HEALTH BENEFITS OF INDIAN SPICES

The secret of the delicious flavor of Indian food lies in its rich spices that have been used since ancient times. These spices are the heart of Indian cooking. They add delicious aroma, great taste, unique colour and finger licking flavor to our food. Together they make a perfect blend. The contribution of Indian spices is not limited to food only it even provides various health benefits that have been well chronicled since vedic times.

Some popular spices and their health benefits are as follows :

1. Black Cardamom –

Black Cardamom is the most common spice especially used in biriyani. This spice eases out digestive problems and reduces flatulence. It also provides relief from throat problems, chest congestion and gum infection. Due to its anti – inflammatory properties and the fact that it can alleviate muscle spasms, black Cardamom is a saving grace for asthmatics. It is a great ingredient for respiratory problems.

2. Fenugreek Seeds –

Fenugreek Seeds provides a lot of health benefits as it cures constipation as well as balances cholesterol level. For children it is very beneficial as it fights to flu and colds. For ladies it is important as it stimulates breast milk production and reduces menustral cramps. For elderly people it is beneficial as it cures joint pain, helps control diabetes and improves heart health.

3. Cinnamon –

Cinnamon has anti – bacterial, anti-fungal anti – microbial properties. It can fight against yeast infection and is beneficial in neurogenerative diseases. It prevents irritable bowel syndrome and is effective against arthritis and osteoporosis. It has antioxidant and anti – inflammatory properties. It improves cardiovascular health, increases metabolic rate and helps control blood sugar.

4. Turmeric –

Turmeric has various medicinal bioactive compounds. Circumin is a natural anti – inflammatory compound present in it which lowers our risk at heart diseases. It increases our body’s antioxidant activity and helps a lot in wound healing. It is so effective that it can fight against depression, prevent from Alzheimer ‘s disease and can even prevent from cancer. It easily detoxifies liver and helps in boosting immune system. It can even fight age related chronic diseases and helps in delaying aging.

5. Coriander Seeds-

Coriander seeds is an effective Indian spice in improving digestion. It helps in lowering bad cholesterol and helps in fighting with diabetes. It can cure anemia and reduces menustral cramps. It can make your liver strong. It is important for good eyesight as well as for increasing our memory power. It is rich in minerals such as vitamin K, C, B along with antioxidant and minerals such as magnesium which are all beneficial for skin and hair health.

6. Cumin –

Cumin is known to relieve from digestive problems, reduces the chances of anameia and alleviate common cold. Antiseptic properties of cumin can help fight flu by boosting immune system. It helps control stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea and morning sickness. It surprising can reduce problems of piles. It provides our body with iron and manganese that helps in the absorption of calcium and controls blood pressure.

7. Saffron –

Kashmir produces the best quality of saffron in India. This special ingredient adds aroma, colour and spice to biriyani and desert. It is expensive but the health benefits are priceless.

It is a beneficial ingredient which busts mood swings, encourages healthy sleep, protects from vision loss and boosts memory. It is a good regulator of gas and acidity and helps in digestion. It is an efficient cure for asthma. It can relieve from sore gums, can beat the dark circles and can remove dark patches from our body.

8. Asafoetida –

This flavoring agent has wonderful health benefits as it helps in digestion. It is useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders like cough, asthma and bronchitis. It has been proved useful in the treatment of health problems concerning women such as usually painful and excessive menstruation. It is also used in medicine because of its antibiotic properties.

These were the health benefits of some Indian spices used in Indian kitchen. Hope other than using these spices in your food now you can also use them for medicinal purposes. Use these spices in your daily life’s for various purposes and with its each beneficial property embrace your Indian culture.