4 Healthy Herbs & Spices This Nutritional Psychiatrists Uses To Elevate Meals

Many people associate undressed salads and unseasoned chicken with "health," but eating nutritious foods doesn't have to be boring. In fact, keeping your meals devoid of flavor actually limits their potential benefits. 

"In the U.S., we rarely think about these ingredients in terms of nutrition," Naidoo says. "Salt and pepper have been widely used as a main seasoning, but the benefits packed in herbs and spices are mind-blowing." 

These sometimes overlooked kitchen staples are "powerful in nutritional psychiatry," Naidoo tells mbg, as they have been proved to support both mental and physical health. Here are a few of her favorite herbs and spices, plus their potent benefits. 

Uses: Take turmeric as a supplement, add it to a golden latte, or use it to marinate chicken. 

Uses: Add saffron to jasmine rice for a delightfully aromatic grain; pumpkin soup; a warm, spiced milk; or even a DIY face mask. 

Uses: Seasoning olive oil with rosemary makes for an even more flavorful and nutrient-dense cooking fat. It's a lovely garnish for hearty dishes, like vegan pot roast or Italian veggie stews. You may also find it in supplements.

Uses: Ginger is often found in gut-supportive teas, in sesame-ginger seasonings for veggies or protein sources, or blended into smoothies. When you're not using the root, be sure to store it properly.

Flavorless meals are not synonymous with health—they're actually quite the opposite. Adding herbs and spices to food and drinks is a super-simple way to elevate their benefits. If you're not doing so already, it's time to crack into that spice cabinet.