Spices are the essential oils of plants. They are mostly used for cooking but also have many other health benefits. They contain antioxidants, which help in preventing diseases related to free radicals.
Spices are an excellent way to flavor your meal without adding fat or calories. In addition, they have been shown to have several health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits and uses of Indian spices.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. It helps improve blood sugar control and lower cholesterol levels. It also reduces inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Cinnamon may help improve digestion by reducing bloating (after meals) and flatulence (gas). This can reduce your risk of digestive disorders like ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and colon cancer. It can aid weight loss by increasing fat burning in obese mice at high doses (5g/day).
Cardamom
Cardamom is one of the most widely used spices in Indian cuisine. It is often used in baking, as well as in savory dishes like curries and stews. The seeds have a unique taste reminiscent of apples and lemons, with a hint of minty or floral notes. They’re also noted for their slightly spicy aroma that lingers on your palate long after you’ve eaten them.
Cardamom has been proven to have various health benefits, especially for digestive health! Its essential oils are known to relax the muscles lining your stomach walls, helping ensure proper digestion so you can get all those nutrients from food into your bloodstream where they belong!
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is one of the most popular Indian spices. It is used in many dishes, and its aroma can be enjoyed as tea. Fenugreek is also known for having many health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels and improving digestion.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for many years in India as both a spice and medicinal herb. Its primary ingredient gives curry its distinct yellow color, but it has much more to offer than just its visual appeal.
Turmeric’s health benefits have been known for centuries, not only because of its healing properties but also because of its ability to give foods a bright color. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is responsible for many of turmeric’s positive health effects.
The curcumin in turmeric can help prevent cancer and heart disease, combat inflammation (which causes arthritis), reduce pain from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, reduce high cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar levels (1).
Cumin
Cumin is a spice that has a nutty flavor and is used in Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cooking. Cumin seeds are ground or whole in curries, chili, and soups. They can be combined with other spices like garlic and paprika to add an earthy texture to your meal.
Cumin contains iron, zinc, and calcium, essential nutrients for healthy hair growth. The iron in cumin helps you produce red blood cells, while the zinc acts as an antioxidant to slow down the aging process of cells in your body. Calcium promotes strong bones by strengthening their structure and helping them repair any damage caused by injuries or age-related wear over time.
Conclusion
Indian spices are a rich and flavorful way to improve your health and well-being. They are also versatile, easy to use, and delicious! They have been used in India for thousands of years as part of daily life and healing medicines. Whether you’re looking for a new way to spice up your meals or need some natural remedies for common ailments, these spices can help you achieve both goals.
Wayne Probert is a senior reporter at Zobuz, covering state and national politics, and he is a grantee with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Before joining Zobuz, he worked as a freelance journalist in Kentucky, having been published by dozens of outlets including NPR, the Center for Media.
