India is a land of spices with all the different varieties of fresh and dried herbs. Spices are the primary ingredients that add taste, flavor
They have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial effects and contain full of antioxidants which boost the immune system. Like fruits and vegetables, spices also have medicinal values. Here is a list of different spices which are used in the Indian households for their everyday cooking and ZevA brings to limelight their health benefits.
Turmeric/Haldi
You can find turmeric in every Indian household. Rich in antioxidants and has been known to fight and manage cancer. Studies have shown that turmeric helps to prevent Alzheimer’s and joint inflammation. It also helps in minimising liver damages caused by excessive alcohol consumption or regular usage of painkillers. Drinking a warm glass of milk mixed with turmeric helps in cold and cough. It is also an antiseptic.
Ways to consume:
- Can be used in soups, curries and stews
Ginger/Adrak
Ginger helps to alleviate from common cold. It is also known for its quick relieving effects on heartburn, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea and morning sickness. It has anti-inflammatory properties, due to its high content of gingerol. It is also a natural remedy for headaches, minor body aches and even some cases of arthritis.
Ways to consume:
- You can prepare ginger tea
- It can be added to stir-fry vegetables
Cinnamon/Dalchini
Cinnamon is used for various purposes; such as cooking, making perfumes and medicines. Intake of cinnamon in our diet is known to decrease the blood sugar level as well as the cholesterol level and keep our heart healthy. The oil derived from cinnamon is also used to treat and heal tooth decay and gum diseases.
Ways to consume:
- Cinnamon powder can be added to your tea/coffee
- Powder can also be sprinkled on your breakfast cereal
- It can be added to wheat flour for making chapati
- It can be swallowed with 1 glass water
Cardamom/Elaichi
Cardamom helps in the process of digestion and controls excessive production of acids. Some of its health benefits are combating nausea, increasing your appetite and reducing heartburn. It helps to reduce mucus production and treats cough, cold and bronchitis.
Ways to consume:
- Chew raw cardamom (keeps away bad breath)
- You can prepare cardamom tea/coffee
Fennel/Saumph
Fennels are an amazing source of dietary fibre and very helpful in the treatment of constipation. Fennel water is beneficial for infants with colic.
Ways to consume:
- Drink fennel water
- Chew raw fennel
- It can be added to tea and salads
Asafoetida/Hing
Asafoetida has amazing properties that can treat different kinds of stomach related problems such as stomach upset, intestinal worms, intestinal gas, etc.
Ways to consume:
- You can add 2-3 small pieces of hing (or hing powder) to buttermilk and drink it
- Add hing while cooking as it will impart a unique flavour and taste to food