In this episode, Amy discusses the use of spices to add flavor and health benefits to your meals. Amy shares her experiences with spices in different cultures and emphasizes the importance of providing sunlight, water, and healthy soil for growing herbs. You will hear about the availability of spices in ethnic markets and the cost savings associated with buying them by the pound. This episode explores the health benefits of basil, cardamom, and cayenne, including their antioxidant properties, digestive benefits, and potential for reducing inflammation and chronic diseases. Amy also goes over the versatility and health benefits of various herbs, focusing on rosemary, thyme, and turmeric. Aside from eating these herbs Amy also mentions the option of using essential oils derived from herbs and shares tips on incorporating herbs into your daily routine.

Key Points:

• Spices not only add flavor but also offer health benefits to meals.
• Basil is a micronutrient-rich herb with calcium, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It can be used in teas, salads, marinades, and various dishes.
• Cardamom is a versatile spice with antibacterial properties, aiding digestion, and potentially lowering blood sugar levels.
• Cayenne pepper, high in antioxidants and vitamins, can reduce pain signals in the body and be found in pain relief creams. Rosemary: Widely used worldwide, rosemary can be added to dishes, teas, and beverages. It complements potatoes exceptionally well and offers a great carbohydrate alternative to rice or pasta.
• Thyme: With its distinct flavor, thyme enhances the taste of various dishes. It contains beneficial components like thymol, offering respiratory, neurological, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Thyme can be used in stews, fish, potatoes, salads, and more.
• Turmeric: Known for its vibrant yellow color and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful component associated with numerous health benefits. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine, curries, roasted vegetables, teas, and smoothies.

Quotable Moments:

"We're talking about spicing up your meals, using various spices in your meals and in your drinks or around your house to spice it up a bit.” -Amy

"We're so pulled away from the natural things. And when most people think of taking a diuretic, they think go to the store and get a water pill... Well, there's actually many natural things on earth that are natural diuretics.” - Amy

“Thyme is a really great herb to add to pretty much every dish because it enhances the flavor of everything” - Amy

Links Mentioned:

www.amycassels.com

https://twitter.com/amy_cassels?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/acassels/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBzoQfLNzz_ieatgaoWDTcw

Mentioned in this episode:

Sparkle Dust

NingxiaRed