The Healing Power of India's Ancient Herbs and Spices
Indian food and spices have been a global favourite. With soul stirring aroma and eye pleasing colours, these spices infuse great taste in food. More than being just kaleidoscopic flavours, these food ingredients have a lot of health benefits. They add nutritional value to the food while still keeping fat and calories at bay. These are actually the finest way to optimise home food for good health.
Available in all parts of the globe, Indian spices get a 'thumbs up' from all corners of the world. With web stores coming into picture, one can also buy online grocery and cook nutritionally rich Indian food. Basically, these herbs and spices trigger good health and thus are a common favourite. The scientific reason behind spices giving health benefits is that the different tastes touching the nerve endings of the tongue releases endorphins in the body which results in pleasurable sensations.
Talking about health benefits of Indian spices, we find that these are basically herbs and so do not harm the body when taken in moderation. With the growing health awareness, there is a strong demand for organic spices. Due to rise in the number of web stores, one can buy online grocery and spices. Also, these ancient Indian spices have a lot of medicinal value and are thus our first hand health supplements.
Some of the most common spices and their health benefits:
Cardamom (Elaichi) - Used as a flavouring agent and for the aromatic essence, this very common Indian spice relieves flatulence and is a part of herbal medicine for curing digestive and neural disorders. You can easily pick these from walk-in shops or can put on your list when you buy online grocery.
Cayenne pepper (Lal Mirch) - Rich in beta carotene or vitamin A, this spice is again a basic part of Indian kitchens. It gives cardiovascular, anti-ulcer and digestive benefits. It is availed in powder form or get a mixture of chilli pieces along with the seeds.
Cinnamon (Dalchini) - With a variety of health benefits, cinnamon is helpful in diseases like arthritis, heart problems, insomnia, menstrual issues, peptic ulcers, psoriasis, asthma, diarrhoea, cholesterol and diabetes problems.
Coriander seeds (Dhaniya dana) - The seeds are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins and are good for dealing with the problems of cholesterol, cancer, blood pressure, halitosis, digestive problems etc.
Carom seeds (ajwain) - This spicy seed has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. It is very beneficial for gastric problems and intestinal disorders. Good quality of these seeds are found in web stores so you can easily get them when you buy online grocery.
Turmeric powder (Haldi) - This nutrient dense spice helps in purifying the blood, increases metabolism, heals the skin, clears soar throat and enhances the skin colour and texture. It is a very good anti-oxidant and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Asafoetida (hing) - This pungent smelling spice leaves behind an onion like flavour on cooking. It is best suited to cure stomach disorders, respiratory issues and cough problems.
Cumin seeds (Jeera) - Being a good source of manganese and iron this spice is again ideal for digestive problems, improves immune function and flushes toxins from the body.
To sum up, Indian kitchen is full of spices with medicinal value. You have a doctor ready at home but the only thing is that you should know the details of all these 'little health warriors'. Whether you purchase from brick and mortar store or buy online grocery, you can have these all right in your kitchen. So, treat your family with these really useful kitchen ingredients and have a healthy life!
Vishal B heads grocery stores in Melbourne. His store has wide range of Indian Spices, Lentils, Frozen Veg, Heat and Eat Curries, Temples, Murti's, Bollywood Dvd's and much more. You can buy online grocery from his online store.
