May 1, 2017
Five Amazing Spices for Well Being
These are the 5 spices you can use and reap their benefits. Coming from the land of spices, these are not new and some of them are a must have in your daily food regime. All of these spices are rich sources of minerals. Starting with a very familiar spice world wide:
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most common spices used while baking. Interestingly, when added to recipes it can help reduce the sugar quantity because of its naturally sweet taste. It adds a very good aroma while cooking. Not only does it add flavor, it has many health benefits well. For instance, it lowers the blood sugar level, it helps reduce the risk of diabetes, it improves immunity, it lowers bad cholesterol, and it helps heart health.
It also has antibiotic, anti fungal, antiviral agents which helps in treating cold and flu symptoms.
One tablespoon of ground cinnamon contains:
- 19 calories
- 4 grams of fiber
- 68% manganese
- 8% calcium
- 4% iron
- 3% Vitamin K
Coriander seeds
Coriander seeds I have mostly used in curries and sambar (lentil and vegetable stew in tamarind juice). Just sprinkle one spoon of coriander powder over salad; it gives a unique flavor and it has health benefits such as: supports healthy menstrual function, offers protection against neurological inflammation and disease.
One tablespoon of coriander seeds contain:
- 15 calories
- 2.8 grams carbohydrates
- 0.6 gram protein
- 0.9 gram fat
- 2.1 grams fiber
- 0.8 milligram iron
- 16 milligrams magnesium
- 35 milligrams calcium
- 20 milligrams phosphorus
- 1 milligram vitamin C
Peppercorn
Another one of the most common spices used world wide to add flavour. It has many health benefits such as: it helps in digestion, paperine found in peppercorn can help produce gastric acids which helps in good digestion. It can also help diabetics as it has an antioxidant effect.
One tablespoon of ground black pepper/black peppercorns contains about:
- 16 calories
- 4.1 grams carbohydrates
- 0.7 gram protein
- 0.2 gram fat
- 1.7 grams fiber
- 0.4 milligram manganese
- 10.2 micro-grams vitamin K
- 1.8 milligrams iron
- 0.1 milligram copper
- 27.3 milligrams calcium
- 12.1 milligram magnesium
Turmeric
Turmeric has become more popular due to its amazing healing benefits. This is one of the most added spice in food. It’s amazing how this spice is incorporated in daily cooking customs and traditions. It had been used as antiseptic on cuts and bruises for many years. Curcumin has a powerful ability to control inflammation. In Ayurveda it is also believed to be remedy for liver disorders. There has been lots of studies on curcumin and its effect on treating cancer and preventing growth of cancer cells.
One table spoon of ground turmeric contains:
- 8.5% Manganese
- 5% Iron
- 2.5% Vitamin B6
- 2% Fiber
- 1.5% Copper
- 1.5% Potassium
Cumin seeds
Cumin is added to curries, stews and other regional dishes in India. It gives a very unique flavor when added to salads and soups. The most common benefit is: it aids in digestion. It acts as a stimulant and relaxant. It is rich in Iron, and if incorporated in a daily diet, it helps maintain a healthy hemoglobin. It can also be used as a mouth freshener after a meal.
One tablespoon approximately 5g cumin contains:
- 2.75% Thiamine (B1)
- 5% Calcium
- 25% Iron
- 13% Magnesium
- 8% Manganese
- 4% Phosphorus
These are some of the spices you can add in your daily diet in small quantities and it will have a wonderful effect on your health by building your immune system. As with any spices and herbs, it’s important to use them in moderation. If it is something new, you should always get full information before starting to use it in your daily routine.
References
www.wikipidia.com
The Encyclopedia of spices and herbs by Padma Lakshmi
www.livestrong.com
