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Published:12/01/2009

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Spice up the Season

Feel guilty sipping eggnog or munching on gingersnaps? These holiday goodies may not be as bad as you think. Some of the most commonly used spices in traditional treats can reduce inflammation, lower your risk of heart disease, and more, says Sarah Krieger, RD, national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. To reap the health boost without the calories, try these smart treat alternatives:

Spice	Traditional Treat	Better Bite	Health Boost
Cardamom	Cookies, cakes, and sweet breads	Sprinkle over hot cereal or sautéed pears and apples	Contains antioxidants and aids digestion
Cinnamon	Pies	Add a dash to coffee, or use a cinnamon stick to stir cocoa	May lower blood sugar and cholesterol
Clove	Cookies and cakes	Add a pinch to meat or seafood marinades	Helps relieve soreness and inflammation, especially tooth pain
Ginger	Gingersnaps	Mix into stir-fries, salads, or veggie dishes	Alleviates heartburn, bloating, and nausea
Nutmeg	Eggnog	Spice up sweet potatoes, or add to chicken dishes	Antibacterial compounds help ward off salmonella, E. coli, and listeria

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