Yep. You heard me right!
I created spiced smoothie add-ins.
What I like about them so much is that they are flavorful and easy to throw into a smoothie, or sprinkle over food (and yes, I actually cook with them on occasion). But the best thing is the multitude of health benefits that these spices create.
Sometimes, it seems too good to be true, that spices can do so much with just a few pinches used regularly. And I am super excited to finally be able to incorporate Organic Ceylon cinnamon into the mix!
UMAMI Smoothie Blends are based on two of the six tastes in Ayurveda (a natural system of medicine), incorporating some of the most beneficial spices, mindfully mixed together in combinations that work for a broad range of dishes.
“The Ayurvedic way of life strives for harmony of physiological, psychological, social and environmental factors by using a personalized whole food diet, stress management techniques, and encouraging a sense of community with our fellow humans and nature.”
UMAMI Thrive is made with organic Ceylon cinnamon, cardamom, Spanish paprika, clove and cayenne.
UMAMI Vitality is made with Organic turmeric, nutmeg, Organic ginger, allspice, Organic Ceylon cinnamon and black pepper.
Ceylon Cinnamon – This super spice is a powerful antioxidant! Just a half a teaspoon can dramatically reduce blood glucose levels in those with type 2 diabetes (and help the rest of us stabilize our blood glucose levels), by slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract and improving insulin sensitivity. It has also been clinically proven to reduce high triglycerides and LDL, the bad cholesterol. This way it lowers your total cholesterol. It also serves as an anticoagulant and can also help ward off urinary tract infections.
Cinnamon has impressive dietary fiber content, at 3.6g per tablespoon, which makes it helpful for those with digestive issues. 🤯
Fun fact: 1 tablespoon of cinnamon can yield over 10% of your daily calcium requirements
Turmeric – is one of nature’s most powerful healers. It is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have been shown to protect and improve the health of virtually every organ in the body. The well-studied polyphenol, curcumin, which is responsible for the yellow pigment, appears to act as an anti-diabetic, as it aids in the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells.
Combine turmeric withblack pepper, to improve bioavailability of the curcumin. Turmeric is also a very, very good herb for stimulating phase two detoxification.
Ginger – is well-known to control all types of nausea, curing motion sickness, morning sickness and postoperative nausea. In the last five years, dried ginger has been found to have a compound that fresh ginger does not called 6-Shogaol. This compound is proven to be more effective than chemotherapy at eradicating cancer stem cells!! Using a little of these spices each day is a very powerful cancer prevention technique.
Cloves – contain high amounts of a phenolic acid which are found in numerous studies to be antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-parasitic. Ground cloves are high on the ORAC scale (a measure of a food’s antioxidant capability). They’re rich in omega-3s, and they also have manganese in them. it’s a powerful antifungal and antimicrobial, which makes it a really good choice to promote good digestive health. You can also use it externally for dental pain.
Nutmeg – contains a relatively high percentage of myristicin, a natural organic compound which has been shown to increase our body’s natural ability to detox. Nutmeg is also known for its anti– inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities. Muscle pain, swelling, and inflammation can be assisted by elemicin – the main oil compound found in nutmeg.
Fun fact: Nutmeg can act as an anti-diarrheal agent, as it halts the work of prostaglandin B in the colon, easing digestion.
Black Pepper – It contains a key enzyme, piperine, which stimulates digestion, may prevent and treat cancer, eases arthritis, prevents Alzheimer’s and improves brain function. Black pepper is dense with phytochemicals and is known to hold anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cardamom – is known as the queen of spices. Second only to black pepper which we call the king. It’s one of the most valued spices in the world. It’s used internally for indigestion, nausea, and vomiting and can help reduce excess phlegm when you have a cold. It can also prevent stomach pain and flatulence, and helps protect the cardiovascular system. It can also help reduce the acid effects of caffeine and coffee.
Cayenne – is very rich in a substance called capsaicin, which reduces appetite and boosts fat burning. It has also shown anti-cancer potential in animal studies. Its claim to fame is that it promotes circulation (we could all use more circulation to get our blood pumping, and increase mitochondria). It also boosts metabolism. It also offers relief from menstrual cramps and fibroid tumors. 🙌🏽
Wow, that was a lot!
And that is just a few of the benefits of a small group of spices! It never stops fascinating me how effective a variety of spices can be at preventing and curing illness, and all while just making our food taste better.