Spice: Saffron

Health benefits and uses: Weight loss, appetite suppression, depression/low mood, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sexual health/aphrodisiac, liver health, energy.

It’s rich in: Antioxidants (particularly the natural carotenoid compound crocin), minerals, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, and vitamins A and C.

We like:

	Himalaya Herbal Healthcare VigorCare for Men, with saffron and a host of other herbs that are designed to help promote sexual desire and sexual vitality. This formula is ideal for men suffering from a low libido associated with aging.
	Paradise Herbs Saffr-Tone, featuring saffron stigma extract. This formulation includes the spice’s active compounds safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin. The capsules are vegetarian and can be used to help boost mood and promote healthier food choices.

Spice: Oregano

Health benefits and uses: Treatment and/or prevention of colds and flu, sore throat, sinus congestion/infections, bacterial infections, bronchitis, skin rashes, body aches, fungal infections.

It’s rich in: Antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and some omega-3s.

We like:

North American Herb and Spice Oreganol Oil of Oregano, which boasts wild handpicked oregano from the Mediterranean. Place two or more drops under your tongue or add to water or juice. You can also use topically for skin irritations; mix with a carrier oil and massage all over to ease aches and pains. Tip: Bring this product along on airplane trips to bolster immunity.

Spice: Turmeric

Health benefits and uses: Pain and swelling, inflammation, arthritis, joint health, liver health, cancer prevention, brain health, cystic fibrosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

It’s rich in: Antioxidants, curcumin (thought to be the active ingredient), iron, manganese, vitamin B6, fiber, and potassium.

We like:

	Source Naturals Ageless Mind, a comprehensive brain health formula. It contains Meriva Turmeric Complex, a proprietary blend of phosphatidylcholine (a brain health nutrient) and turmeric rhizome extract for optimal absorption and benefits.
	Natural Factors CurcuminRich Turmeric Root Extract, which uses a specialized form of curcumin called Theracurmin. Research has shown that Theracurmin increases absorption of the spice over 30 times compared to regular curcumin.

Saffron Brown Rice Pilaf
Serves 4

Want to use more spices in when cooking? Try this easy recipe, perfect as a side dish. Recipe by Andi Phillips

2 Tbs. olive oil

2 shallots, minced

½ tsp. turmeric

½ tsp. saffron

2 cups brown rice

5 cups vegetable stock

2 clove garlic, minced

¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

6 green onions, thinly sliced

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot, and sauté until tender. Add turmeric and saffron. Continue cooking until olive oil and shallots become bright yellow. Add rice, and stir until rice is glossy and coated with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add stock and garlic. Cover with tight fitting lid, and cook 40 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand 10 minutes. Fluff rice with fork, add parsley and green onions, and serve.

Per serving: 461 cal; 8 g prot; 10 g total fat (1 g sat fat); 85 g carb; 0 mg chol; 423 mg sod; 7 g fiber; 2 g sugars

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