Great Herbs and Spices That Add Flavor With Little Calories
By Chef Murph
Was today another day where you had to swallow your bland meal for the sake of your health?
The reality is that all we really want from our food is flavor. Unfortunately, fat products often have a lot of flavors, such as butter and cheese. But, eating those fatty foods can have disastrous results for our heart health as we age and so have to be eaten in moderation, if at all.
Many lose the joy of eating when they resort to the desperate measure of eating dry broccoli and tasteless chicken breasts imagining that they can maintain that type of diet for the long term and not become bored, irritated and so, they eventually abandon the whole “health thing” and run out to get a bacon cheeseburger.
The above is a typical scenario because many do not take advantage of utilizing ingredients that add a lot of flavor without a ton of fat and calories. They do exist, that is for sure.
If only healthy food could taste better, but, all the savory dressings and condiments that make your meal delicious are high in calories and fat.
If you agree with the last statement, then you are obviously unaware of the power of herbs and spices; they can add a great taste to your food, without adding many calories and fat.
There are numerous varieties of herbs and spices that are used in different cuisines all over the world; thanks to globalization, you can get dried herbs and spices from around the globe at your supermarket. You can also grow the ones you love at your home.
Dried herbs and spices are an extremely convenient and healthy way to make your dinner interesting. They can last for a year in your pantry, and the wide variety available gives you the freedom to indulge your creativity.
You can try different combinations with the same base food and have a diverse range of flavors with the addition of little calories.
Sound wonderful, don’t they?
But that’s not all there is to them, they also benefit you in numerous ways. Much research is being conducted to check the veracity of the health claims made for different herbs and spices; even though all of them might not be true, herbs and spices do offer many benefits.
Read the following list to know about some of the commonly used herbs and spices:
- Basil- It is used in cuisines of many different cultures, and in India, the country of its origin, it is revered and worshipped. Ancient Indian texts associate many health benefits with basil, and modern research has verified that it has antiviral, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, along with many other helpful properties. It brilliantly complements savory recipes that use tomatoes and eggs, adding a delicious flavor. It tastes great in soups and salads too.
- Oregano– A herb that is used in almost all Italian dishes; it is versatile and can be used in a wide variety of foods and recipes. Many studies have shown numerous health benefits too. It has the maximum antioxidant activity among all herbs, and because of its antimicrobial properties, it can protect against food-borne infections too.
- Ginger– It is mostly used fresh in recipes and is common in many different cuisines of Asia. It has numerous traditional uses; studies have shown that it can help relieve ailments like morning sickness, flatulence, and diarrhea. It can even help relieve arthritis pain. You can use it in recipes that call for stir-frying or sautéing; in salads, soups and stews; and in the marinade for meat and poultry.
- Mint- There are various varieties of mint, and all of them have different benefits. Peppermint can help with respiratory, throat, and sinus infections. Spearmint can help conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, bile duct, and more. It can be used in many dishes and even desserts; everyone enjoys the combination of mint and chocolate. It tastes divine in sandwiches and complements the flavors of meat, poultry, and seafood quite well. You can also use mint as the prime seasoning in recipes.
- Black Pepper- It is a staple in many cuisines and is used in all varieties of dishes. You can buy ground pepper or grind some peppercorns yourself. Freshly ground pepper imparts more flavor.
This is not a comprehensive list, but, hopefully, it’s enough to arouse your curiosity.
There are many more amazing herbs and spices that you can use to create a tempest of flavors in your dishes. The key is to experiment and find those flavors that you love.
Often marinating is key to infusing meats and vegetables with flavor. Mixing herbs and spices with lemon juice or a little wine can yield fantastic results.
Find the spices and herbs you love and say goodbye to bland dishes, forever!
Enjoy, All the Best
Chef Murph
