Delicious & Nutritious
By: Pam Smith, RDN
The combination of cloves and nutmeg make for a powerful dynamic duo with antiviral, anti-inflammatory properties as well as a stimulant for your brain to reduce fatigue and stress. Pam Smith, RDN breaks it down for you, getting to the bottom of how this duo does your body good.
Cloves
This fragrant dark spice probably isn’t used as often as it should be. With the highest antioxidant content of any spice, these buds are antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-clotting powerhouses! Cloves contain eugenol, a compound that activates insulin production to help regulate blood-sugar levels. It’s a powerful anesthetic and bacteria killer, hence being a go-to home remedy for toothaches. Cloves are packed with almost five times more eugenol than any other plant studied, say University of Georgia researchers.The spice is also a potent source of manganese, a trace mineral that helps build tissue and bones.
Use It:
Cloves are hugely beneficial in small doses, and shouldn’t be overdone. Included in spice blends, cloves can easily be added to recipes or sprinkled on beverages. Key ingredient in Mai Chai.
Nutmeg
The ancient Romans and Greeks consumed nutmeg as a type of brain tonic. In India, freshly grated nutmeg has long been used to alleviate stress, anxiety, and tension. And now, modern science has shown that its properties can effectively stimulate your brain and, in turn, can help eliminate fatigue and stress. In fact, studies show that this sweet spice’s blend of biologically active compounds mimic the antidepressant Prozac, calming nerves and chasing away funky moods in as little as 20 minutes!
Use It:
Getting the benefits of nutmegdoesn’t take much! In fact, just ⅛ teaspoon daily can do the trick, says Stanford University. Researchers say that more than 2 teaspoons daily can cause discomfort, so keep it under that amount to get the most benefits - easy (and delicious!) to do when using it in a spice blend. Key ingredient in Mai Chai.
Give your cloves and nutmeg in your meals with any of these nutritious & delicious P.S. Flavor!™ Club recipes:
Moroccan Shakshuka Brunch with Chai Spiced Baked Apples Porcini Pepper Asparagus, Tomato, and Cheddar Frittata with Chai Pear & Blackberry Crisp and Prosciutto Wrapped Strawberry Bites