If you’re trying to lose weight, get your digestive system back on track, or both, one of the most important things you should consider is your diet. While you may be focusing on the amount of food you’re eating or ensuring you’re consuming the right nutrients (which is all important!) you could be forgetting one major key to a healthier gut and faster weight loss: spices! Spices don’t only add great flavor to food. They can also help boost your metabolism and fight inflammation.
To learn more about the role spices play in weight loss and health, as well as which ones can best help you reach your goals, we spoke to Registered Nurse Krista Elkins, BA, RN, CFRN, NRP, CCP-C. She pointed out three delicious spices that will please your taste buds and your body. Find all of her top choices below!
Cayenne Pepper
Great news for those who love to kick the spice levels up a notch in their food! Elkins says cayenne pepper is one of the best spices to eat regularly if you're trying to boost your metabolism. "It works by increasing extra body heat, known as thermogenesis, which helps you shed those extra pounds!" she says. Nice!
If you're looking for a way to fit this ingredient into your daily diet, you have a ton of options to choose from. "Sprinkle cayenne pepper on just about anything, from fish to vegetables and nuts," Elkins suggests. Of course, it also works in a number of spicy recipes. And if you really want to start your day off on the right food with a bit of a kick, she has one final suggestion: "One extra healthy way to use cayenne is with some fresh lemon juice in your first glass of water in the morning!"
Ginger
Ginger is delicious, fragrant, and, luckily, super healthy, according to Elkins. That's right: this tasty spice can also help boost your metabolic rate and improve your gut health. It works the same way cayenne does: "Ginger is similar to cayenne in that it increases thermogenesis, leading to weight loss," Elkins explains. Thankfully, the spice is as versatile as it is delicious. "You can throw some fresh ginger in just about anything you cook, especially a stir-fry," Elkins suggests. Yum!
Turmeric
If you love colorful, fragrant food such as Indian and Thai curries, you've likely tasted the incredible flavors of turmeric. This famously yellow spice doesn't just make your taste buds happy; it's also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. "[Turmeric] is a natural anti-inflammatory and it will help prevent bloating," Elkins notes. Additionally, it can help you reach your weight loss goals; Elkin says it "may promote weight loss by improving your body’s ability to use insulin."
There's no denying that all of these these spices can take just about any dish you want to make to the next level flavor-wise, which is why it's so great that they're also fantastic for your health. Whether you're looking to lose some weight or just want to put an end to bloating and other digestive issues, sprinkling cayenne, ginger, and turmeric onto your dishes is a great way to help!
