When the days are slightly cooler, you want a meal that is warm, filling, and comforting. This kale soup is exactly the recipe you’ve been craving, whether you know it or not. It is a light broth that contains nutritionally dense ingredients and aromatic spices, such as thyme and rosemary. The squeeze of lemon gives this hearty soup a delicately bright finish that makes each spoonful better than the last. So if you are looking for a dish that is equal parts healthy, delicious, and cozy, this soup is it!

When it comes to making a great vegetable soup, it’s all about layering flavors. First and foremost, you have to sauté the aromatics. Cooking the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic with the rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper helps to give somewhat of a caramelized flavor. You don’t want to cook them fully; rather, you just want to par-cook them until they are nice and fragrant. You’ll add the beans and broth to the same pot and then bring to a boil before reducing to a low simmer. Only add the kale in the last few minutes of cooking, or else it will get too soft. You want the kale to retain some texture when you spoon the soup into bowls. The same goes for the lemon juice, because you want the soup to retain that tang when you slurp it up.

When it comes to kale, you can choose the variety you enjoy best. You can opt for green curly kale, Tuscan kale, lacinato kale, or even dinosaur kale. Don’t have kale on hand or can’t find it in the grocery store? You can swap it for another sturdy green, such as Swiss chard or collard greens. Just make sure to taste and season the soup as you go. Some of you may prefer more lemon juice, while others want to add more black pepper or rosemary. Feel free to experiment with flavors, even though this recipe is solid as a rock!

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We want to make a claim right out of the gate: there is nothing wrong with existing holiday side dishes. We simply want to help you take your side dish game to the next level with these roasted rainbow carrots. Not only do they provide an assortment of colors, but they also provide a new set of flavors that are quite autumnal. With each bite, you get notes of sweetness, nuttiness, tanginess, and aromatic herbs.

Do multi-colored carrots taste different than the orange ones you are familiar with? Some people say that all of the colors taste the same, while others argue against that notion. Typically, yellow carrots have a sweeter flavor with a slightly earthy undertone. White carrots are quite mild, while purple carrots may have a peppery flavor, but they can also be quite sweet. The contrasting flavors makes each bite a unique experience, especially when you have the maple tahini drizzle, fresh parsley, and pomegranate arils on top.

You roast the carrots on their own, seasoning them with sea salt, black pepper, and a little olive oil. Once they are soft and browned, you can remove them from the oven. When it comes time to plate the carrots, drizzle the maple tahini sauce over them, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and optional pomegranate arils. The parsley adds an herbaceous flavor, while the pomegranate complements the sweet carrots with a slightly tart flavor. It is visually stunning and the perfect side dish for your holiday meals.

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Is it wrong to have such strong feelings for a cozy, fall-inspired soup? Call us crazy, but these steamy bowls are exactly are exactly what you want on a chilly autumn evening. Sweet potato and kale soup is a cozy, healthy, and hardy meal option that is 100% vegan and easy to make. Not only will it please your palate, but it will also keep your belly full without weighing you down.

This soup is packed with a healthy dose of nutrients, including carotenoids, fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. The onions, garlic, bell pepper, and celery provide the base flavor for the soup, but the real flavor comes from the fresh herbs and seasonings. Obviously you get the sweetness from the sweet potato and nuttiness from chickpeas. Don’t worry about the kale imparting a bitter flavor because it takes on the flavor of the broth once it softens.

There is one thing to note when you add the kale to the soup. Make sure that you don’t add the kale until the last five minutes of the cooking process. If you add it while the potatoes are still boiling, the kale will become overly soggy. Once you finish cooking the soup, ladle it into bowls and top with a healthy sprinkle or crack of black pepper. The soup is hardy enough to enjoy on its own, but a crisp slice of bread would be a lovely treat to accompany it. Think about it and let us know!

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Ahhhhh, the pumpkin spice latte (PSL) is the classic drink of the fall season. It hits coffee shop menus well before the official start of fall and tends to stay until the holidays are over. People love it, despite the high sugar and calorie content. It is an indulgent seasonal beverage, but dietitians aren’t necessarily the biggest fans of it. They are, however, a fan of an underrated drink that is available year round. The best part? It still provides that heartwarming fall goodness!

What Is Chai Tea?

Chai tea has roots in Indian cuisine and is a cultural staple. Referred to as masala chai, chai tea is a black tea mixed with various spices, including cloves, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper. The tea always comes with milk and masala, and is never referred to as plain black tea. You can enjoy chai tea in the morning with breakfast, but it is a common afternoon drink as well. 

The traditional preparation is with loose-leaf black tea, water milk, grated fresh ginger, fresh mint leaves, and spices. The recipe may change depending on where you are in India. Chai tea offers a rich flavor that is both sweet and aromatic from all the spices. Because it contains all of those wonderful spices, chai tea has some impressive health benefits. That is exactly why dietitians encourage you to drink it during the fall. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of chai tea. 

It Helps Relieve Nausea

Ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper all work to aid the digestive process. According to studies, eating ginger can help relieve gas, bloating, and constipation because it reduces fermentation in the gut. Additionally, cardamom and cloves exhibit potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activity. Drinking chai tea regularly may help improve both digestion and immune function. Just make sure you don’t overload your chai tea with sugar. 

It May Help Maintain Oral Health

Historically, many cultures used cloves to maintain optimal oral health. It is a sweet-tasting spice that is incorporated into many types of herbal mouthwashes and rinses. Herbal mouth rinses that contain tea tree, basil, and clove oils were very beneficial in preventing bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis, according to a 2014 study. 

It May Benefit Heart Health

Cinnamon packs a serious nutritional punch, and is especially beneficial for the heart! Not only has it been associated with reducing total and bad cholesterol, but it may also reduce blood pressure and support the heart. More research is still necessary to determine the exact association of cinnamon and heart health, though. A 2013 study found that taking a cinnamon supplement was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. A 2021 study found that cinnamon was able lower systolic blood pressure, but only a moderate amount. It also helped to improve participants’ cholesterol levels. 

It Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Many of the spices, especially cinnamon, in chai tea may help to lower blood sugar levels. A 2011 review found that whole cinnamon and cinnamon extract significantly lowered fasting blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Another small study monitored people with type 2 diabetes who took cinnamon supplements as a part of their treatment. After three months, their A1C levels and fasting blood glucose levels were much lower than they were at the beginning of the study, especially compared to the placebo group. Other studies suggest that cardamom can help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation. It may even reduce A1C, triglyceride, and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

It Helps Boost Energy Levels

Chai is a black tea, which contains caffeine. In fact, one cup of chai tea has about 25 to 30 milligrams of caffeine. In comparison, a cup of coffee can contains anywhere from 100 to 120 milligrams of caffeine. Chai tea contains way less caffeine than coffee, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to caffeine’s effects. That said, you still get a little caffeine hit! Plus, the spices in chai tea come with a series of antioxidant compounds that can help combat inflammation.

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While warmer temperatures are upon us, we are not out of the cold yet. Cold nights call for comforting beverages that warm the soul. Rather than drinking an entire cup of sugary hot cocoa that comes from a packet, though, make this recipe, which exhibits anti-inflammatory compounds. Chocolate isn’t a bad thing, especially if you enjoy it responsibly. When you enjoy a beverage like this, that contains cacao powder, then you know you are on a healthier path.

Whether you want to be more health-conscious or reduce your sugar intake, this hot cocoa recipe is for you. It isn’t a golden milk latte, nor is it a collagen-infused tea; rather, it contains a blend of traditional spices that may help improve mood, energy levels, and overall health. Most of all, these spices can help lower inflammatory markers in the body, reducing your risk of chronic inflammation. Now, inflammation isn’t always a bad thing. It helps fight and heal infections in the body. Chronic inflammation can lead to a range of health conditions, though, and you can struggle with chronic fatigue, digestive troubles, joint pain, breakouts, and more.

Growing evidence shows that turmeric is one of the best herbs to help reduce inflammation. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce pain, improve symptoms of anxiety, and lower inflammation in the gut. Ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and black pepper, which are also in this hot cocoa recipe, work to fight inflammation in the body as well. Drink to your health, provided you are not on the cleanse, and enjoy this drink on colder evenings.

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Summer is stone fruit season, which means that summer is cherry season! If you have the the ability, go to a cherry orchard and take part in some cherry picking. It’s a great activity for families because you get to be out in the sun picking and eating cherries. How can you not have fun doing that? Pick one, eat one, pick one, eat one, and continue that cycle. Well, maybe don’t do that because you don’t want to get sick or avoid paying for cherries. Sneak a few here and there for us, though.

Cherries come in several varieties, and this raw vegan sorbet recipe calls for tart cherries. If you can only get your hands on a certain variety, go ahead and use those. Using tart cherries for a sorbet makes it a little more refreshing for these hot summer days. Sweeter varieties will also be great! Cherries also exhibit some incredible health properties. Because they work to reduce uric acid and nitric oxide build-up, cherries help reduce gout and arthritis flair ups. They may also reduce inflammation and increase natural melatonin production, which may improve your sleep.

You may notice a couple interesting ingredients that may seem out of place in this recipe. We are talking about black pepper and nutmeg. You only need a pinch of each spice because you don’t want to overpower the other ingredients, especially the sweetness of the cherries. Black pepper actually helps awaken the cherries and a little hint brings a pleasant kick to the mix. Too much and, well, you will ruin your sorbet. A pinch of black pepper and nutmeg is a wonderful balance of harmonious flavors we think you’ll love.

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The foods you put in your body have the biggest impact on your overall health. What you eat can either benefit the body or plague your organs and systems. The body cannot easily digest everything, which is why a high percentage of people experience digestive disorders. On the other hand, certain foods benefit the body and even combat chronic inflammation, which can result from waste accumulation in the digestive track. 

What Are Anti-Inflammatory Herbs & Spices? 

Inflammation is a natural bodily response during healing or an infection. When too much inflammation exists in the body, you experience chronic inflammation. Too much inflammation can increase the risk of chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes. This is where anti-inflammatory herbs and spices come into play. Many studies continue to monitor molecules in food that lower inflammatory markers in the body. Inflammatory markers indicate that inflammation is present in the body, so an herb that lowers these markers is very beneficial. Let’s explore the most beneficial anti-inflammatory herbs and spices below. 

Ginseng

Used in historical Asian medicinal practices, ginseng exhibits various active compounds that benefit the body. There are two primary ginseng varieties: American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). According to studies, Asian ginseng is more potent and beneficial, with powerful ginsenosides, which help reduce inflammatory markers. One analysis of nine studies looked at 420 patients with elevated CRP levels, an inflammatory marker in the blood. Participants who took 300-4,000 milligrams (mg) of ginseng per day for four weeks were able to effectively lower CRP levels. Other studies found that ginseng can reduce other inflammatory markers like NF-kB, a chemical messenger the promotes inflammation, and IL-6 and TNF-a, other inflammatory markers.

Turmeric

You know for a fact that this had to be on the list for herbs and spices that fight inflammation. Turmeric contains more than 300 active compounds, but the active one that helps to reduce inflammation is curcumin. Researchers conducted studies on curcumin and found that it has the ability to limit cytokine production, which causes inflammation. It can benefit people with arthritis or other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Taking curcmin consistently can help reduce high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and IL-6, which are common inflammatory markers. Make sure to take curcumin with black pepper because that increases the absorption by 2,000%. 

Cat’s Claw

Native to Peru, cat’s claw is a woody vine that has been used in traditional medicinal practices. Historically, peopled used cat’s claw to help reduce symptoms of bursitis, intestinal disorders, and arthritis. Many studies found that it exhibits the power to protect against gastrointestinal inflammation. It’s possible to brew cat’s claw bark into a tea, but make sure to use at least 1,000 mg of bark per eight ounces of water. If you decide to take it in capsule form, opt for doses that are between 20-60 mg. 

Cardamom

Cardamom is a popular spice in Southeast Asian cuisine, and the flavor is spicy, sweet, and complex. One eight-week study monitored 80 people with prediabetes. The group that took  three grams of cardamom during the study experienced a significant reduction in inflammatory markers hs-CRP, MDA, and IL-6. Another study found that people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease benefitted from taking three grams of cardamom daily. The results indicated that cardamom was able to lower IL-6, TNF-a, and hs-CRP inflammatory markers. 

Rosemary

This beautiful fragrant herb is common in various culinary applications, but it also exhibits potent medicinal properties. Scientists believe that the polyphenols in rosemary give it the ability to help reduce inflammation. Rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid are the primary polyphenols that can reduce pain and stiffness in people with arthritis. Several test-tube studies found that rosmarinic acid was able to reduce inflammatory markers that contribute to osteoarthritis, asthma, gum diseases, and atopic dermatitis. 

Black Pepper

As we mentioned earlier, black pepper helps to increase turmeric’s bioavailability, which aids the body’s absorption of curcumin. Black pepper is unassuming because it’s so common, but it has anti-inflammatory properties. Piperine is the compound in black pepper that scientists study because it has the ability to suppress the perception of pain. This can be beneficial for people with arthritis. When it comes to research on black pepper, research in humans is limited. Most animal studies, however, find that piperine has the ability to reduce joint swelling, redness from seasonal allergies, and respiratory inflammation. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon comes in two types: cassia cinnamon, which is widely available, and Ceylon cinnamon, which people refer to as “true” cinnamon. The latter seems to possess the ability to help lower CRP and MDA inflammatory markers. An analysis of 12 studies found that taking 1,500-4,000 mg of cinnamon daily for 10-110 days reduced those markers. Cinnamon also helps to elevate the body’s antioxidant levels, which assists with inflammation reduction. Cassia cinnamon can also help reduce a variety of inflammatory markers, including MDA and CRP. The reduction of CRP was especially notable in a study in which participants either had type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

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About 50% of American adults have high blood pressure, and only one in four people with high blood pressure has it under control. There is no single cause of high blood pressure; rather, health experts attribute high blood pressure to a combination of excess salt intake, poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, and obesity. Managing your salt intake, however, may be one of the best things you can do for your heart.

We’ve been taught that salt is an essential seasoning. In fact, people often review food with comments such as, “It’s too salty,” or, “It needs more salt.” When people say these simple critiques of a dish, they actually mean that the food needs more or less acidity. There are many ways to enhance the flavor and increase the acidity level of a dish without using salt. People just get lazy and don’t want to experiment with other spices. Since salt can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, it’s worth knowing about salt alternatives. 

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, increases your risk of stroke and heart disease, two leading causes of death worldwide. High blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the resistance of blood flow in the arteries. If you have narrow arteries, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This increases your blood pressure.

Nutritionists recommend using the following salt alternatives to keep sodium levels in check. Start cooking with them and let us know if they work for you. 

10 Salt Alternatives

Lemon Juice Or Zest

Lemon, or any citrus fruit, brings a bright acidity to a dish. Both the juice and zest act similarly to salt in that they elevate the acidity and enhance the other flavors in the dish. You can finish a dish with a squeeze of lemon, you can marinate with lemon juice, or you can sauté with lemon juice. Adding lemon zest will give a slightly bitter note, so be aware of that. 

Nutritional Yeast

The cheese-like flavor from nutritional yeast goes great in pasta sauces, popcorn, or even quinoa. It doesn’t contain dairy; rather it is deactivated yeast in the form of powder or flakes. It’s a much healthier alternative to salt because it contains vitamin B12, fiber, and protein.

Chives

The intense oniony flavor of chives brings out the inherent flavors of the other ingredients in whatever you’re cooking. They go great in salads, mashed potatoes, and sauces. If you use fresh chives, add them to the dish at the last minute or so before serving because heat destroys the flavor.

Coriander

Did you know that coriander seeds actually blossom into cilantro? They offer a very lemony and floral essence when you grind them up and season your food with them. Whole coriander seeds are excellent for broths, curries, and soups. They also offer a wide range of antioxidants, including tocopherols, quercetin, and terpinene. 

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

If you’ve ever made a salad dressing with apple cider vinegar, you know that you don’t need the addition of salt. The bright, acidic flavor makes it an excellent salt alternative, and it is incredibly versatile as well. Additionally, apple cider vinegar is great for improving alkaline levels and reducing cholesterol.

Coconut Aminos

Coconut aminos is not completely free of sodium. It does contain about 90 milligrams (mg) of sodium per teaspoon, but soy sauce contains 280 mg of sodium per teaspoon. It offers the same saltiness of soy sauce with a subtle hint of sweetness. You can use it in sauces, dressings, stir-fries, and marinades. 

Dill

Both dried dill and fresh dill offer a signature flavor that is similar to fennel or celery. It’s a great salt substitute that goes well with potatoes, cucumbers, or salad dressings. If you mix dill with lemon juice and olive oil, that goes great on wild caught fish. 

Black Pepper

Salt and pepper are the king and queen of seasonings, but you can rely on pepper to offer that subtly spicy savoriness to dishes, especially if you’re trying to reduce your sodium intake. You can season almost anything with pepper! What’s great about pepper is that the chemical compounds can help fight inflammation!

Garlic

Similar to onion, garlic offers a pungent aroma and flavor to your food. It’s a staple ingredient in most cuisines, and for good reason! Garlic is rich in allium, which is a compound that can help to improve cognitive function, boost the immune system, and reduce blood pressure. 

Ginger

Ginger is like garlic in that it has a pungent flavor. If you add ginger to stir-fries, beverages, soups, sauces, dressings, or marinades, you may notice that you don’t need salt. Ginger is slightly bitter, but it has a sweet undertone. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce muscle soreness and improve joint health.

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This recipe celebrates the produce of fall by turning spaghetti squash into a hearty bowl of burrito goodness. The key to the success of this recipe is cooking the spaghetti squash just right. If you cook it too long then it becomes mushy, and if you don’t cook it long enough then it is rough and fibrous. The perfect cooking time is about 20-25 minutes at 400º F, depending on the size of the squash.

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Eating healthy, well-balanced meals that contain a variety of antioxidant-rich foods is integral if you are trying to obtain a wide variety of nutrients. While it’s beneficial to focus on getting the many vitamins and minerals in your diet, how you combine these foods should be of equal importance.

Certain foods need to be eaten together in order to optimize nutrient absorption. How the body absorbs nutrients is just as important as the nutrients themselves. When the body cannot properly absorb the nutrients, it’s almost like they were never eaten. Enhancing your bioavailability (the body’s ability to absorb nutrients) is as easy pairing the right foods together.

When you are planning out your meals, make sure to think about nutrient relationships. This can take time to learn, but we have faith that you’ll be great at it! Here are some ideas for increasing your nutrient absorption.

Fats & Fat-Soluble Vitamins

When we say “fats,” we are referring to healthy fats, which include extra virgin olive oil, avocados, sunflower oil, walnut oil, and assorted nuts and seeds. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. The body has an easier time absorbing these vitamins when they are consumed with healthy fats. Great food combos include avocado dressing (fat) over a kale salad (vitamin K). You can also use olive oil (fat) with roasted sweet potatoes (vitamin A).

Bananas And Almond Butter

You need protein to build muscle, but what people don’t tell you is that the protein needs to be accompanied by complex carbohydrates to help supply your muscles with energy. We suggest bananas and almond butter for this because bananas are great sources of complex carbs and almond butter contains healthy protein.

Black Pepper And Turmeric

We swear that turmeric has superpowers. It contains curcumin, which is powerful antioxidant that contains anti-inflammatory properties. Did you know eating turmeric with black pepper can increase your body’s ability to absorb curcumin by 2,000 percent? You can season cauliflower or potatoes with turmeric and black pepper, or make curries with these two spices.

Vitamin C And Iron

It is easy to get iron from plant-based foods, believe it or not. Plant-based iron is more difficult to absorb, but the body has an easier time absorbing it when combined with vitamin C-rich foods. Try eating iron and vitamin C food combinations like strawberries (vitamin C) and oatmeal (iron), or a citrus vinaigrette (vitamin C) on a spinach salad (iron).

Sulforaphanes And Selenium

Selenium can be found in a variety of plant-based foods, including chia seeds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, shiitake mushrooms, or lima/pinto beans. Selenium works synergistically with sulforaphanes, which are antioxidant compounds that contain sulfur. When you combine selenium and sulforaphanes, their respective antioxidant powers increase. Try mixing broccoli (sulforaphane) with black beans (selenium) or shiitake mushrooms (selenium) with kohlrabi (sulforaphane).

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