Top 4 Spices to Help Boost Your Metabolism and Reach Your Weight Goals

Not only are herbs and spices essential to enhancing the flavor of foods, but they can also provide a variety of health benefits. From increasing your immunity to lowering blood sugar and even improving memory - the health benefits of herbs and spices are limitless.

These compact nutritional powerhouses can even help with your weight loss attempts when you include them in your diet along with your exercise routine! Afterall, when healthy foods taste great, you’re more likely to enjoy them. So go ahead and kick it up with these top 4 spices:

1. Cayenne- this hot red pepper not only turns up the heat on your tongue, but it has been shown to turn up the heat on your body as well, which might help you burn a few extra calories during the day. Just don’t rely on it too much to hit your next 10-pound weight drop, as it only helps short term.
2. Ginger- like cayenne, this zesty spice has been shown to rev up your metabolism and help reduce appetite. Try it fresh or ground.
3. Cinnamon- cinnamaldehyde, the compound known for its role in reducing blood sugar levels, also plays a role in activating metabolic and thermogenic responses in humans.
4. Tumeric- curcumin, found in turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and has been shown to reduce body weight and fat mass even when dietary intake remained the same.

Be sure to include these spices throughout your cooking and meal planning. Here are a couple of examples, as seen in Evolution Nutrition’s robust recipe database:

Cinnamon Spiced Carrots

(serves 4)

Cut the carrots into round slices, about ½ inch thick. In a medium skillet, melt butter and saute carrots. Cook until slightly softened, stirring occasionally. Add in brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add in remaining ingredients and simmer until carrots are tender and sauce is reduced by half.

Turmeric Ginger Dip

(serves 4)

• ½ cup tahini
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients until well combined. Serve with sliced vegetables or whole grain pita chips.