9 INDIAN SPICES YOU SHOULD USE IN YOUR COOKING

9 INDIAN SPICES YOU SHOULD USE IN YOUR COOKING Hari Krishnamurthy         For those who are giving their fiery Indian curries a miss for salads, here's something to consider -aside from giving food it's heady , exotic flavours, desi spices have a bunch of healthy tricks up their sleeves. Turmeric for instance, has gained popularity over the ages in Indian and Chinese medicine for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory powers.Cinnamon on the other hand fights bad cholesterol. Though we do not ask you to say no to salads, here's why you should also add a pinch of one of these nine savoury spices to your everyday meals to keep you healthy . ADVANTAGES OF THESE 9 SUPER INDIAN SPICES 1 HALDI (TURMERIC) This golden spice is known for its anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory powers.Several scientific studies have documented the effect of curcumin (found in turmeric) in decreasing blood cholesterol levels. Anti-oxidant properties of curcumin may also help to prevent cardiovascular complications among diabetics. 2 LONG (CLOVE) Cloves are known for their heating, anti-fungal and expectorant properties. Kahdha (herbal drink), which is known to cure cold and cough has a mix of spices including cinnamon, cloves, black pep per, ginger, desi ghee and basil.While clove oil remains a popular remedy to relieve toothache, this strong spice itself has other benefits when taken in limited quantities. It also prevents bad breath and relieves any stomachrelated problems. 3 ELAICHI (CARDAMON) Cardamom seeds have aromatic and warming properties, stimulates the appetite and enhances digestion. In a hot infusion they help relieve colic, distension, gas, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and an acid stomach. A popular addition to spiced Indian tea, this fragrant spice is often prescribed for digestion problems such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal gas. Commonly chewed after a meal, it is also used to eradicate bad breath. 4 DALCHINI (CINNAMON) Cinnamon is known for its role in the reduction of total and bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase in good cholesterol (HDL). It also helps improve insulin resistance, thereby making it useful in diabetes management. 5 AMCHUR (DRIED MANGO POWDER) Mostly used in chutneys and curries, Amchur or dried mango powder boasts high Vitamin A and Vitamin C content. It is popularly recommended to pregnant women due to its high iron content and it also reduces acidity-related issues. 6 HING (ASAFOETIDA) Its infamous lingering odour has given it many names including devil's dung, and stinking gum.Asafoetida, warm in nature helps to increase digestive enzymes and boost the assimilation of nutrients. It is a popular addition to Indian cuisine as it imparts a pleasant flavour and helps in curing acne, relieving menstrual pain as well as soothing bee stings. 7 AJWAIN (CAROM) These little seeds are excellent indigestion relievers. They have been used over generations in Indian households to help colicky babies, ward off pregnancy constipation, and even cure hiccups. Carom seeds are also claimed to work well as a natural aphrodisiac. Traditional spice mix, the saunf paani including fennel, cumin, carom seeds help to ease digestion. 8 TEJ PATTA (BAY LEAF) Used commonly to prepare biryani and korma, Bay leaves are also added to the quintessential Indian spice mix garam masala.Bay leaves help strengthen immunity , and ward off urinary tract infec tions. An infusion of tej patta also makes a great dandruff antidote. Aside from this, bay leaves are an excellent and non-poisonous method to protect packed clothes from hungry bugs. 9 KAALI MIRCH (BLACK PEPPERCORNS) Several scientific studies, provide evidence that black pepper has cholesterol lowering properties and may help in cardiac function recovery after heart attacks. Piperine, a major active component in both black and white pepper, can strengthen or modify the effects of numerous other medicines, particularly blood thinning agents. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from a qualified professional before using it in therapeutic doses.

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 परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षा: परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः।

 परोपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः परोपकाराय इदं शरीरम्।।

      

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