Yummy holiday treats can actually be good for you too!

When you add a generous “dose” of these common spices your treats can be considered medicinal.  ( Isn’t that what we all want to hear at this time of year?

But it’s true.  In Ayurveda this holiday falls in the middle of “vata” season.  We can easily balance the cold qualities by adding a little heat, in the form of Cayenne Pepper or Cinnamon. 

 These spices have numerous healing benefits that also make them good choices far beyond the holidays.

Cayenne pepper is an antibacterial that fights food poisoning and prevents cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections.  Mix a pinch of ground cayenne pepper with a tablespoon of honey, and take evrey hour at that first sign of cough or sore throat.  The honey soothes and coats your throat and also acts as an antibacterial.  This powerful combination will quickly kill the “bug” and soothe discomfort at the same time.

  Cayenne pepper has a numbing effect on the nerve endings in your throat, and will quickly “burn” up the mucous and congestion too.  Cayenne peppers numbing effect is the reason the pharmaceutical industry uses it in arthritis creams.  (Which is great if you are a “vata” constitution, but if you happen to be a “pitta” type, that pepper is actually making things worse by causing more inflammation and heat).

For general health benefits add a pinch of cayenne pepper to everyday favorites like guacamole, spinach dip,  or your favorite soup.

Cinnamon is an all around favorite for our taste buds but did you know it offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits?  Or that it is effetive at lowering insulin sensitivty as well as cholesterol and triglyceride levels? 

Add a half teaspoon twice a day to your meals and you can see signifaicant improvement.  Toss a whole cinnamon stick in your coffee pot before brewing for a nice gentle flavor and all the benefits of cinnamon.  Just take it out after 10 minutes so the taste doesn’t get too strong.  Or make a nice pot of tea or warm cider and spice it up with a cinnamon stick.

Healthy Holiday Nuts

To make a sweet treat using both cayenne pepper and cinnamon:  Add a 1/4 cup agave nectar to 1/2 cup fresh orange juice.  Add 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 to 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.  Mix well.  Combine with 1 pound of your favorite nuts. Stir to coat.  Roast on a foil lined cookie sheet for 1 hour in a 250 degree oven.  Stir every 15 minutes to pevent sticking and burning.

These are  great healthy snack for winter and all those with a “vata” body/mind type (dosha).

Be Careful. they are addicting!!

Day 4 of our Ayurveda Seasonal cleanse……my breakfast this morning?

CARAMOM PEAR SMOOTHIE