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Spices are treasure troves of medicinal value; they are nature’s gift to good health and longevity.
Here are just a few reasons why you should make these spices a part of your daily diet.
Black Pepper
Ceylon Cinnamon
Turmeric
Cloves
Red Chilli
Cardamom
Nutmeg
Mace
Vanilla
Goraka
Tamarind
Black Pepper
Black Pepper
Black Pepper is probably the most popular spice in the world. This staple ingredient has found its way into kitchens across the world and is used in cuisines from numerous countries.
Often referred to as the ‘King of Spices’, the health benefits of Black Pepper help improve digestion, relieves colds and coughs, boosts metabolism and treats various skin problems. It is also a very potent antioxidant that prevents or slows down the damage to cells, and its anti-inflammatory properties help the body to protect itself from viral and bacterial infections.
Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon Cinnamon is universally acknowledged to be superior to its Cassia counterpart when it comes to flavour, which makes it a highly-valued spice even today.
Flavour aside, , the health benefits Cinnamon offers is tremendous. The Cinnamic Acid present in Cinnamon helps manage blood pressure, supports cardiovascular function and can contribute to preventing heart disease; it can help control blood glucose levels in the brain which in turn may help prevent neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects may prove to be useful in preventing or treating certain types of cancers.
Turmeric
Turmeric
Turmeric contains an active agent called Curcumin which is proven to benefit the body and the brain. However, it is recommended that Turmeric be consumed with Black Pepper since curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body unless it’s in the presence of Piperine, which is found in Black Pepper.The health benefits from Turmeric comes from is anti-inflammatory properties which help combat heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, metabolic syndrome and other degenerative conditions. Turmeric can help increase the antioxidant capacity of the body, improve the neural links in the brain which can, in turn, improve memory and learning abilities even in adults. Some studies have shown the medicinal value of cinnamon helping against arthritis, depression and even in delaying the effects of ageing.
Cloves
Cloves
Cloves contain fibre, minerals and vitamins which are all important to stay healthy. Just one teaspoon of ground cloves contains 1 gram of fibre, 55% of the Daily Value of Manganese which is essential in maintaining brain function and building strong bones, and 2% of the Daily Value of Vitamin K which helps the body in building bones and blood clotting during an injury.
The health benefits of Clove are vast. The high dose of antioxidants present in Cloves can help improve overall health, while the compounds found in it may also help the body protect itself against cancer. Its antimicrobial properties help promote oral health, studies are showing how cloves could help improve overall liver health and function, promote bone health, help regulate blood sugar and may even help in reducing stomach ulcers.
Red Chilli
Red Chilli
Chilli Peppers are famous for their hot flavour but they are also rich in various vitamins and minerals. However, they should only be consumed in small amounts.
Red Chillies contain Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin B6 which helps in metabolism, Vitamin K1 which is essential for blood clotting, maintaining healthy bones and kidneys, and Vitamin A which is important for good vision, maintaining a healthy immune system, reproduction and helps in ensuring that the heart, kidneys, lungs and other organs keep working properly. Aside from the mentioned essential Vitamins, Red Chilli contains two important minerals; Copper for strong bones and healthy neurons and Potassium which is essential in reducing the risk of heart disease.
Cardamom
Cardamom
Cardamom is famous for its unique flavour but its seeds, oils and extracts are also known to be used in traditional medicine due to its medicinal value.
Studies have shown that the heath benefits of Cardamom can significantly reduce blood pressure levels due to its high antioxidant content. It also contains compounds that can help fight against cancer and can even protect users from chronic diseases due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Its signature flavours make it ideal for treating bad breath and improve oral health in general and its antibacterial effects can treat oral infections. Another little-known fact is that Cardamom can be used in aromatherapy to enhance the body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is most often used for its flavour; however, it is packed with an impressive array of compounds that have great potential to promote overall health. It has a fragrant and intense flavour when freshly ground and is mainly used in traditional Sri Lankan deserts, a variety of baked foods and other dishes like custards, mashed potatoes, ravioli fillings and eggnog.
The health benefits of Nutmeg are that it’s a potent antioxidant that protects cells from damage due to free radicals that can lead to certain cancers, heart and neurogenerative diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help against adverse heart conditions like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. Its antibacterial properties have shown to be very effective against even harmful strains of bacteria. What’s more, Nutmeg is known to boost libido!
Mace
Mace
Mace spice comes from the Myristica tree, same tree that Nutmeg is obtained from. While the seed of the Myristica tree is Nutmeg, Mace is the net-like covering around the Nutmeg seed, it has a higher concentration of essential oil when compared to Nutmeg. Mace’s flavour and aroma differ slightly from nutmeg as its profile tends to be sharper and less sweet.
Mace is known to help keep the digestive system healthy and relieve constipation, bloating and gas pains. It also helps promote appetite, helps boost blood circulation and it’s known to prevent bad breath and maintain dental health. Mace can help users relax, it alleviates anxiety, contains sedative qualities and works to relieve mental stress.
Vanilla
Vanilla
Vanilla is considered one of the most popular flavourings in the world that’s used in countless dishes,vanilla flavouring comes from this spice! In addition to its versatility, there are some potential health benefits to Vanilla.
Vanilla is rich in the phenolic plant compound called Vanillin, this is a strong antioxidant, has strong anticancer properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties. It may also offer antioxidant effects which help protect cells against damage. Research suggests that Vanillin and Vanillic acid (another compound found in Vanilla) may support brain health by protecting the nervous system. Vanilla can be used in a wide variety of foods due to its versatility, the aroma Vanilla leaves on food has been found to enhance perceived sweetness in drinks and foods making it the ideal solution to help reduce sugar intake.
Goraka
Goraka
Goraka is famous for adding weight loss, it does this through two main methods; reducing appetite and blocking fat production which in turn reduces belly fat. Goraka increases the levels of serotonin in the body which is a known appetite suppressant.
Aside from its benefits to weight loss, Goraka may also have some anti-diabetes effects like deceasing insulin levels, reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, decreasing leptin levels and increasing insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, Goraka can boost the digestive system and protect against stomach ulcers and damage to inner linings of the digestive system.
Tamarind
Tamarind
Tamarind is a famous ingredient mostly used in dishes in Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and Oceania. This curious fruit is packed with nutrients and provides a wide variety of health benefits.
Health benefits of Tamarind is that it’s a rich source of antioxidants that enhance the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses. It may also help in fighting against cancer due to its anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels, decrease LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, and in turn improve hearth health and reduce cholesterol levels. The procyanidins present in tamarind has been shown to provide effective protection for the liver against Fatty Liver Disease. The natural compounds in Tamarind may provide protection against pathogenic microorganisms.