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The old adage “spice up your life” couldn’t be more true. Just cook with spices and you’ll see. Although not nearly as fashionable in Western cooking as they once were–or should be–spice have been used in cooking since the Stone Age. And for many good reasons, most of which directly benefit your health.

Spices are Stimulants

Common kitchen spices are proven to stimulate you from your senses of taste, touch and smell to your cardiovascular and neurological health. The tingling sensation that initially occurs in your nose and mouth radiates throughout your body. The result is that it reawakens your sensitivity. It is likely the reason that spices have been held in regard as aphrodisiac since the beginning of recorded time. THIS is why you should add spice to your diet.

TO TRY: Warming Saffron Chai with Cardamom

Cook with spices because it can help you cut sodium

Cooking with turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander and saffron in your dishes will help you cut sodium, calories and fat. How? By adding intense, taste bud tickling, guilt-free flavor. Best of all, modern science is uncovering hidden health benefits of some of the world’s most popular spices…So long as you use them on, or nearly on, a daily basis.

The health benefits of spices

According to Professor Bharat Aggarwal, author of Healing Spices, many spices contain compounds that fight oxidation and inflammation, the processes underlying most chronic diseases. So not only will cooking with spice awaken your inner sensualist, they’ll fight potential illnesses while you use them to enjoy their effects on the games of love.

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Spices are also linked with boosting your immune system, curbing sugar cravings and reducing symptoms of depression. Although not all experts agree on these claims, studies link spices and weight loss. There is some evidence that spices can boost your metabolism. So if you’re looking to shed a little excess weight, now is the time to add spice to your diet.

Want a recipe to help you add spice to your diet? Try this Vegetarian White Bean Chili with Chocolate. (It not only use spices to lift the flavor, it delivers the sweetness of aphrodisiac chocolate!)