Do you ever get bored of the food you cook at home? 

Well, this month we want to encourage you to experiment with different flavors in your cooking. For National Nutrition Month this year, we are celebrating a world of flavors!

Use Less Salt with Other Herbs & Spices

That’s right! This month we challenge you to try a meal with a new spice or herb. Herbs, whether fresh or dried, are a great way to add flavor to your meals. If you find it hard or expensive to find fresh herbs at your local grocery store, consider growing them at home! Here are a few herbs and spices I recommend you try!

Bay Leaf

Dry bay leaves are inexpensive, and their taste can be described as ‘woodsy’, similar to oregano and thyme. They are great in meat marinades and in the cooking process of sauces, stews, and vegetables. However, you will want to use them at the beginning of cooking to let the flavor draw out and remove them before serving. 

Bay Leaf Nutritional Benefits

• Supports your immune system 
• Antioxidants
• Can help an upset stomach

Click here for more information from the National Library of Medicine.

Rosemary

Not only is it a great name, but the flavor has been described as both lemon and pine. Consider using rosemary when sautéing meat, baking fish, or letting it stew in tomato sauces, potatoes, soups, vegetables, and dressings.

Rosemary Nutritional Benefits

• Anti-inflammatory
• Memory boosting
• Relieves anxiety/stress

Click here for more information from the National Library of Medicine.

Sage

Sage has a bold, earthy taste. It has been described as slightly peppery and minty. It is recommended to use a small amount due to its strong flavor. Sage works well with root vegetables and meats like pork, beef, and sausage.

Sage Nutritional Benefits

• Anti-inflammatory
• Supports your immune system (full of antioxidants)

Cinnamon

If you thought cinnamon was just for pastries, think again! Cinnamon is a great addition to yogurt, fruit, stews, chilis, or as a meat rub.

Cinnamon Nutritional Benefits

• Anti-inflammatory
• Heart health

Click here for more information from the National Library of Medicine.

Smoked Paprika

Although there are different versions of paprika (sweet, hot, and smoked), smoked paprika is by far my favorite spice to cook roasted vegetables! This spice is made using smoke-dried peppers; it adds a mild smoky flavor profile. It also pairs well with sauces, stews, and as a rub on grilled meats.

Smoked Paprika Nutritional Benefits

• Antioxidants
• Anti-inflammatory

Oregano

There are two types of oregano; there is regular oregano, an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones, and Mexican oregano, with a peppery lemon flavor. They both are inexpensive and have a bold earthy flavor. 

Try using regular oregano in pizza, grilled shrimp, roasted chicken, or roasted vegetables. Mexican oregano would best be paired with chili, salsas, stews, and tacos.

Oregano Nutritional Benefits

• Antioxidants
• Antimicrobial properties

Click here for more information from the National Library of Medicine.

Celebrate National Nutrition Month with Flavor

Every bite of food should be filled with flavor, even healthy foods! Let us know how you celebrate a world of flavors at home!

The post National Nutrition Month: Herbs & Spices appeared first on Biofortis Research.

Dr. Beckman began working at Biofortis in January of 2020. She finds participating in clinical research interesting because during her training, she read about studies all the time in journal publications. Beckman graduated from University of St. Francis in Joliet, and then went on to Loyola University Chicago – Stritch School of Medicine. She then completed her fellowship at Northwestern University.

Dawn wears many hats at Biofortis, but mainly she is in charge of making sure studies are safe for subjects.

“If [subjects] are having any symptoms, side effects or diagnoses, they get evaluated to see if it could potentially be related to something in the study that they’re taking or doing, or if it is something potentially pre-existing,” said Dawn. “We’re always looking out for the safety of the subjects.”

Dr. Beckman has loved her job at Biofortis since day one, because her colleagues are so enthusiastic and motivated, and for the most part, her subjects are healthy and happy to be there. She said this is a nice juxtaposition from her other office, a private practice where she specializes in Allergy and Immunology, where most patients come to her with complaints or issues.

Outside of work, Dawn enjoys various hobbies. She loves to garden, and this year she is attempting to grow pumpkins. She not only knits, but also designs knitwear, by taking patterns and making them her own. Dawn also enjoys DIY home improvement projects. Growing up, her father was a handyman around the house, and being the oldest daughter, she would help him and learn from him. When she is not working at Biofortis or her private practice, you might find her doing one of these creative projects.

Biofortis is a full service clinical research and scientific consulting company. Our research is focused on foods, ingredients and dietary supplements. Research conducted at Biofortis has helped evaluate food and nutrient metabolism and tolerance, support label claims, and demonstrate health benefits of products in the general and specific populations.

The post Meet Biofortis Clinical Investigator, Dawn Beckman, M.D. appeared first on Biofortis Research.