Spice up your holidays

Many spices inhibit damaging inflammation that can cause or worsen a variety of chronic diseases. Four beloved holiday spices—cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and turmeric—boast a variety of health benefits, but need to be used liberally to maximize the effects. People can challenge their palates to use more spices all year long by trying new recipes, testing spices in restaurant or ready-made meals, and bringing spice-laden dishes their ancestors once enjoyed to their own tables.