Have you ever wondered why the holiday season feels so warm, festive, and joyful, only to transition into a dreary January that leaves many longing for brighter days? While seasonal changes and festivities play a role, the answer might also be hiding in your spice cabinet.
The holidays are synonymous with indulgent feasts, cozy drinks, and decadent desserts. What many don’t realize is that some of the most iconic flavors of the season aren’t just delicious—they also come packed with surprising benefits for both mental and physical health.
“When you start reaching for spices to add to your holiday meals and baked treats, you are actually reaching for amazing mood-boosting and health-boosting ingredients without realizing it. Cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and star anise are holiday staples, but also foods that we should incorporate into our meals all year long,” shares Jaya Jaya Myra, former immunologist and bestselling author and mind-body wellness expert.
The Power of Holiday Spices
Cinnamon: The Sweet Health Hero
Cinnamon is often the first spice associated with the holiday season. Found in everything from mulled wine to cinnamon rolls, this aromatic staple is loaded with antioxidants that help combat inflammation. Studies suggest it may improve brain function, memory, and even help regulate blood sugar levels—making it an excellent addition for those indulging in sweet holiday treats.
Cloves: Small But Mighty
Cloves are a holiday favorite in spiced cookies, festive hams, and hot beverages. Rich in eugenol, a powerful antioxidant, cloves have been shown to reduce oxidative stress, support liver health, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, their earthy aroma is known to promote relaxation, making them a great choice for stress-heavy holiday preparations.
Ginger: Warming and Rejuvenating
Ginger, often associated with gingerbread cookies and spicy drinks, is a powerhouse for digestion and immunity. Its active compound, gingerol, is linked to reducing nausea, improving digestion, and combating infections. During a season of indulgence, incorporating ginger into meals can help alleviate bloating and enhance gut health.
Nutmeg: Comfort in a Pinch
Nutmeg is a popular addition to eggnog, pumpkin pies, and festive lattes. Beyond its warm and nutty flavor, nutmeg is known to aid sleep and promote relaxation thanks to its natural sedative properties. It’s excellent at alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. It also supports digestive health and has antibacterial qualities.
Star Anise: The Unsung Holiday Hero
Star anise is a star-shaped spice that adds a unique licorice-like flavor to many holiday dishes and drinks. Packed with anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, star anise is also a source of shikimic acid, a key ingredient in antiviral medications. A sprinkle of star anise can elevate both your culinary creations and your immune defenses.
Why Spices Affect Mood and Health
Spices like these aren’t just culinary staples—they have deep roots in traditional medicine. Many of the compounds found in holiday spices stimulate the production of feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, while also supporting gut health, which is closely tied to mood regulation.
One reason could be the spices we find ourselves eating more of around the holidays, as Jaya Jaya Myra explains. She highlights how these natural ingredients have the ability to uplift both body and mind. Their bold aromas and flavors also play a psychological role, often invoking nostalgia and the warmth of shared traditions, which can amplify their mood-boosting effects.
How to Incorporate These Spices Year-Round
While it’s easy to associate these spices exclusively with the holidays, their health benefits make a strong case for year-round use. Try adding cinnamon to your morning oatmeal or coffee, using ginger in soups and stir-fries, or sprinkling nutmeg on roasted vegetables for a hint of sweetness. Cloves and star anise can be brewed into teas or used to infuse broths with depth and warmth.
By making these simple changes, you can carry a bit of holiday cheer into every season, boosting your health and mood long after the decorations are packed away.
A Delicious Tradition with a Healthy Twist
Holiday foods don’t have to be indulgent without purpose. By embracing the natural health benefits of spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise, you’re not only creating dishes that delight the senses but also nurturing your overall well-being. As Jaya Jaya Myra suggests, these “amazing mood-boosting and health-boosting ingredients” can help keep the glow of the holidays alive in your body and mind throughout the year.
So this season, when you sprinkle cinnamon on your apple pie or stir star anise into your hot cider, remember that you’re adding more than flavor—you’re infusing your meals with joy, health, and a bit of magic that could make even January feel a little brighter.