“Spices and herbs are special because of the high concentrations of antioxidants in them,” says Ishi Khosla, Delhi-based clinical nutritionist, founder of Theweightmonitor.com and Whole Foods India, and founder-director of the Celiac Society of India.
Some of these humble kitchen staples read: antioxidants have been known to fight infections, give a kick to your metabolism, better your appetite, boost immunity and even prevent cancer.
Here are the ones to pick from your spice rack, for more than just their flavour.
Turmeric
This super-spice has always been a popular home remedy for aches and pains, coughs and colds, inflammatory ailments and infections. A study by the National Nutrition Institute (NIN), Hyderabad, shows that a teaspoon of haldi a day can keep cancer at bay and may even help in its cure. Yet another study has revealed that the curcumin found in turmeric can help beat the blues. Besides, says Khosla, it helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and ups HDL (good) cholesterol, and is good for diabetics, too.
Cinnamon
With its metabolism-boosting, blood sugar-regulating, tissue-repairing and bone density-maintaining properties, cinnamon is almost like a fitness food. Just one tablespoon a day gives your body all the manganese your bones need, regulates blood pressure as well as cholesterol and fights diabetes by increasing your insulin-sensitivity.
Garlic
Research has shown that garlic plays a cardio-protective role by helping lower LDL cholesterol and serum fat. “Garlic is loaded with nearly 100 active compounds, the most important being allicin,” explains Khosla. “Eating half a clove a day may lower blood cholesterol by 9 per cent.” It also has anti-clotting, antihypertensive, anti-inflammation and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Ginger
You know how that cuppa with adrak soothes your sore throat? Well, that’s the effect of gingerol, an anti-inflammatory compound, which, by the way, also helps relieve muscle soreness. It works wonderfully for period cramps, and is yet another champion in the good cholesterol v/s bad cholesterol fight.
Chilli
Rich in Vitamin C, chillies boost your immunity and help knock off extra kilos. A study revealed that women who added two tablespoons to their meals took in fewer calories and lesser fat. Capsaicin, the compound in chillies, also fights cholesterol.
Liquorice
Liquorice or mulathi, besides being anti-inflammatory, also protects against asthma, chest problems and mouth ulcers, reveals Khosla. Now you know why chewing on it is good for a sore throat.
Cloves
Eugenol, found in cloves, soothes an irate stomach. Not just that, it’s an effective painkiller and has been used to treat toothaches, rheumatism and arthritis, and should be a go-to for diabetics. Research has shown that consuming an average of six or more cloves a week lowers the risk of colorectal cancer by 30 per cent and stomach cancer by 50 per cent.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of fibre, which helps satiate hunger and is also an effective anti-diabetic. “But do not consume them raw,” warns Khosla. “They are better taken soaked or powdered,” she adds.
Bay leaves
An excellent source of Vitamins A, B-complex, C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron, bay leaves are good for boosting your appetite, and also relieve infections, stomach issues, aches and pains and help with insulin-resistance.
Cumin
The fibre content and stimulating properties in cumin make it a natural laxative. Interestingly, cumin also has relaxing properties, which helps lower stress levels and get you better sleep. The stimulants have also been found to lead to a sharper memory and more acute mental skills.
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