08 Top spices in the Indian spice box
As ancient as our Indian civilization is, equally old is the history of our Indian spices. Indian cuisine cannot be imagined without spices.
In the whole world, India is called the ‘Country of Spice’ i.e. ‘Country of Spices’. Most spices are produced in Kerala and Kochi, hence Kerala is called the ‘State of Spice’ and Kochi is called ‘The City of Spice’.
This is a matter of history, but the real matter is related to the taste of spices and their advantages and disadvantages for health.
Experts say that the treasure of health is hidden in spices. If needed, use them only in the right quantity.
There is a belief that spicy food is bad for our health, but this is not true. These spices also have many such medicinal properties, which are essential for your health, so it is very important to have spices in every kitchen.
Black pepper
It is called the ‘King of Spice’. The smaller the black pepper is in appearance, the more its medicinal properties are.
The ‘alkaloid piperine’ found in it enhances the flavor of the food even more. Sandwiches, papads, salads, soups, omelets, meat, etc. are incomplete without black pepper.
If the black covering of black pepper is removed, then this white pepper is used in Rasam, Vada, Pongal, etc. in South India.
Talking about medicinal properties, if black pepper is taken with hot milk, it is effective in removing throat-related infections.
Consumption of white pepper increases eyesight and reduces the risk of eye-related infections. Due to having anti-bacterial properties, it protects against skin diseases, pimples, and skin infections, as well as its consumption is beneficial in colds, coughs, and colds.
According to Ayurveda, if black pepper is included in your daily diet, it is helpful in reducing obesity, controlling blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of hard diseases.
Its daily intake increases immunity power. It also helps the digestive system to function smoothly. Black pepper should not be consumed more than half a teaspoon in the daily diet.
Queen of spice
There are two types of cardamom – small cardamom and large cardamom. It is also called the ‘Queen of Spice’. Cardamom is especially used to make food aromatic.
Green cardamom contains minerals ie potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Due to the good amount of potassium, it helps in reducing the abnormal heartbeat.
The blood circulation system functions properly by the consumption of small cardamom, as well as it is beneficial in lung-related infections, such as asthma, cough, and cold, and also helps in controlling blood pressure.
It helps in removing the toxic substances from the kidney i.e. by cleaning the toxic substances out of the body. It is also helpful in reducing metabolic disorders, such as obesity, high blood sugar level, and cholesterol.
Black pepper is called the ‘King of Spice’ and Cardamom is called the ‘Queen of Spice’ because of its amazing properties.
Beneficial turmeric
Turmeric has anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties. Being rich in antioxidants, it protects the body from infection.
The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad reports that curcuminoids and volatile oils found in turmeric protect against the risk of cancer.
Turmeric increases gastric juice mucin, which provides relief from stomach problems. It is also beneficial in throat infections, colds, catarrh, and skin diseases.
In the pain of hands and feet, drinking milk mixed with turmeric is beneficial and regular consumption of ‘turmeric milk’ provides relief in bone pain and arthritis. But turmeric should be consumed in limited quantities daily.
Glory of fenugreek
Fenugreek contains fiber, potassium, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron. An element called galactomannan is found in fenugreek, which reduces the risk of a heart attack.
Along with this, to reduce weight and control obesity, fenugreek seed water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fenugreek seed water is also very effective in controlling the sugar level.
Consuming fenugreek seeds with whey is beneficial in case of dysentery, but those who have blood pressure problems should use fenugreek seeds in limited quantities.
Asafoetida is an antimicrobial agent
Asafoetida is also used as an antimicrobial agent. It helps in getting rid of diseases related to the lungs, such as asthma, cough, cold, etc. Asafoetida is very beneficial in stomach diseases, such as indigestion, constipation, and gas.
Asafoetida is also beneficial in depression, stress, muscle pain, and bone disease. It contains an element called coumarin, which helps in controlling blood pressure.
Bioactive Compounds in Celery
Ajwain contains bioactive compounds, such as thymol, terpenoids, p-cymene, and gamma-terpinene. Due to the presence of thymol and carbachol, celery prevents bacterial infections in the body, such as E-coli, and salmonella.
Ajwain is beneficial in diarrhea and dysentery Ajwain water helps in increasing metabolism in the body. Being a dietary fiber, it helps in the proper functioning of the intestines.
Many benefits of cinnamon
Cinnamon contains eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, iron, amino acids, magnesium, fiber, and calcium, which cure stomach-related ailments, such as abdominal pain, gas, and constipation.
The digestive system works smoothly by eating cinnamon powder mixed with milk. Drinking cinnamon water on an empty stomach in the morning improves the body’s metabolism, which helps in reducing weight, controlling diabetes, and reducing bad cholesterol.
One or two cloves per day
Cloves enhance a special type of flavor in food. About 15 percent of essential oils are found in it. A compound called eugenol is an anti-oxidant present in cloves, which protects food from spoilage.
Clove is especially beneficial in toothache. Clove should be used even if there is a problem of swelling of the gums and bad breath because the oils present in it kill the bacteria in the mouth.
Clove is also beneficial in detoxifying the liver and reducing the symptoms of liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis. But only one or two cloves should be used daily.
Blood purifier Fennel
Fennel acts as a blood purifier in the body. It prevents the weakening of the eyes in old age. Fennel is also a panacea for the digestive system.
Fennel is very effective in stomach-related diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, cramps, etc.
According to research, weight can be controlled by drinking fennel tea. The phytonutrients present in fennel are very beneficial in asthma and also help in preventing lung diseases.
Fennel must be consumed in case of mouth infection, foul smell, etc. Fennel is also considered good for brain cooling, and due to the presence of vitamin E in it, it also reduces the oxidative stress of the body.
It also prevents cell damage caused by oxidative stress. Due to magnesium, it is also helpful in getting good sleep. It is also very beneficial in the treatment of insomnia.
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