THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF INDIAN SPICES

Indian spices are so diverse and wide ranging that they have endless health benefits and uses. Throughout history, Indian spices have been used to treat an extraordinary range of ailments. In the current day, spices in general are widely believed to aid digestive disorders, as well as help with weight loss and hold anti-septic values.

Here is a selection of the most common Indian spices at this time of year, and the health benefits they hold.

Turmeric

Turmeric, one of the most popular spices, is a great anti-oxidant. It is characterised by its distinctive bright orange colouring, and used commonly in a range of curries, stews, chutneys and snacks. The spice is a member of the ginger family, and is derived from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant.

The spice has been used for medical reasons over thousands of years, and is widely believed to have anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties which can be useful for a range of conditions.

Cardamom

Cardamom, which is defined by a pod containing its fragrant seeds, originates from the forests of India, and has a strong and smoky, yet cool, aroma and taste. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world, behind saffron and vanilla, and is used in a range of Indian food dishes; probably most famously in Chai tea and coffee.

The spice is widely believed to hold a range of digestive-aiding qualities, and is used to relieve stomach troubles, constipation, gas and heartburn. Green Cardamom is additionally used in South East Asia to treat tooth and gum infections, as well as relieve inflammation of the eyes and improve eye conditions.

Cloves

The distinctive clove bud is widely used in cooking and medicine throughout Asia and Africa, and is known by its strong and distinctive flavour and aroma. In cooking, it is widely used to flavour meats and curries, as well as sweet fruit dishes, and goes deliciously with apples, pears, and other spices such as cinnamon or vanilla.

Medicinally, cloves are used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine as a painkiller, particularly for dental conditions. They are also used in their oil form for aromatherapy, and are said to be great for relieving digestive problems.

Saffron

Saffron is well known for being the most expensive spice in the world. It is grown from the rare flower known as the Crocus Sativus, from which the bright red stigmas are harvested and dried. Saffron is used widely in Indian cooking as a strong red colouring agent in dishes such as Biryani, with only a very small amount needed to yield the desired effect.

Saffron also has strong medicinal properties, and is believed by many to have anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties that prevent cancer. This may not be medically proven, but it does also have anti-oxidant properties, lowering risk of a range of conditions such as heart disease.

Cinnamon

Although not strictly originating from India, with its heritage in Sri Lanka, Cinnamon is a staple spice in many cultures, and is used in India within a range of desserts, cakes and stews.

Research has suggested that Cinnamon can help to regulate the problems associated with type 2 diabetes, as it reduces blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Why not try incorporating these spices into your diet and lifestyle, and see if you feel better for it.

A great idea for the rest of winter is to make a delicious, fragrant and wholesome stew, or a sweet fruit pie, to warm your insides on a cold gloomy day. Whatever ingredient you need to make a medicinal product or the perfect dish, sweet or savoury, our selection of Indian spices online at Shop Spicy is sure to have what you need.