Spices are part of a plant or dried plant which are used for seasoning and flavoring a recipe. They have an important role to play in Indian cuisine as they enhances the flavor, color , taste and aroma of our food. They have many health benefits and are used to treat some diseases also. We will discuss some of the main spices used in India and their significance.
Some important spices-
1. OREGANO– Soothes stomach muscles.
2.MINT- It eases hiccups and helps in digestion.
Mint helps in digestion
3.GINGER-It relives cough and cold and is used in anti-nausea remedy.
Ginger is good for cough and cold
4.GARLIC-It is natural antiseptic and good for heart health.
Garlic has anti oxidants which protects our body from chronic diseases
5.FENUGREEK-It flushes out harmful toxins from the body.
Fenugreek leaves and seeds
6.FENNEL-It reduces bad breath and body odor.
Fennel seeds used as spices
7.CLOVE-It relieves toothache and is anti-microbial.
Clove oil helps in relieving toothache
8.SAGE-It is antiseptic and antibiotic.
Sage plant
9.THYME– It relaxes respiratory muscles.
Thyme
10.TURMERIC– It is anti-cancer and anti-septic.
Turmeric and its powder, both are used as spices
11.BASIL– It relieves gas, soothes the stomach and good to reduce cold.
Basil is beneficial to treat cough and cold
12.BLACK PEPPER– It relieves indigestion.
Because of its worldwide popularity, it is also known as “black gold”.
13.CAYENNE– It can stop a heart attack.
Cayenne pepper is used in many cuisines.
14.CINNAMON-It lowers blood pressure.
Cinnamon sticks are bark of cinnamon tree
15.DILL– It treats colic, gas, and heartburn.
Dill leaves
16.ROSEMARY-It has antioxidant properties.
Rosemary
17.CARDAMOM-Protects liver improves breathing, lowers blood pressure.
Cardamom is used in making tea.
18.ASAFOETIDA -Commonly known as heeng in India. It protects brain health and is good for digestion.
Asafoetida
19.CORIANDER– It is good for bowel movement and has anti-diabetic properties.
Coriander seeds and leaves, both are used to enhance flavor and taste in food.
20.CUMIN– It prevents cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Cumin and its powder are used as spices.
21. MUSTARD-It protects from psoriasis and reduces skin problems.
Both white and black mustards are used as spices.
22. CURRY LEAVES– It has antioxidant properties and reduces the risk of cancer.
Curry leaves
Reference:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-turmeric
