Spices are often used to enhance the taste of foods and drinks. But you might be surprised to know that these spices are loaded with properties beneficial to your health. Read here to find out.
Turmeric can help you reduce inflammation and joint pain
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cinnamon is a diabetes-friendly spice as it may control blood sugars
- Jeera can be added to a variety of foods and drinks
- Turmeric is also known as the golden spice
The Indian kitchen is loaded with spices that are beneficial to your health in several ways. Spices are added in the preparation of almost every food. From turmeric to cinnamon, you can find a variety of these hidden gems in your kitchen. Not many are aware of different ways to add these to diet to reap maximum benefits. You can add spices to curries, teas, kadha, drinks and much more. Here are some common spices that can offer you multiple benefits. So, enhance the taste of your food as well as give a boost to your health with these spices.
Spices you must add to your diet
Nutritionist Lovneet Batra shares a list of spices and their health benefits in one of her social media posts. "Indian spices have always been a possession of pride because not only do they add unique flavours and textures to our curries, desserts and rice, they are also potent healers. Spices vary from your regular seeds - dhaniya, red chilly, methi, zeera, haldi, to the more sophisticated garam masala like elaichi, jaiphal, black and white peppers, cloves, star anise, amongst others. Each spice has its own speciality," she writes.
Also read: 5 Herbs And Spices That Can Help You Boost Immunity
1. Cumin seeds or jeera
Jeera or cumin seeds are often the first ingredients of Indian recipes. These seeds contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Cumin is also an anti-acidity gastric healer. Adding jeera to your diet can also stimulate liver to release bile acids. According to studies, cumin powder is beneficial in controlling cholesterol levels.
Jeera water may help keep digestive issues at bay
Photo Credit: iStock
2. Turmeric or haldi
Turmeric is also known as the golden spice. It is rich in antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This spice is also beneficial to those suffering from arthritis as it can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. The nutritionist suggests that you can have a glass of warm turmeric milk with a pinch of black pepper powder every night in the winters to sleep well and better immunity. It is also a wound healer and has antiseptic properties.
Also read: Cardamom Health Benefits You Cannot Afford To Miss; Know Different Ways To Use This Spice
3. Black pepper or kali mirch
"This antioxidant spice is a decongestant, provides warmth to the body and has piperine which prevents cell oxidation," tells Batra. It is also often advised to combine turmeric with black pepper as the piperine in black pepper assists in the absorption of curcumin present in turmeric.
Balck pepper helps in absorption of curcumin present in turmeric
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Coriander or dhaniya
This spice can be added to diet in the form of seeds as well as powder. As per studies, it can help in controlling blood pressure numbers. Coriander is also an effective remedy for bloating.
Also read: Hypertension: This Spice Can Help You Control High Blood Pressure Easily And Effectively
So, what are you waiting for? Add these to your diet in multiple ways today!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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