Page 4 - BrockCoNewsletter-JulyAug2025.indd

Spice It Up: SUMAC

The hottest thing in spices right now is for the spice plummeted. Sumac’s popularity has Middle East, it has traditionally been used to
something ancient. Za’atar was rarely spoken of remained high in the Middle East. treat gastrointestinal problems.
outside of the Middle East, but now it’s popping Sumac’s tartness enhances grilled meats, heavy Most supermarkets carry ground sumac in
up in restaurants and supermarkets everywhere. sauces, and stews. The acidic nature of sumac the spice aisle. Specialty stores stock dried
Sumac is the star of this trendy spice blend. makes it a nice addition to dishes with dairy. sumac berries.
Sumac is a shrub characterized by large clusters Adding the spice alone or in za’atar easily perks Once overlooked in Western kitchens, sumac

of bright red fruit. It flourishes in subtropical up foods, so drop some onto a bagel with cream is making a flavorful comeback. Sprinkle a

and temperate climates and is harvested in areas cheese or a hamburger. little onto your breakfast, lunch, or dinner and
throughout North America, Africa, and Asia.
Dried sumac berries are a key ingredient in discover why this ancient spice is trending again.
This fruit is cherished as a spice and a tea. refreshing beverages, as well as dolma, a dish Source:
Sumac has a lemony taste with a touch of made with grape leaves.
sweetness. Before lemons were widely cultivated Like most spices, sumac is rich in healthy https://www.eater.com/2022/2/28/22947543/
throughout Europe, sumac was used to add a substances. It contains heart-healthy fats, fiber, what-is-sumac-spice-how-to-use-cooking-recipes

welcome tartness to dishes. By the 15th century, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories. In the https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sumac-

the citrus fruit had become king, and demand benefi ts-uses-and-forms

Focus on Wellne :
SCHEDULING DOCTOR VISITS

Over 4,000 years ago, the Chinese emperor, preventive services, including wellness visits,
Huang Dee Nai Chang, wrote in the world’s mammograms, and folic acid supplements
first medical text, “Superior doctors prevent for women of childbearing age.

disease.” That advice still holds true today. • Consider your family history when
Despite that, a recent survey reported that determining what type of doctor you should
less than half of Americans regularly see their see. If certain illnesses run in your family,
primary care physicians. The preventive checkup discuss with your doctor how to prevent or
detects early signs of health risks. Early detection manage them. You may also need to see a
is key to defeating disease, so skipping a physical specialist. If so, ask questions and learn about
may not seem like a big deal now, but it can lead their experience treating people like you.
to serious health problems later.
• A good cadence for seeing your primary
Here’s why regular checkups matter:
doctor would be annually. Most dentists
• Checkups create a baseline for comparison. recommend that patients receive a cleaning
Getting yearly lab work and exams helps and exam every six months.
doctors spot changes over time. This can Don’t let the stress of life prevent you from
make it easier to catch health problems early. getting a wellness visit. Schedule your annual

• Conversation during an exam can even lead appointment before leaving the doctor’s o ce.

to a diagnosis. Chatting about mundane If scheduling a visit is too di cult, consider

routines provides a doctor with insight into finding a new doctor. Urgent care centers
your eating habits, sleep patterns, exercise are ideal for addressing non-life-threatening
schedule, and mental health. Use your time emergencies. Your primary care physician
with your doctor to ask questions such should be your long-term health partner.
as which vitamins or supplements they
recommend and what screenings they think Source:
are appropriate. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-
need-an-annual-physical-and-what-to-expect
• Fortunately, federal regulations require https://time.com/7270606/questions-to-ask-
insurance companies to cover a wide range of doctor-appointment/