Spices and flavorings can give that extra touch to everyday recipes. Including them in dishes allows you to flavor them by reducing the salt you use.

Not only that, some active ingredients have several positive health reactions once absorbed by the body, such as increasing metabolism.

Some of the most effective spices include turmeric, black pepper, ginger, chili pepper, and cinnamon.

Turmeric

Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, stimulates fat metabolism and reduces inflammation in adipose tissue. It also plays an important role in controlling blood sugar and fat levels, has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps maintain healthy brain function as we age.

In many recipes, turmeric can replace saffron, which is more expensive.

Black pepper

Black pepper is the unripe, dried fruit of Piper nigrum, one of the 700 existing pepper species. Pepper contains many minerals, including potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C.

Piperine, the active ingredient in pepper, has thermogenic properties, improves digestion, and prevents problems such as heaviness and stomach bloating.

Chili pepper

Chili pepper (Capsicum annum) belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is a source of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and capsaicin.

Capsaicin is the substance responsible for its flavor and has thermogenic properties. It stimulates metabolism and has pain-relieving properties. Several studies suggest that capsaicin may be an active ingredient with antibacterial, antitumor, analgesic, and antidiabetic actions and that in cases of obesity, it may help reduce “bad” cholesterol.

Ginger

Ginger is the rhizome (the root) of Zingiber officinale, which we also take in spice form.

Ginger has a cooling effect; It contains gingerols, which give it its classic pungent flavor. Ginger helps purify and positively stimulate the organs, collecting and eliminating toxins and harmful substances. 

Ginger also has an antioxidant digestive action, improving meteorism, bloating, and fermentation disorders.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is produced by drying the inner part of the bark of several plants belonging to the Lauraceae Family and can be consumed in sticks or powder form. 

Cinnamon contains many minerals, among which iron, calcium, and potassium stand out in quantity, and a good amount of fiber. It can stabilize blood glucose levels, alleviate hunger, improve digestion, and reduce intestinal fermentation.

Turmeric, broccoli, and cottage cheese meatballs

Ingredients per person:

  • 150 g broccoli;
  • 150 g ricotta cheese; 
  • A few tablespoons of breadcrumbs;
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric; 
  • Extra virgin olive oil.

Procedure

Clean the broccoli and steam for about 20-30 minutes. Once cooked, blend or mash them with a fork. Combine the ricotta and breadcrumbs, mixing well. Add a pinch of salt, turmeric, and, if desired, other spices, such as pepper and rosemary. With the help of a spoon, form patties and cover them with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle with a drizzle of oil. Bake in the oven at 392 °F for about 15-20 minutes.