It’s no secret that your diet plays a crucial role in every aspect of your health, from weight management and metabolism to heart health and blood pressure. Luckily, many of the foods that are great for your heart are also great for slimming down your waistline. But did you know that in addition to adding the right foods to your plate, the right spices could also make a major difference in these areas? It’s true! Spices aren’t only a fantastic way to add more flavor to your meals. They can also offer up incredible benefits for the health of your body. There’s one healthy spice in particular that experts recommend consuming on a regular basis if you want to boost your heart health and lose weight.
To discover one of the best anti-inflammatory spices for a healthier heart and a flatter stomach, we spoke to dietitian Catherine Gervacio of ehproject. She told us that turmeric is one ingredient you can add to your meals every day to reap these benefits. Find all of Gervacio’s insight on this amazing, delicious spice below.
Turmeric for heart health and weight loss
You may know turmeric for its signature yellow color and its starring role in a number of recipes, from curries to golden milk. But in addition to being tasty and vibrant, Gervacio tells us it's also incredibly health, and can even support a healthier heart and body. "It can definitely provide heart-healthy benefits and can aid in weight loss," she says. "This is due to the curcumin content of turmeric which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties."
This anti-inflammatory compound can do wonders for your body, especially when it comes to your heart. According to Gervacio, "Turmeric may help reduce the risk of heart disease by neutralizing the harmful free radicals that can damage the body, including the blood vessels." In addition to neutralizing these free radicals, it can also help lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) in your body.
Curcumin is also a powerful compound in the realm of weight loss. Gervacio says it could even increase fat burn: "Curcumin is known to boost metabolism by increasing the rate at which the body burns calories, therefore contributing to weight loss," she raves. Luckily, there are a lot more metabolism-boosting spices where that comes from.
How to consume turmeric
Want to experience these benefits for yourself? There are practically endless opportunities to work turmeric into your diet. "It pairs well with stir-fries, roasted vegetables, and soups," Gervacio says. "It can also be brewed as a tea to drink in the morning or at night."
She recommends whipping up some golden milk, which is a turmeric latte with honey and a pinch of black pepper. No matter how you choose to add it to your diet, though, turmeric can do wonders for your health.
The bottom line
While turmeric can be a great addition to your diet, it's important to remember that, as Gervacio notes, "no single spice can replace a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle." Eating a diverse array of foods and ensuring ample nutrient intake is always important. However, sprinkling this anti-inflammatory spice into your meals is one small way to support a healthier body.
READ MORE: 3 Supplements You Should Be Taking Daily For A Healthy Heart & Slimmer Waist
