The range of flavor and health benefits that different spices give is truly incredible. They have become such a staple to cuisine and just eating in general. It’s difficult to imagine eating without the addition of spices. We all owe a bit of gratitude to those who went through the spice wars long ago. Unfortunately, many people may not realize how medicinally potent spices are, especially when they’re of a high quality. Using them on a regular basis can add valuable benefits for you and your family.
Spices that are irradiated, sprayed, and treated poorly won’t give the same benefits. Studies have shown that low quality spices have insect pieces, rodent hair, pathogens, and even microscopic fecal matter within them. Disturbing, but unfortunately true. Although making that known may taint your view of spices, it’s important to know rather than ingest filth. Ignorance isn’t always bliss, especially when it can cause future health problems! It’s very important to buy pure spices that are organic or wildcrafted.
When it comes to making delicious steak, there are several spices and herbs that add powerful benefits and great flavor. Research has shown that making marinades using some of these spices can significantly lower carcinogen levels of grilled meat as well. While many spices offer a plethora of different health benefits, it’s important that no flavoring botches a perfectly good piece of beef. Here are some suggestions that can add flavor and immense health benefits to your meaty meals.
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Rosemary
Rosemary is a powerful spice that gives many different health benefits to any dish it’s used in. The taste of rosemary is pretty mild on beef, although not everyone may be a fan of it. If you enjoy or don’t mind rosemary, it’s a great herb to start using. Fresh rosemary is compatible with many dishes and fairly subtle its overall flavor when cooking with.
Rosemary contains several compounds such as rosmarinic and carnosic acids that impart good health benefits. Studies have shown anti-pathogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects from these compounds. Rosemary may help to protect brain and eye health, quench free radicals, improve circulation, impact cardiovascular health, and more.
Thyme
Thyme is a favorite spice of many beef lovers because of the taste it infuses into the meat. In addition, thyme adds good anti-microbial properties that may help if you’re coming down with a cold. It’s a great herb to help kill certain infectious pathogens and protect the gut when taken over time. It’s important to take probiotics on a regular basis to constantly replenish and reinforce helpful bacteria.
Thyme may also help those suffering with respiratory infections, although other interventions may be needed. According to one study, thyme may help to slightly lower blood pressure, which helps balance heavy meals with high sodium. However, it’s not a solution to chronic high blood pressure.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the all-time favorite flavors of beef lovers. It has an over 5000-year history of use on an amazing array of foods! However, high quality isn’t always the case with garlic and other spices. Seeking out good quality makes a difference both in flavor and the health benefits. Garlic may be beneficial for circulation, blood pressure, platelet aggregation (helps lower formation of blood clots), and other cardiovascular parameters.
Sumac
Sumac is perhaps the most obscure spice on this list. Actually, sumac is a berry that is used in certain cultures, but hasn’t really caught on here. The taste can be balanced in just about any dish and the health benefits are fantastic. When tested against other respectable antioxidants, sumac consistently blows them out of the water.
Regular consumption of sumac may help to lower glucose levels and increase HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind). It may even help in reducing certain types of post-exercise soreness because of the free radicals it quenches. One study also found potential benefits for bone loss, although more research is needed.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves can blend very nicely with garlic, thyme, and other herbs on a steak. More importantly, bay leaves have powerful medicinal properties that help inhibit harmful forms of bacteria such as Salmonella, E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and more. In addition, bay leaves may help improve respiratory health, bloating, digestion, ulcer symptoms, and glucose levels when used consistently.
Sage
Sage is a delicious and interesting spice that imparts a unique flavor to dishes. Its velvety texture and fresh scent blends well with meat. However, if you don’t like sage, it can easily be disguised by using smaller amounts with other hers. Most importantly, sage has valuable health properties that can benefit you in many ways.
First, it is an excellent spice for brain health. Studies have shown good improvements in overall brain function with regular use. It helps protect an important compound called acetylcholine, which is usually low in those with poor cognitive functioning. Secondly, sage may be very helpful to those with diabetes by possibly improve insulin sensitivity. Lastly, animal and in vitro studies have shown potential with several different forms of cancer. Within these preliminary studies, sage helped to both halt the spread of cancer cells and cause cell death to certain forms. Premature perhaps, but impressive.