Did you know that spices that enhance the taste of food also have innumerable health benefits? Well, our grandmothers knew about it and they used certain spices as natural remedies for common ailments. Following are some spices that have proven health benefits:

Asafoetida

Asafoetida, also called Hing is an important ingredient in many Indian dishes. It enhances the flavor of the food besides aiding in digestion. Hing is known to reduce flatulence, digestive disorders, prevent constipation and is an excellent laxative. It is also known to help lower blood pressure.

Black peppercorns

Black peppercorns alsoS known as Kali Mirch helps to lower cholesterol and aids in cardiac function recovery after a heart attack. Its active component piperine helps to jumpstart digestion, prevent certain cancers and heart disease, lower blood pressure, and prevent arthritis. Soaked peppercorns if consumed the next day relieves migraine to a great extent. Pepper also has anti-bacterial properties and can be used to fight infections and insect bites.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an incredibly healing and powerful spice. Its active compound curcumin is a powerful inflammatory and antiseptic. It is rich in antioxidants and neutralizes free radicals on its own. Curcumin can help treat symptoms of arthritis as well. As curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier, it is also good for Alzheimer’s patients.

 Cardamom

Cardamom popularly known as Elaichi helps stimulate appetite and enhance digestion by stimulating the regular excretion of gastric juices. In cases of acidity, it helps in balancing the acids, thus providing relief during heartburns, flatulence, stomach cramps, hiccups, nausea, vomiting and constipation. It is also recommended for improving oral hygiene and to eradicate foul breath.

Cinnamon

Commonly known as Dalchini, cinnamon is known to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL). The best thing about cinnamon is that its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-clotting factor. It is also useful in diabetes management as it helps control glucose levels. Consuming Cinnamon with honey has many benefits like increasing the body’s metabolism and also relieving gas and acidity.

Clove

Clove or Laung is most commonly used in alleviating symptoms of toothache and dental decay. Clove contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic components which help to reduce the swelling around an infected tooth and relieves pain. An important component of clove is eugenol that helps prevent clotting of blood and purifies it.

Now we know the reason why people say Spice is Nice.