Spice Is Nice

We use spices in our daily cooking to pep up the taste and colour of food making it more tantalizing. Did you know that spices also help to stave off illness as they help to boost our immunity. Drinking milk daily with turmeric is a sure shot precaution as well as remedy against seasonal colds. Indian spices not only makes your meals delicious, but also protects you from infections. In winter, ginger, cardamom and black pepper are added to tea that provides an instant warmth to the body and imparts a feeling of well being. Following are some spices that you may consume this winter and enjoy the myriad of benefits they render. Turmeric: In most households in India, it is common practice to have a glass of turmeric milk daily in winter months. The medicinal properties of turmeric make it the perfect concoction for the unforgiving winters. It boosts your immunity system and keeps you away from various infections. Turmeric has antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits that will help prevent and tackle a number of diseases. Saffron: Saffron imparts a richness to food due to its vibrant colour and exotic flavour. You will be happy to know that it has many health benefits too.  Seasonal colds can be cured by applying milk in which a few strands of saffron is added and apply it on the forehead. Cardamom: Cardamom is another wonderful winter spice and is most often associated with Lebanese, Turkish and Indian cuisine. Its small green pods are rich sources of minerals and antioxidants that help to detoxify blood and aids in digestion. The aromatic spice often used in sweets in Indian cuisine, also contains vitamin C and other essential nutrients. You can enjoy the winters by savouring a cup of hot tea or coffee laced with cardamom and reap its benefits too. Cinnamon: Apart from flavouring food, cinnamon acts as an immune stimulator and helps to fight off common colds. Cinnamon is also known to prevent blood platelet clumping, inhibits inflammatory substances, and can regulate blood sugar. Ginger: Ginger is known to be a warming spice and enhances the taste of soups, sauces, tea and juices when added to them. Its health benefits have long been established to decrease inflammation, fights bacteria and fungi, and improve circulation. It has been clinically proved to be effective against nausea and vomiting.  Garlic: Garlic is used to flavour many Indian dishes. This cooking staple is antiseptic, contains antioxidants, and has been found to be very effective against cold, due to the effects of the compound allicin.  Use these winter spices to evoke warm, happy feelings of contentment in winter and throughout the year.