The medicinal aspect of spices

Cooking without spices is almost unimaginable. The use of spices starts right from the kitchen, and
moves on to medicinal uses as well. Not only do spices help add taste, flavor and color, consumption of
spices has a plethora of health benefits.

They possess anti-bacterial and antifungal properties, and also act as antioxidants. They help fight off
various infections, and are known for boosting the immune system. Spices are generally used in small
amounts, so the number of calories they add is almost negligible. This is why spices are used in large
quantities in Indian homes, as their benefits are numerous, and they have no downsides or side effects
at all. Here are the benefits of some common spices we use ;

Ginger

Ginger contains multiple bioactive compounds, including gingerols, shogaols, and paradols, which have
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body. Studies show that both eating ginger and taking
ginger supplements could benefit health in several ways
Try adding ginger to your diet by grating fresh ginger into hot water for a warming tea and adding fresh
or powdered ginger to your favorite recipes, such as smoothies, noodle dishes, salad dressings, and
oatmeal.

Cinnamon

Regularly consuming or supplementing with cinnamon may offer significant metabolic benefits. Studies
have shown that people who consumed between 1-6 grams of cinnamon per day for 40 to 90 days
experienced reductions in blood sugar, blood lipid, and blood pressure levels.98
Garlic is found to have a range of health benefits. It wards off cough and cold, good for cardiac health,
improves brain functioning, improves digestion, balances blood sugar, boosts immunity, improves skin
health, prevents cancer and peptic ulcer.

The Takeaway

Spices are the essence of life – balancing flavours from everyday ingredients and elevating them to a
whole new flavour profile while serving our dietary needs and promoting wellness.