerability. One reason for senior’s susceptibility to illnesses is the weakening of their immune system. Herbs and spices are packed with different nutrients that include, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibers that can help in boosting the immunity of seniors. So when it comes to meals for seniors, it pays to use these 11 spices. Meals will not only be more delicious but will also be truly beneficial for their health.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a distinct, strong, and earthy taste that adds an enticing yellow color to meals. It is very popular with Indian cuisine. This spice, which belongs to the ginger family, has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, and antioxidant properties which are brought about by its active ingredient known as curcumin. This substance also promotes liver, heart, and kidney health and can be used to alleviate arthritic symptoms.
Cilantro
Cilantro or coriander is a popular spice to enhance the flavor of vegetable meals, although they are also great for meat dishes. This spice is packed with iron, fibers, and phytochemicals. This makes cilantro perfect for boosting the immune system. Other health benefits of coriander include proper digestion, blood pressure and cholesterol control, improvement of the bone, eye, and oral health.
Garlic
Garlic is an important spice in most Asian cuisines. It is packed with antioxidants that may help you fight cancer. Other medicinal uses of garlic include lowering your blood pressure and with its antimicrobial properties, it can be used for some skin infections and toothache. It is a flavorful spice that can turn an ordinary tasting meal into something savory.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be the most popular spice in Western homes. This can be because of its versatility. It can be used in breads and pastries, cooked meals, and beverages. And with its rich flavor and health benefits, cinnamon should always have a special place in the kitchen. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is now used globally as a powerful agent for weight loss.
Basil
Basil is not only used for its flavorful taste but more often for its enticing aroma. This herb is rich in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is also a good source of magnesium, a mineral that can help boost immunity, promote relaxation, and reduces insulin resistance.
Paprika
Powdered paprika has a more subdued taste than its unpowdered form. It even becomes meatier in taste, making vegetables more delicious without meat. For its health benefits, it can aid in digestion, control cholesterol, and promote eye health.
Ginger
This is also popularly used in Asian cuisine. This root crop is used to treat a couple of illnesses including motion sickness, swelling, pain, and arthritis. It is also helpful in alleviating nausea, indigestion, flu, and some respiratory problems. Ginger plays an important role in Chinese medicine as a treatment for some physical and mental ailments.
Cayenne
Also from the family of peppers, like paprika, cayenne has the active ingredient, capsaicin, which is helpful in pain relief, cholesterol control, weight loss, proper digestion, airway decongestion, and detoxification. It can be the spiciest of all spices but is a favorite spice in Indian and Mexican cuisines.
Mustard
Mustard is the second most used spice in the US. It goes well with any type of meat, fish, and seafood dish. Mustard can help you decrease your high cholesterol levels and alleviate chronic and arthritic pain.
Cardamom
Cardamom is an expensive spice. This can be because of its distinct piney and menthol-like flavor that can make foods extra savory. Or it can be because of the many health benefits that it can give. It is a rich source of zinc, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. With cardamom in your diet, you can have a healthier heart and enhanced oral and skin health. It also helps against depression, diabetes, indigestion, asthma, and blood clot formation.
Cloves
Cloves are one of the most versatile spices around. They can be used in dishes, desserts, drinks. They are also popular as an essential oil in aromatherapy. These spices are packed with antioxidants, antiseptics, fibers, minerals, and vitamins which are helpful to treat many health conditions. They can help in pain relief and relaxation.
Old age does not have to be boring. Start spicing it up with spices. You will not only have more delicious foods, but you will also become healthier for better and more exciting days ahead.