Nutrition
Adding a blend of spices to a meal may help lower inflammation
Adding an array of spices to your meal is a surefire way to make it more tasty, but new Penn State research suggests it may increase its health benefits, as well.

Adding an array of spices to your meal is a surefire way to make it more tasty, but new Penn State research suggests it may increase its health benefits, as well.
In a randomized, controlled feeding study, the researchers found that when participants ate a meal high in fat and carbohydrates with six grams of a spice blend added, the participants had lower inflammation markers compared to when they ate a meal with less or no spices.
“If spices are palatable to you, they might be a way to make a high-fat or high-carb meal more healthful,” said Connie Rogers, associate professor of nutritional sciences. “We can’t say from this study if it was one spice in particular, but this specific blend seemed to be beneficial.”
The researchers used a blend of basil, bay leaf, black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, ginger, oregano, parsley, red pepper, rosemary, thyme and turmeric for the study, which was recently published in the Journal of Nutrition.
According to Rogers, previous research has linked a variety of different spices, like ginger and tumeric, with anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, chronic inflammation has previously been associated with poor health outcomes like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and overweight and obesity, which affects approximately 72 percent of the U.S. population.
In more recent years, researchers have found that inflammation can spike after a person eats a meal high in fat or sugar. While it is not clear whether these short bursts — called acute inflammation — can cause chronic inflammation, Rogers said it’s suspected they play a factor, especially in people with overweight or obesity.
“Ultimately the gold standard would be to get people eating more healthfully and to lose weight and exercise, but those behavioral changes are difficult and take time,” Rogers said. “So in the interim, we wanted to explore whether a combination of spices that people are already familiar with and could fit in a single meal could have a positive effect.”
For the study, the researchers recruited 12 men between the ages of 40 and 65, with overweight or obesity, and at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Rogers said the sample was chosen because people in these demographics tend to be at a higher risk for developing poorer health outcomes.
In random order, each participant ate three versions of a meal high in saturated fat and carbohydrates on three separate days: one with no spices, one with two grams of the spice blend, and one with six grams of the spice blend. The researchers drew blood samples before and then after each meal hourly for four hours to measure inflammatory markers.
“Additionally, we cultured the white blood cells and stimulated them to get the cells to respond to an inflammatory stimulus, similar to what would happen while your body is fighting an infection,” Rogers said. “We think that’s important because it’s representative of what would happen in the body. Cells would encounter a pathogen and produce inflammatory cytokines.”
After analyzing the data, the researchers found that inflammatory cytokines were reduced following the meal containing six grams of spices compared to the meal containing two grams of spices or no spices. Rogers said six grams roughly translates to between one teaspoon to one tablespoon, depending on how the spices are dehydrated.
While the researchers can’t be sure which spice or spices are contributing to the effect, or the precise mechanism in which the effect is created, Rogers said the results suggest that the spices have anti-inflammatory properties that help offset inflammation caused by the high-carb and high-fat meal.
Additionally, Rogers said that a second study using the same subjects, conducted by Penn State researchers Penny Kris-Etherton and Kristina Petersen, found that six grams of spices resulted in a smaller post-meal reduction of “flow mediated dilation” in the blood vessels — a measure of blood vessel flexibility and marker of blood vessel health.
In the future, Rogers said she, Kris-Etherton and Petersen will be working on further studies to determine the affects of spices in the diet across longer periods of time and within a more diverse population.
Ester S. Oh, graduate student in nutritional sciences; Kristina S. Petersen, assistant research professor of nutritional sciences; and Penny M. Kris-Etherton, Evan Pugh Professor and distinguished professor of nutritional sciences, also participated in this work.
Nutrition
Elevate your lunch with comforting staples
To get ready for weekday lunches, Kale Grilled Cheese sandwiches with Grana Padano PDO paired with hot soup and a Fall Grain Bowl with Prosciutto featuring Prosciutto di Parma PDO and filled with your favorite veggies are tasty options for discovering the possibilities of high-quality Italian ingredients.

Savory and satisfying, comforting ingredients can transform simple recipes into mouthwatering meals. As temperatures fall, people look for comforting foods to warm the soul. For inspiration, consider Italian ingredients to help make homemade lunches easy and satisfying.
To get ready for weekday lunches, Kale Grilled Cheese sandwiches with Grana Padano PDO paired with hot soup and a Fall Grain Bowl with Prosciutto featuring Prosciutto di Parma PDO and filled with your favorite veggies are tasty options for discovering the possibilities of high-quality Italian ingredients.
These authentic products are Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certified, a highly esteemed classification for European foods that have been produced according to the same traditional methods in a defined geographic region for centuries.
PDO-certified foods offer a guarantee of quality and authenticity. Only products made following traditional methods within defined production areas, under strict supervision and using carefully monitored ingredients qualify for PDO certification from the European Union. Among these artisan products, you’ll find some of the world’s most delicious cheeses and cured meats.
For your comfort food cravings, on an appetizer plate, drape thinly sliced, savory Prosciutto di Parma PDO and chunks of Grana Padano PDO to complement your favorite nuts and olives. Both pair beautifully with fruity red, white or sparkling wines, though they also are enjoyable with your favorite beer or soft drink. While these tastes of Italy can be enjoyed on their own, they are also capable of transforming simple dishes into decadent meals.
Find more comforting fall meal ideas by visiting distinctlydeliciouslyeuropean.eu.
Fall Grain Bowl with Prosciutto
Servings: 1
1 cup baby arugula
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
salt, to taste
1 cup cooked farro
2 tablespoons pesto
3/4 cup cooked squash
4 mozzarella bocconcini balls, halved
2 slices Prosciutto di Parma PDO, halved
In mixing bowl, toss arugula, olive oil, lemon juice and salt, to taste.
Transfer to serving bowl; if packing for lunch, transfer to plastic container.
In another bowl, combine cooked farro and pesto; toss to coat. Transfer farro to serving bowl or plastic container next to arugula.
Top farro with squash and mozzarella bocconcini balls. Drape prosciutto next to squash.
Kale Grilled Cheese
Servings: 2
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, smashed
4 cups (about 1/2 bunch) Tuscan kale, cut into ribbons
salt, to taste
1/2 lemon, juice only
2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
4 slices sourdough sandwich bread
2/3 cup (about 2 ounces) finely grated Grana Padano PDO cheese, divided
2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add garlic; cook until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add kale; cook and stir until slightly wilted and dark green, 2-3 minutes. Season lightly with salt, to taste, and lemon juice. Remove to plate.
Wipe skillet clean. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread, dividing evenly. Place two slices, buttered sides down, into skillet over medium-low heat. Onto each slice, divide half the Grana Padano; top with half the mozzarella.
Cook until cheese is melted and bottom is golden, 6-7 minutes. Add half the kale to one slice and close sandwich. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Nutrition
Cozy, comforting recipes to take on the cold
Add a bit of comfort to your weeknight menu with this Loaded Chicken Bake that’s ready in about half an hour. A short list of ingredients and allowing your oven to do most of the work for you mean it’s ideal for saving time (and money at the grocery store) while still satisfying winter appetites.

If blustery conditions are giving you the blues, come inside from the cold for a winter warmup in the comfort of your own kitchen. Cold-weather favorites that are baked, roasted or slow cooked are usually equal parts easy, delicious and filling, making them perfect solutions for chilly, snowy days.
Add a bit of comfort to your weeknight menu with this Loaded Chicken Bake that’s ready in about half an hour. A short list of ingredients and allowing your oven to do most of the work for you mean it’s ideal for saving time (and money at the grocery store) while still satisfying winter appetites.
Serving as the hearty base is READ German Potato Salad, made with thinly sliced potatoes and bacon in a traditional sweet-piquant dressing. While it’s delicious when served chilled, heated or at room temperature on its own, it can also be the star of the show in family meals.
For another true cent saver, try Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets. This savory side dish highlights the flavors of the season in a recipe that’s as easy to assemble as it is to enjoy with loved ones.
Picked and packed at peak ripeness, antioxidant-rich Aunt Nellie’s beets are pickled with a delicate balance of sweetness and vinegar for a homemade flavor that’s perfect in this roasted side that can accompany winter meals of all sorts. Versatile jarred whole pickled beets are always in season, meaning you can enjoy them chilled, warmed or worked into recipes.
Find more favorite wintertime recipes by visiting READSalads.com and AuntNellies.com.
Loaded Chicken Bake
Recipe courtesy of Hungry In LA
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cans (15 ounces each) READ German Potato Salad
4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cups crumbled, cooked bacon
French fried onions (optional), plus additional for serving (optional), divided
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Lightly coat 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread German potato salad evenly in dish. Top evenly with chicken.
In small bowl, stir heavy cream, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over chicken.
Sprinkle with cheese, bacon and onions, if desired.
Bake 15 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes. Top with additional onions, if desired.
Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets
Servings: 4
1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Whole Pickled Beets
2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 pound) peeled and cubed (1/2-3/4-inch cubes)
2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 red onion, sliced about 1/4-inch thick
2 fresh rosemary sprigs, plus additional for garnish
Preheat oven to 400 F. Drain beets. Discard liquid or save for another use.
In large bowl, toss sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper and onion until coated.
Place silicone mat on baking sheet or line with aluminum foil.
Pour contents of bowl onto baking sheet in single layer. Remove rosemary from stems; sprinkle over vegetables. Bake 30 minutes until potatoes are almost tender.
Add beets to baking sheet. Return to oven 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and beginning to brown. Garnish with additional rosemary, if desired.
Nutrition
Potato recipes for the holidays
Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family by turning to easy-to-prepare potato recipes that can make the whole family happy.

Many people would agree the holidays are one of the happiest times of the year – but also one of the most stressful. Replace the stress with smiles by cooking easy, delicious dinners that can help make the season a breeze and bring a little holiday happiness to mealtime.
Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family by turning to easy-to-prepare potato recipes that can make the whole family happy.
For example, when you’re busy trying to cook multiple things at once, free up precious oven real estate while saving time with these Herby Holiday Air Fryer Little Potatoes. For a busy weeknight during the holiday season, potato dishes like this one can be made in an air fryer and customized with a few of your favorite pantry staples. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried will do the trick.
This recipe and many others can be streamlined with Little Potatoes, which come pre-washed, are small enough they don’t need to be cut and are a fresh, whole food grown on family farms so you can feel good about serving them to your loved ones.
Remember, easy can still be fabulous and festive. This Warm Winter Potato Salad with Cranberries offers the best of both worlds as it comes together in around 7 minutes with seasonal pops of red and green.
This family-friendly side features A Little Roasted Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme Microwave Ready Little Potatoes that simply need to be steamed in the microwave for 5 minutes then tossed with the included seasoning pack – no boiling or peeling required. It’s truly a holiday shortcut, and you can make the recipe even easier by using store-bought honey mustard vinaigrette if you’re short on time to make it from scratch.
Visit littlepotatoes.com to find more ways to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family.
Herby Holiday Air Fryer Little Potatoes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
1 1/2 pounds Little Potatoes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh or dried herbs, such as parsley, rosemary, sage or oregano, chopped
In large bowl, toss potatoes with oil or melted butter. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Place in air fryer basket.
Air fry potatoes at 390 F for 25 minutes.
Once air-fried, sprinkle potatoes with herbs and serve.
Warm Winter Potato Salad with Cranberries
Prep time: 2-5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
1 package A Little Roasted Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme Microwave Ready Little Potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 small apple, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or other nuts (optional)
fresh parsley (optional)
green onions (optional)
Prepare potatoes according to package instructions, about 5 minutes, tossing with olive oil and included seasoning pack once cooked.
In small bowl, whisk Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
In large bowl, toss warm potatoes with cranberries, thinly sliced apple and walnuts, if using.
Drizzle mustard dressing over top and gently mix until well-coated.
Top with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired, for pop of color. Serve warm.
Tips: If you like more texture, toast walnuts for extra crunch. For added creaminess, mix 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into dressing. To save time or reduce ingredients needed, use storebought honey mustard vinaigrette.
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