Spice up your life! How could something so small do so much good? Not only do spices add lots of flavor without adding calories and fat, they have health benefits too. Check out some of our favorite add-ins:

Cinnamon: not only does it taste great in all your favorite foods—it actually adds a delicious sweetness to many foods; it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage. It also appears to reduce inflammation and it may lower your LDL cholesterol (better known as the bad kind of cholesterol). Add it to your coffee or oatmeal in the morning for a little boost, or throw a bit on your afternoon snack of apples and peanut butter.

Cayenne pepper: it’s a great way to add flavor to you food and increase your intake of vitamins and minerals. One tablespoon of cayenne pepper is just 17 calories, and could add enough flavor and heat for everyone at your dinner table. It supplies vital nutrients to your heart, removes toxins from your blood, and improves circulation. Even though it’s spice, it can help a bad stomach.

Ginger: that pile of mystery food next to the wasabi on your sushi plate? That’s ginger, and it’s anti-nausea properties can help with upset stomachs and motion sickness. It can also hinder blood clotting. Buy ginger root and grate a little and throw in a stir-fry, delish!

Turmeric: from the same family as ginger, turmeric can help reduce inflammation in arthritis patients. Turmeric is also being investigated for its possible benefits in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other clinical disorders. It’s been credited as one of the most powerful and disease fighting of all the spices. Sprinkle some on some roasted cauliflower or in your eggs for a twist.

What’s your favorite spice to add to your meals?