Common Household Spices with Extraordinary Health Benefits
There is an old saying, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” which means, “use food as medicine or otherwise the medicine will become the food”.
The spices we use not only add an extraordinary taste and an appetizing smell to our foods but are also used for their extraordinary health benefits for many years. Modern researches have also backed their effectiveness through different results.
Ever wondered, the solution to almost every health problem was already present in the kitchen? Here are some of the common household spices that we use on daily basis being unaware of the extraordinary health benefits they provide to us.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a very common spice that is used in almost all cooking methods, especially in baking. Cinnamon, when used along with carbohydrate-rich foods, is believed to help to stabilize sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity in the body. Cinnamon also carries an antioxidant effect in its composition which makes it a healthy option in the diet of cancer patients.
2. Turmeric
Whenever someone gets hurt, that person is suggested to drink turmeric milk for relief. Has anyone ever pondered why is it said so, and does turmeric really stand up to the expectations? The reason behind this strong belief in turmeric’s efficacy is due to an extraordinary component present in turmeric, known as “curcumin”. Curcumin is proven to be beneficial in reducing inflammation, fighting oxidative stress, and improving digestion.
3. Garlic
A household kitchen is incomplete in the absence of garlic and ginger. The use of garlic is not only limited to cooked form but is often eaten raw, as well. The intake of raw garlic is encouraged in those who are willing to have a healthy heart and smooth blood flow. This extraordinary profile of garlic is due to “allicin”, a chemical commonly present in garlic.
4. Ginger
Ginger is another spice that is very common in use for both cooking and management of different health problems. Ginger has an extraordinary record in relieving stomach gas and improving digestion. These two properties put ginger in the category of spices with extraordinary health benefits.
5. Fenugreek
Worried about uncontrolled sugar levels? Fenugreek is up for the rescue, as it has been found to have extraordinary effects on blood sugar levels. This commonly used household spice helps in diabetes by slowing down the absorption of sugar and increasing insulin sensitivity.
6. Cumin
Every person who works in a kitchen is familiar with this taste-inducing spice. Looking at its health profile, cumin seeds are majorly used for weight loss but these seeds are also rich in iron and antioxidants making them a common spice with extraordinary health benefits.
Adding spices in dishes is not the only way to get benefit from their extraordinary health-promoting profile, and can also be used in the form of supplements.
It is a dietary supplement that contains Turmeric Extract and helps in reducing inflammation and fighting oxidative stress. Improved digestion is another addition to the extraordinary health benefits, this dietary supplement may provide.
2. Garlic
As the name gives a hint, this dietary supplement is filled with Garlic Extract to promote the overall health of a person. The extract contains Allicin that supports cardiovascular health by lowering excessive cholesterol from the body and improving blood circulation to and from the heart.
References:
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-healthy-herbs-and-spices
• https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/spices-and-herbs-health-benefits#1
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990#benefits
• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-733/fenugreek
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319562