The Magic of Spices
The Magic of Spices
Spices not only gives unique flavours to food, it also has health properties that can help with various ailments.
Bay Leaf
Bay leaves contain compounds called parthenolides which have been helpful for the treatment of migraines, which could explain its traditional use as a natural headache remedy. They also contain eugenol, a compound with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, explaining their long-use in herbal cold remedies.
Caraway Seed
Another spice considered to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, caraway has been used for cold relief, toothaches, and to boost immune function. It also aids digestion, settling the stomach, and relieves bloating.
Cardamom
This versatile spice is included in a wide range of dishes, from Indian curries to desserts and teas. It’s believed to counteract stomach acidity, stimulate appetite, ease nausea, cure bad breath, and relieve gas and bloating. Referred to as the “Queen of All Spices” it contains potent antioxidants and is often included in liver detox.
Cardamom has also been used as both an aphrodisiac and to fight obesity. Yet more study needs to be done on how well it may aid weight loss.
Cinnamon
This spice is a rich source of antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, eases digestion,and may even reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It also helps stimulate blood flow and is a herbal remedy for poor circulation. Cinnamon is also considered helpful for weight loss, but more research is still needed.
Cloves
The active compounds in clove lend it anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is also has anti-inflammatory effects and has been studied for use in aiding detoxification from environmental pollutants.
Coriander
The seeds of the cilantro plant, coriander contains antioxidants that help keep animal fats from becoming rancid, and other compounds with antibacterial qualities. It also helps soothe the stomach and relieve bloating. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and coriander oil is a natural remedy for arthritis relief.
Cumin
As a traditional herbal remedy its uses include: diuretic (helps the body shed water), relieve diarrhea and bowel spasms, relieve morning sickness, and ease carpal tunnel syndrome.
Fennel Seed
Not only loaded with powerful antioxidants fennel also contains fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamin C. It is believed to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and aid in detoxification of the body.
It contains compounds that help relieve smooth muscle spasms, which in effect, helps ease abdominal cramping and spasms. Fennel is also a mild appetite suppressant.
Fenugreek
Like many of the other herbs and spices used in Indian cooking, the ground seeds of fenugreek have anti-inflammatory properties and aid digestion. Fenugreekine, a chemical found in these seeds, are also believed to reduce blood sugar levels and have been used as natural supplement for use with insulin. Fenugreek is also a potent expectorant, and is used for natural remedies to ease congestion, allergies, and bronchitis.
Ginger
Ginger is packed with many active compounds, including gingerols, zingibain, bisabolenel, oleoresins, zingiberole, just to list a few.
It’s many proven uses: naturally treat nausea from morning sickness, treat nausea related to motion sickness (found to be more effective than Dramamine, without the side-effects), anti-inflammatory properties help ease muscle and joint pain. It also has a diaphoretic property (causes sweating) and so is used to cleanse and detoxify the body, stimulate circulation, and ease bronchitis and congestion.
Turmeric
Often called the “King of Spices” turmeric is an essential ingredient to the mix of spices known by most of us as curry. Its primary antioxidant, curcumin, is an essential ingredient for liver detox, and is also a natural arthritis treatment for its anti-inflammatory effects. The latest scientific studies are showing that turmeric may also be a promising diet aid that fights belly fat by inhibiting the growth of fat cells.
Black Pepper
This is the spice that you see daily on your dining table at home and in restaurant, and you simply sprinkle some of it over your pizzas pastas and relish the unique flavor it offers as you have simply used it as a taste enhancer, reassured in the fact that it is edible. But besides being edible, while you have been consuming this spice for taste, it has been:
Improving your digestion by stimulating the taste buds to notify the stomach to increase its secretion of hydrochloric acid thereby improving the digestion of food once it reaches your stomach.
Reducing intestinal gas: Black pepper provides a natural solution to the embarrassing problem of intestinal gas. The stimulation of hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach reduces the intestinal gas problems.
An Antioxidant: Black pepper is an antioxidant such that it prevents and curtails oxidative stress. Black pepper also reduces the damage caused by a diet full of saturated fats which is found to be the main cause of oxidative stress.
Preventing infections: Black pepper also prevents bacterial growth in the intestinal tract
Saffron
Known as the “golden spice” saffron is referred to as the “spice of richness”. It is expensive and exotic and is often used on occasions, be it during any auspicious occasion. It’s presence gives color to a dish and absence, makes the occasion incomplete. What makes the saffron so wanted?
Besides, being used for its saffron color as a spice, it’s commanding appearance ensures:
Improvement of digestion and appetite: It is used for the treatment of kidney, bladder and liver disorders and improves circulation to the organs of digestion.
Matters of the heart: Saffron is known to lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides among heart patients.
Skin treatments: Saffron is used in many cosmetic preparations for enhancing and lightening the skin tone.
During pregnancy: The use of saffron during pregnancy is recommended as the herb possesses the property of raising the body temperature.
Red Chilli
Chilli has been associated with everything from pain relief, reduced congestion, and stomach ulcer prevention to weight loss and increased cardiovascular health.
According to Indian origin doctors based in US, kitchen spices such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, saffron, and capsicum known for their culinary versatility could be a powerful weapon to fight certain pathogens that can cause cancer.
Dr Shrikant Anant of the University of Kansas Medical Centre, USA stated, “Over the last 10 years, almost every academic institution and industrial group in the United States has started researching on the cancer-fighting properties of natural substances. Primarily, Indian-American doctors are involved in this, followed by Chinese and Koreans.”
Dr Animesh Dhar stated, “Crocetin — a compound found in saffron, which has cancer-fighting properties — was extensively used in ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine.”
Article from: Moksh Restaurant