Whether a cinnamon shake in our GLOW Smoothie or the immune-boosting turmeric in our Turkey Chili, culinary herbs and spices confer more benefits than just a dash of flavor! Beyond aroma and taste, herbs and spices are packed with a plethora of nutritional ingredients that make them a powerhouse for health. Read on to learn what each popular herb and spice does to your body as you taste, eat, and savor our delicious chef-made goodies!
Health Powerhouses: Common Herbs and Spices
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers, the fiery delight, bring more to the table than just an intense heat. These bold, vibrant peppers are loaded with capsaicin, a compound shown to boost metabolism, aid in weight loss, and even alleviate pain. They’re also filled with vitamins and antioxidants, which help cleanse the body and boost our immune system.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is more than just a fragrant spice; it’s an antioxidant with medicinal properties that contribute to its impressive health benefits. With anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, cinnamon has shown potential in managing diabetes, reducing lipid levels and cardiovascular diseases, and even exhibiting neuroprotective activities against conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Garlic
Garlic, another culinary staple and aromatic powerhouse, imparts a robust, earthy flavor to all of our chef-made meals. Nutritionally, it’s particularly known for its heart-protective properties, having the power to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and help prevent heart disease. Although frozen, powdered, and minced forms of garlic may be available, our Chef Andrea Dicarlo uses fresh garlic to season everything from Vegetable Lasagna to Turkey to White Bean and Barley Soup. Yum!
Ginger
Ginger is a root spice with a captivating, zesty flavor—just try our Citrus Garlic Grilled Chicken! One of its most notable properties is aiding digestion and easing nausea, making it a go-to remedy for conditions like morning sickness and post-operative nausea. Common in Indian and Chinese cooking, garlic can also reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar, and help fight off colds and flu.
Turmeric
Turmeric, a golden-hued spice cherished in South Asian cooking, is lauded for its medicinal properties, primarily because of its powerful antioxidant called curcumin. This ingredient has been linked to improved brain function, reduced risk of heart disease, and even cancer prevention.
Take note: your body will absorb more turmeric when paired with olive oil (any fat) and black pepper. The piperine in black pepper enhances our body’s absorption of curcumin by a whopping 2000%! And yes, we add a pinch of black pepper and a dash of oil to our turmeric-infused chef-made meals, like Chicken Tikka Masala, ensuring you receive the maximum benefits from this “wonder spice.”
Basil
Basil, often known as the king of herbs, is a fragrant and popular herb favored in Italian cuisine (like Chef Andrea’s delicious Eggplant Parmesan) for its fresh and slightly sweet flavor. It is a great source of vitamin K, necessary for blood clotting and bone health. And its anti-inflammatory properties may even help reduce stress and improve mood.
Inhale. Can you smell the fresh basil that The Neighborhood Harvest delivers directly to your door? And try our newly-released basil sprouts—a perfect nutritious topping for salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries.
Enjoy Chef-Made Meals Loaded with Healthy Herbs and Spices
At The Neighborhood Harvest, our “food farmacy” philosophy inspires us to prepare meals that are equally delicious and nutritious, embracing sustainable food practices, and loaded with pure herbs and spices.
A few of our nutritiously delicious chef-made meals:
- GLOW Smoothie: Get a healthy glow every day with this immune-boosting smoothie that packs a balance of carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and protein into each cup! Ginger, turmeric, and heart-healthy cinnamon provide a spicy carrot cake flavor (plus antioxidant power). Carrots, mangoes, and bananas bring Vitamins C, A & B, potassium, and iron to the mix.
- Chicken Tikka Masala: This Indian dish is a winner, with its mild, buttery sauce and tender chunks of white and dark meat chicken. The flavorful sauce is packed with a healthy spice blend, including fresh ginger, turmeric, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and cayenne.
- Turkey Chili: A nutritional-balanced ratio of healthy fat, carbs, and lean protein, our turkey chili is replete with immune-promoting herbs and spices like fresh basil, garlic, and a mix of four chili peppers (guajillo, ancho, Morita chiles, and chile de arbol) that adds just the right amount of heat. No one will believe this is one of our medically tailored meals, low in sodium and heart-healthy!
Experience true sustainable eating with The Neighborhood Harvest. Get organic smoothie delivery and chef-made meals delivered to your door. Taste the difference today.
