Written By: Satata Karmakar | Updated : September 7, 2021 11:11 AM IST
Turmeric To Cinnamon: Hidden Superfoods And Herbs In Your Spice Box
India is a land of spices and herbs. Besides their use in cooking, these spices are proven to be useful for the overall health of our Body. They create magic in your spice box! So let's dive deep into the potential health benefits of these aromatic herbs and spices that can be used in soups as a garnish, for tempering, or simply tossed up with salads, as toppings, or added in chutney, for super taste and super good health.As we celebrate the National Nutrition Week 2021, the HealthSite spoke to Dr. Asha Bhatnagar, MBBS & Lab Director at Lifeline Laboratory. Here are some health benefits of the common herbs and spices found in Indian Households.
Which is that one spice that is always available in your kitchen? Yes, you guessed it right, Turmeric it is. One of the best herbs which are being used over the years for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric has some amazing benefits that may help you deal with certain chronic diseases. It is an anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and natural healer. The wonderful spice also helps to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's, regulates cholesterol, anti-aging.
Another easily available ingredient in your spice box is clove. Clove is famous for its properties in healing pain for patients who are suffering from tooth decay, arthritis joint pain, etc. Cloves are full of antioxidants and have a natural pain-relieving property, It is anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce the chances of lung cancer, helps with yeast infections. One of the most common problems in houses these days are gastritis and bloating. Worry not, we have an easy solution for you. Open your spice box and take out some cloves. Now soak this in the water overnight and boil it the next morning. Strain the drink and voila, your amazing drink is ready to fight digestive problems. Drinking Clove water regularly can help in getting your digestive process back on track.
Many studies have shown that cardamom fights bacteria and prevents the formation of tumors in the body. It reduces the risk of colon cancer, is digestive, prevents ulcers, is antibacterial, inhibits H.pylori.
Loaded with so many impressive medicinal properties cinnamon regulates blood sugar levels, prevents heart disease and hypertension, arthritic pain reliever.
It contains cancer-fighting compounds i.e it is anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, cut the chances of heart diseases and diabetes risk, reduces acidity which prevents stomach ulcers;
A pleasant smelling herb, it is commonly used as a mouth freshener in Indian households Dried Fennel seeds relieves colic and gas, has anti-cancer properties; Fennel seeds are rich in Fiber, Calcium, Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, and Manganese
Nutmeg contains a wide array of powerful anti-inflammatory compounds and acts as an antioxidant in your body. It has antibacterial properties to protect from harmful strains of bacteria
Packed with nutrients and potent antioxidant piperine, it is anti-carcinogenic and anti-bacterial; It helps to improve blood sugar control and lowers cholesterol levels
Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, natural antihistamine, anti-aging, relieves arthritis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS);
It is a green leafy herb popular as a food seasoning and used in teas. This herb is a rich source of vitamin A & C and folic acid, relieves Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, lowers cholesterol, strengthens heart blood capillaries, aids insulin function, stress buster, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, helps heal wounds;
It is a popular ingredient in several beverages. This herb both in fresh and dried form benefits by regulating lipids relieves indigestion, inhibits E.coli, relieves asthma and mouth ulcer symptoms. It is subjectively rich in Iron, manganese, and folate which makes it an anti-bacterial and anti-cancer plant.
Coriander is used in soups and Asian curries. It is a dynamic herb with high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and protein. Coriander leaves promote liver functions and bowel movements, good for diabetes patients as it stimulates the insulin secretion and lowers the blood sugar levels.
(The article has been verified by Dr. Asha Bhatnagar, MBBS & Lab Director at Lifeline Laboratory. She is a trusted and vastly- experienced pathologist with a career spanning over 34 years in clinical pathology and 30 years running a Path lab to raise it to meet the highest international standards.)
Disclaimer: The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.
