Use These 4 Holiday Spices for an Antioxidant Boost to Your Health
As the holidays bring out cozy baked goods, warming drinks, and festive meals, they also offer a wonderful opportunity to nourish your body. Everyday spices like ginger, cinnamon, cocoa, and cloves have been used for thousands of years—not just for flavour, but for their health-promoting properties.
Research shows these spices are rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from damage, support immune health, and reduce inflammation linked to chronic disease. Incorporating these seasonal spices into both sweet and savoury dishes is a simple, delicious way to support hearth health and overall wellness throughout the winter months.
🌿 The 4 Holiday Spices & Their Benefits
✨ Ginger
- Traditionally used in Asian medicine for centuries
- Helps ease nausea and support digestion, even in small amounts
- Rich in antioxidants and gingerol, a compound known to reduce inflammation
- Provides vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium
👉 Try it: Ginger Turmeric Cinnamon Anti-Inflammatory Tea
👉 Try it: Carrot Ginger Stir Fry Noodles
✨ Cinnamon
- A holiday favourite with anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports blood sugar balance
- Contains iron, magnesium, calcium, and immune-supporting zinc
- Rich in polyphenol antioxidants such as cinnamaldehyde
👉 Try it: Cinnamon Bircher Muesli
👉 Try it: Overnight Chia Pod
✨ Cocoa
- High in flavonoids, a powerful group of antioxidants
- Supports heart health and may benefit cognitive function
- Best consumed as dark cocoa or chocolate (70% or higher)
- Just one to two tablespoons of cocoa powder provides benefits
How to use it: Add natural cocoa powder to smoothies, warm beverages, or energy bites for a nutrient-rich treat.
👉 Try it: Nutritiously Spiced Hot Chocolate
👉 Try it: Dad’s Favourite Brownies
✨ Cloves
- One of the highest antioxidant-rich spices available
- Supports oral and gum health
- May help regulate blood pressure
- Rich in vitamins C and K, manganese, and eugenol (an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compound)
How to use: Use ground cloves sparingly in baking, soups, or warm beverages for depth of flavour and added antioxidant support.
👉 Try it: Sardinian Longevity Soup
👉 Try it: Moroccan Chickpea Chili
🍽️ Simple Ways to Use Holiday Spices
Holiday spices aren’t just for desserts. Stir them into:
- Oatmeal, yogurt, or chia pudding
- Soups, stews, and roasted vegetables
- Herbal teas and warm milk alternatives
- Smoothies and homemade granola
A little goes a long way—both in flavour and health benefits.
✨ Final Thoughts
These comforting spices do more than make your kitchen smell like the holidays—they offer meaningful health benefits backed by science. By regularly including ginger, cinnamon, cocoa, and cloves in your meals, you can enjoy seasonal flavours while supporting your immune system, heart health, and overall well-being.
Small additions can make a powerful difference—one cozy, spiced bite at a time!
If you’re curious about how food choices, seasonal eating, and functional nutrition can support your health goals, personalized nutrition guidance can make all the difference.
👉 Book a nutrition consultation with Marsha or explore more recipes and wellness resources here on the blog.
📚 References
Use these four holiday spices for an antioxidant boost to your health. The Independent.
https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/cinnamon-cocoa-ginger-cloves-antioxidants-b2885552.html
Ginger: Health benefits and uses. Johns Hopkins Medicine.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-health-benefits
Ginger: Health benefits, uses, and potential side effects. UCLA Health.
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/ginger-health-benefits
Health benefits of cloves. Cleveland Clinic.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cloves-health-benefits/
Dark chocolate and heart health. American Heart Association.
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/dark-chocolate-and-heart-health
Marsha Fenwick, C.N.P. R.R.T.
Marsha is not your typical nutritionist. She began her career 20 years ago as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Later, she earned her certifications as a Registered Nutritional Consultant Practitioner, Certified Nutritional Practitioner, and Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner. Marsha is also a Certified Cancer Coach. Her clinical practice specializes in: sustainable healthy weight loss, digestive health, women's hormones, diabetes, heart health, and cancer prevention and recovery. Contact Marsha today for more information and to book a FREE 15 minute nutritional consultation.
