In India we tend to use quiet a lot of spices in our foods and we cannot imagine food tasting good without adding spices to our foods and by just adding some salt & squeeze a lime.They are like the hidden gems of our foods. Our Indian spices boxes are full of vibrant colours, aromas and tastes. A box of different spices like turmeric, jeera (cumin), ajwain (carom seeds), hing (asafoetida), black pepper, clove, elaichi (cardamom) and many more acts as a medicinal kit by improving immunity and is considered ‘Sarvagunn Sampann’.When these spices are used in our foods for our meals in adequate quantities they are utilised by the body for various health benefits, if taken in a desirable amount, however an overdose of these spices can lead to indigestion.
A lot of importance is given to just turmeric on social media, while turmeric is a great spice but the other spices in our Indian households are no less.
Benefits of 5 most commonly used spices in Indian households:
- Turmeric:
Turmeric has been the most famous spice of all times and also known as ‘yellow gold’ in many parts of the world since its not just famous for its health benefits in India but also across the world. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties with its key compound curcumin present in it which helps enhance immunity, reduce the chances of infections, skin diseases, wounds, digestive ailments, cognitive health as well as in treating liver conditions.’Haldi doodh’ has been one of the traditional practises of us Indian as is now recognised globally as ‘Turmeric latte’ and worldwide people are reaping benefits of our ancient spices.
2. Jeera (Cumin):
Most dishes are incomplete without the addition of jeera for some tadka. Adding cumin seeds to our meals is great for our digestion, reduces the chances of anaemia since it is rich in iron and alleviate common cold, being rich in potassium it helps control blood pressure & is rich in manganese which helps in the absorption of calcium & maintain bone rigidity. It also has antibiotic, antiseptic, antimicrobial & anti bacterial properties. This miraculous spice can be boiled in some water and can be enjoyed as a warm drink when you feel under the weather.
3. Black pepper:
Black pepper is used in many dishes which helps enhance the taste of a particular dish to a great extend. It is not just rich in flavours but also helps in digestion by increasing the production of Hydrochloric acid which is majorly required to digest the food well. It also is beneficial to treat flatulence, constipation, being anti-bacterial & rich in antioxidants it contributes to overall wellness tremendously, it helps reduce blood pressure and is also rich in iron content. Black pepper also consists of an active ingredient called pepperon which helps in better absorption of curcumin an active ingredient present in turmeric.
4. Garam masala:
Garam masala is made by mixing different spices in specific amount which aids in boosting digestion, bloating, flatulence & reduces inflammation in the body by improving immunity levels. It reduces the chances of heart attack as ingredients like coriander and cardamom ensure overall heart health and reduces the risk of it. Being rich it antioxidants it helps fight free radicals in the body which further reduces the risk of cancer. It helps maintain the level of good cholesterol in the body while reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the body. Garam masala is beneficial to health & also full of flavours, however be careful when you buy ready made ones, as the proportions and quality of a homemade garam masala is way better than readymade ones. Incase you cannot prepare it for yourself, purchase it from some reliable source.
5. Carom seeds (Ajwain)
Ajwain consists of thymol as an active ingredient which makes it perfect for digestive issues. It helps release gastric juice from the stomach, which in turn helps fasten the digestion process. This is why when we have any digestion or bloating issues most elderly people or our mothers ask us to chew some ajwain seeds to treat these digestive issues. It has great anti bacterial & anti fungal properties which reduces the bad bacteria in the gut and helps colonising good bacteria. It helps reducing bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol in the body, further reducing the risk of heart diseases. It is also observed that ajwain helps improve airflow to the lungs and can provide relief from coughing.
Giveaway message:
Our Indian household spices are very beneficial for our health if taken in sufficient amounts. Hoarding on these excessively can be harmful and can cause indigestion, increase body temperature and heart burn. Spices like turmeric, jeera, ajwain can be consumed in cooked meals as well as be added to water as be enjoyed as a warm tea!