5 Spices to Warm You From the Inside Out This Fall
3 min
foodspring
Fall is here! As well as its beautiful landscapes and delicious pumpkins, this golden time of year is also known for shorter days and chilly temperatures. If you’re one of those people who turn into an ice cube within a few minutes, even in a thick sweater and warm jacket, we’ve got just the tip for you. Warming spices not only taste delicious, but also warm you from the inside out—and they have other beneficial properties too.
The concept of warming spices originates from traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. They divide foods into different groups—such as warming, cooling, and neutral— and eating the foods is said to transfer their benefits to us. Warming spices, for example, include chili and pepper— and we’re all probably familiar with the warming effect of chili!
Another way to get your muscles burning despite the low temperatures outside is to try our medicine ball workout.
To help you keep warm this fall and stay on track with your fitness goals, we take a look at 5 warming spices and pick out the perfect fitness recipes to pair with them.
#1 Ginger
Root ginger is considered a medicinal plant and is often used for colds. It’s also said to stimulate circulation and contains vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. Potassium is good for your muscles and contributes to normal muscle and nerve function. The spicy tuber is also said to have a warming effect, which was investigated in a Japanese study in 2018. The study involved 6 women who suffered from particularly cold-sensitive feet. The subjects were given either a drink containing ginger extract or a placebo drink. Their body temperature was then measured. Although both drinks caused their body temperature to rise initially, this dropped again after 10 minutes in the women who had the placebo drink. Subjects who had the ginger drink, in contrast, maintained a higher body temperature for a total of 20 minutes.
In addition to the classic Ginger Shot, you should definitely try our Roasted Carrot, Ginger, and Lemongrass Soup, as well as our Garlic and Ginger Salmon With Fried Rice.
#2 Turmeric
Turmeric is related to ginger and is said to have a similar effect. “Turmeric’s treasure lies in curcumin’s benefits”, according to experts at the Cleveland Clinic, USA. “Curcumin has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are investigating whether it may help diseases in which inflammation plays a role—from arthritis to ulcerative colitis.” Most people know about turmeric thanks to golden milk. This warm drink is said to give you strength and energy for the day ahead, and it’s also easy to make. Here’s our high protein recipe for those chilly days:
You’ll need:
- 200 ml milk or milk alternative
- 100 ml water
- 25g Whey Protein or Vegan Protein (vanilla flavor)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 piece of ginger (thumb-sized)
- A pinch of pepper
- A pinch of cinnamon
Preparation:
Put the water, Whey Protein, and turmeric powder in a shaker and mix together. Place the contents of the shaker in a small saucepan, add the pepper and finely chopped ginger, and then heat. Stir in the milk and simmer over a low heat for 2 minutes. Pour the golden milk through a sieve and into a mug, then enjoy!
#3 Chili
Aztecs and Incas swore by these hot peppers. Chili has varying degrees of spiciness, and it is the level of capsaicin (a natural chemical compound) that determines the extent to which the active ingredient irritates the mucous membranes and triggers the sensation of spiciness. The spiciness activates blood flow to the mucous membranes and effects can include a feeling of warmth. Capsaicin is also said to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
But a word of caution, however; you need to be able to tolerate a bit of chili! If you prefer spicy food, our Chili Con Carne With Rice, and Tuna, Zucchini, and Chili Pasta recipes are a must.
#4 Pepper
According to medical science, pepper has a similar effect to chili and offers an extra dose of warmth. You can find this classic spice in most kitchens, and peppercorns can be black, green, red, or white, depending on the degree of ripeness. Pepper owes its aromatic heat to piperine, which makes it both flavorful and healthy.
Certain studies claim that piperine has a positive effect on blood sugar metabolism. The spice is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect; however, the best thing about pepper is that it goes with everything.
#5 Cinnamon
This is the taste of the Christmas holiday season and the perfect way to top off hot porridge or a warming latte. Cinnamon is also said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We think there’s no better time of year than fall and winter to try out some new fitness recipes containing cinnamon. These are our favorites: Cinnamon Buns, and Vegan Apple Crumble in a Glass.
More interesting articles from foodspring:
- Keep Cozy on Chilly Days With These Warming Drinks
- Warm Up Again on Cold Days With These Healthy Soups
- Baking Without Flour: 12 Recipes to Add to Your Fitness Cuisine
Sources for this article
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