I always want show you how easy healthy cooking can be. If you’re looking to spice up your life and build your kitchen spice rack keep reading! Most people never knew that spices can benefit our health and wellness. I will share with you my favorite spices and why. That way you can create then play around with your own spice blend creations.

The 8 staple spices I have in my kitchen at all times

Ceylon Cinnamon

There are multiple types of cinnamon, I prefer ceylon cinnamon. This spice is so delicious and can be used in sweet or savory dishes. It brings sweetness to a dish without adding any sugar. Try sprinkling cinnamon on an apple, or a dash on top of your coffee to bring a sugar free sweetness to your life. The health benefits of cinnamon are endless. It contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and antimicrobial effects to your body. It also boosts your metabolism and immune system.

Turmeric

This spice is extremely versatile in food. Turmeric brings a lot of flavor, color, and spice to dishes. It can be used in a lot of different cuisines, Indian, asian, moroccan, Thai, etc. My favorite way to add turmeric to my life is warm lemon water with a dash of turmeric powder & black pepper in it! Turmeric is well known for it anti inflammatory properties.

Cumin Seeds

I absolutely love cumin seeds whole or ground. They have such a delicious unique flavor. When using cumin seeds whole they bring a yummy crunch to a dish. This spice is most typically found in Indian cuisines, but I love using it on any vegetable dish I make. Cumin is great for digestion, it brings a nice chill to the digestive system. It is also high in antioxidants helping promote ultimate wellness.

Black Pepper

I think most everyone knows about this spice. Black pepper is used in most dishes. We love the peppery bite it brings to a dish without it being too spicy. I don't think most people know that black pepper actually is great for its health benefits. It has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Black pepper also helps you absorb nutrients from other spices. For example when cooking with turmeric add black pepper, it helps you absorb the beneficial effects turmeric has.

Cayenne Pepper

Yes, this can make a dish extremely spicy, so use sparingly. But using just a little bit of cayenne pepper brings a nice bite to a dish and a very interesting health effect, you may not have ever known. It helps reduce pain in the body, especially in the digestive tract. Cayenne can be used in most cuisines, I preferably love it in a curry or soup.

Ginger

This is great fresh or in powder form. Ginger brings a subtle spice to dishes. Common cuisines that use ginger are Asian and Indian. Ginger also is fantastic for digestion and your immune system. I like to add ginger powder to my morning lemon water to kick start my health each day.

Garlic

Most people LOVE garlic, but for those who don’t garlic powder is great option. Garlic powder has become very popular because the health benefits & it’s not as strong as using fresh garlic when cooking. Garlic is great for your immune system, heart health, and great for your skin! It is very versatile, it's hard to come across a recipe nowadays that doesn't contain garlic!

Chili Powder

This spice is great to bring depth to a dish. It's most commonly used in Mexican cuisine or in a “chili.” Chili powder is great to boost your immune system. It contains high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, & vitamin E. It can also help reduce congestion in the body or even a runny nose.