Spices play a considerable role in the way we cook and ingest food around the world. Every spice has its flavoring and essence, and its addition or exception can make or break a dish. There are many spices we use in our day to day cooking. These include popular ones like ginger, rosemary, turmeric, and coriander seeds. In ancient times, India drew traders from remote parts of the world in search of exotic spices. Many traders went back with their share, while some even settled down and brought in some of their home-grown spices. Spices are known to have several health benefits; in fact, it's the supplement of many spices that make traditional Indian home-cooked food one of the healthiest meals eaten around the world. Spices come with exceptional nutritional values and provide some significant health benefits.
Here's a list of 6 different spices, which you should start adding to your meals for healthy living:
#1: Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean. It is used as a culinary condiment, to make bodily perfumes, and for its potential health benefits.
Rosemary is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, along with many other herbs, such as oregano, thyme, basil, and lavender. The herb not only tastes good in culinary dishes, such as rosemary chicken and lamb, but it is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6.It is typically prepared as a whole dried herb or a dried powdered extract, while teas and liquid extracts are made from fresh or dried leaves. health benefits include improved concentration, digestion, and brain aging. Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation .Laboratory studies have shown rosemary to be rich in antioxidants, which play an important role in neutralizing harmful particles called free radicals.
#2: Ginger
Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet.
It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal.
The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It is often called ginger root, or simply ginger.
Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes.
The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
3: Coriander
It is also known by the name cilantro or dhaniya. Coriander comes packed with essential health benefits. It is not only beneficial when consumed fresh, adding coriander seeds to your daily food can also be very healthy. Coriander seeds have anti-oxidant properties and dietary fiber that advance the healthy working of the liver and facilitate bowel moments. They help in the generation of digestive compounds and juices that facilitate the procedure of digestion. In the event that you experience some indigestion, try and add coriander seeds in your diet. You will definitely notice a difference.
4: Cayenne
If you’re trying to lose weight, don’t just eat less. Eat the right things. If you’re looking for a natural appetite suppressant, reach for the cayenne in your cabinet not just for a little kick of spice, but a diet supplement!
Cayenne has been shown to reduce the appetite of those who consume it, which means you’ll eat less and feel less hungry. It’s a popular ingredient in over-the-counter weight loss products or dietary supplements.
5: Turmeric
Turmeric is another no-brainer on our list, as it’s gained rapid popularity over the last few years for its ability to help reduce inflammation.
Several studies have linked turmeric, and a substance in it called curcumin, to reducing inflammation in the brain. Inflammation in the brain is serious and can contribute to depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric seems to also help improve memory, reduce joint pain and swelling, and improve arthritis.
6: Cinnamon
Who doesn’t love cinnamon? It’s warm, it’s a little spicy, and it goes great on flavorful or sweet items. Did you know it can also help lower your blood sugar?
Cinnamon has been suggested to lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes and reduce high blood cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. If you’re at risk for heart disease, you should be adding cinnamon to everything.