5 Health Takeaways of Essential Spices in Your Diet

In a world where everyone appreciates a meal that’s both visually and gustatorily satisfying, the gourmet experts utilize just the right foods for zest and flavor. But where taste and display go hand in hand, one often forgets to give due credit to the salubrious properties of foods. Have you ever thought about the health-boosting advantages of these minuscule condiments, in addition to their ability to make your meal zesty?

If not, here are 5 health benefits of including essential spices in your diet that you must know.

1. Turmeric Boosts Memory

A popular spice used in the preparation of many Indian curries, turmeric has held the reputation of being a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory for over centuries in Ayurveda. Its memory-boosting properties, however, have come to light only recently.

People who are in the early stages of diabetes and cognitive impairment can improve their memory by adding just a gram of turmeric to their daily breakfast, reported a study conducted by Monash University. Turmeric also improves digestive and heart health owing to its anti-inflammatory activity while preventing respiratory problems and skin conditions like ringworm.

2. Black Cumin Seeds Enhance Immunity

If you find yourself needing to reach out to your doctor very often, maybe what you need to reach out to are immune-boosting foods! Make sure to top your wholesome salad with black cumin seeds. These seeds will help improve immunity function (including protection from auto-immune diseases).

Intake of black cumin seeds helps increase the T-cells (white blood cells) ratio, as well as the functional activity of the cells. Black cumin seeds also harmonize the imbalance of immune cells that can cause them to destroy healthy cells, thereby resulting in an auto-immune disease. The spice has even been shown to have capabilities of fighting HIV!

3. Black Pepper Fights Cancer

Apart from making your meal more flavorsome, black pepper protects you from one of the gravest modern day epidemics called cancer. The antioxidant properties of piperine, an active substance contained in black pepper, prevents the growth of breast cancer tumors, reports a University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center study.

Black pepper also contains other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A which fight the formation of free radicals that can cause premature aging and cancer. The piperine contained in black pepper also contributes to improved cognitive function and helps fight depression.

4. Ginger Improves Gut Health

Given the unhealthful diets that we indulge in today, it’s no surprise why we complain of digestive troubles every second day. Heartburns, constipation, acidity, and IBS are all results of poor eating and lifestyle habits.

As per the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, ginger aids digestion by strengthening the intestinal muscles and helping the food particles to break down. What’s more, the root contributes to the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, helping it move out of the intestines.

This helps provide relief from gas, indigestion, nausea, and belly aches. Ginger is also one of many natural pain killer reliever that helps alleviate arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, back pain and chest pain.

Interested in more? Here are more health benefits of ginger.

5. Clove Improves Bone Health

As you age, your bone health tends to deteriorate. Especially if you are a woman, you face an increased susceptibility to conditions like osteoporosis after 30. Think that the glass of milk you drink every day is enough to keep your bones in good shape? Think again! Your body also needs other nutrients like vitamin K, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C to keep your bones healthy. Clove contains all of these essential nutrients and much more!

Manganese is a mineral that is necessary for the formation of the connective tissue in the cartilage and bone. Vitamin K helps in the production of osteoclasts, cells responsible for building new bones. Omega-3 fatty acids increase the absorption of calcium and prevent bone loss. Collagen boosting vitamin C helps heal fractures.

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Now that you are aware of the wonders of spices, make sure that every meal you eat has a touch of these natural healers and health enhancers!

Author Bio: Vineetha Reddy

Being a regular practitioner and adviser of everything related to nutrition, fitness, health and wellness, I also have begun to write and contribute to this knowledge ecosystem. I strongly believe that the organic food you find in your pantry provide the best benefits for good health. Follow me for my best ideas and solutions.