We all have been using spices in our kitchen from a long time. But we never thought that these kitchen spices can be good for our health also. We always considered these kitchen spices as the ingredients that add flavor or taste to our dishes and make our food spicy. But you should know that these spices are not just being used for adding flavors but they have many health benefits also. Just like the other healthy food items which we consume and which makes us healthy, in a similar manner, kitchen spices are also good for our health in different ways. Here we are going to tell you about some of the kitchen spices that are not just good for your food but are good for your health too. When you will stock these healthy spices in your kitchen, you will be able to keep yourself away from lots of diseases.
Black Pepper – If you like your food being spicy, black pepper is something that you can add. But apart from the spicy nature of black pepper, it does contain numerous health benefits also which most of the people are unaware of. It is being used in many of the Ayurvedic remedies from a long time. Just a pinch of black pepper along with the desi ghee or a pinch of black pepper in the tea can help in treating cough and cold. Black Pepper may look small to you in size, but it does contain different nutrients in it. Like there are many vitamins present in the black pepper, like niacin, thiamine, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and riboflavin. It does contain different minerals also as magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and calcium. It contains a variety of nutrients in it that makes it a perfect spice for your good health when added to different food items. From improving digestion to preventing asthma, reducing the risk of heart diseases and cancer, helping in weight loss, there are many ways black pepper can help in keeping you healthy.
Cumin Seeds – Adding cumin seeds to your food add aroma and taste to your food. It is a very old spice that is being used in different types of food items. It can also be used in the powdered form. Cumin seeds contain antibacterial properties, that help in keeping flu or cold infection away. Cumin seeds are also used for treating Anaemia, as they are rich in iron. Cumin is said to be a good ingredient when it comes to managing your cholesterol level. Cumin Seeds contains some components that are helpful in controlling and improving blood sugar which is good for diabetes. Some studies have shown that cumin seeds are helpful in fighting inflammation and improving blood cholesterol. If consumed in a high amount, cumin seeds are also helpful in weight loss.
Turmeric – This is one of those spices which is used in almost all the houses in India. It is not just being used for cooking purposes, but it is also used for other purposes. Talking about the health benefits of Turmeric, so you should know that turmeric contains medicinal properties and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains antioxidants present in it. All these properties of turmeric make it a healthy spice. It also contains curcumin which is an active component and is very beneficial for your health. Turmeric helps in protecting one from heart diseases and that is because of the presence of curcumin in it. Because of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, it helps in preventing chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, etc. According to some researches, it is also been said that Alzheimer’s Disease can also be reversed or delayed with the help of the turmeric, however, more research on the same is going on. During the injuries or bone fractures and muscle raptures also, consumption of turmeric is said to be good because of its healing properties.
Cinnamon – Be it the cinnamon powder or the cinnamon sticks, their taste, flavor, and the strong aroma makes it a perfect spice for the Indian food and dishes. It has been said that in the past, cinnamon is being used in ayurvedic medicines as well as in Chinese medicines also. Cinnamons are rich in antioxidants and they do contain anti-inflammatory properties also. This makes it a perfect spice for reducing inflammation that occurs due to chronic pain. It reduces LDL Cholesterol which is bad cholesterol and oxidative stress also. It can prevent different types of heart diseases. The antibacterial properties present in Cinnamon helps in fighting bacterial infections and allergies. It is helpful for diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Cinnamon is also responsible for boosting immunity.
Ginger – It is basically a root but is also being used as a spice in the Indian kitchen. It is a spicy root, which has different medicinal properties. It contains different bioactive compounds and nutrients, that makes it one of the best spices. Its medicinal properties are because of the powerful component present in it, which is known as Gingerol. This component present in Ginger has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is helpful in decreasing the Osteoarthritis symptoms. It is also helpful in fighting different types of infections. Ginger is helpful for treating soreness and pain in the muscles. It is said to be a good ingredient for reducing and controlling cholesterol levels. Apart from these benefits, ginger is also helpful for digestion.
These are some of the kitchen spices which have numerous health benefits. So, now when you add them, do not just add them as a spice. But also think of them as the healthy spice which has numerous health benefits. Other than these spices, there are a few more spices which have different health benefits like nutmeg, fenugreek seeds, cloves, and a few others.
