19 minutes agoAuthor: Shelly Acharya
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Indian food is incomplete without spices. If you want to temper lentils, spices are used, if you want to make vegetables, then everything from mustard seeds to cumin seeds to garam masala is added. If you want to make biryani, then it is not possible to do without onion, garlic and whole spices.
But these spices and herbs not only make food delicious, but also keep the health in good condition. Do you know that your kitchen is actually a ‘medicine shop’?
According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, spices not only enhance the taste, aroma and colour of food and beverages, but they also prevent many diseases. Spices and herbs have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and sugar and cholesterol-lowering properties.
So today ‘News of need’ In this article we will talk about some such spices found in the kitchen, which are panacea for keeping many diseases away.
Clove- Clove is considered a boon for health. Generally it is used in garam masala, biryani, pickles etc. But it is also a medicine, which protects us from many diseases.
Clove protects from these diseases
- Cloves are rich in antioxidants. Its consumption is helpful in preventing any infection, maintaining proper digestion and curing cold and cough.
- Clove is also good for the liver. But its excessive consumption can also be harmful.
- It has antimicrobial properties, which protect us from bacteria.
- Clove keeps the blood sugar level under control.
- It also helps in removing stomach ulcers.
what does science research say
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, clove works as an effective medicine to get relief from flatulence, nausea, liver and stomach problems.
Cardamom
Be it a food dish or a sweet dish, cardamom is used to bring fragrance in it. But cardamom not only enhances the taste. It is also like nectar for health.
Cardamom protects against these diseases
- Cardamom contains such nutrients that keep digestion healthy and reduce stomach irritation. It provides relief in problems like acidity and indigestion.
- If there is bad breath then chewing cardamom is a good remedy. Apart from this, cardamom is also used to cure mouth ulcers.
- Minerals like potassium and magnesium present in cardamom help in controlling blood pressure.
- Cardamom is also helpful in stress or depression.
what does research say
- According to a study by ResearchGate, cardamom provides relief from stomach related problems.
- According to the National Library of Medicine, cardamom is very effective in reducing high blood pressure. But consuming it in excessive quantities can be harmful.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a herb. It has been used as a spice for decades. Turmeric is definitely used in Hindu religion, during worship or while doing any auspicious work. Apart from being used as food, it also protects against many diseases. At present, research is being done on the properties of turmeric all over the world and some research confirms the properties mentioned in Ayurveda.
Turmeric protects against these diseases
- It is rich in antioxidants and its consumption helps in reducing the impact of injury.
- It can help lower blood sugar levels.
- It reduces inflammation. Apart from itching and ringworm, the use of turmeric is also beneficial in skin diseases.
- Due to the hot nature of turmeric, its consumption is beneficial in cold.
- Turmeric increases the immunity of the body, which can help prevent many types of infectious diseases.
what does science research say
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, turmeric is a bioactive substance that helps in reducing inflammation in the body.
Cumin
In Ayurveda, cumin is said to be a very beneficial medicine and it is also mentioned that how the consumption of cumin helps in preventing many diseases.
Cumin protects against these diseases
- Keeps digestion healthy. Provides relief from sour belching.
- Eliminates bad breath and relieves acidity.
- Cumin is also used for cold and cough.
- Cumin is beneficial in case of stomach worms.
- In case of toothache, making a decoction of black cumin and gargling with it gives relief.
what does science research say
- According to a study published in Science Direct, cumin is beneficial in problems like constipation, gas and flatulence.
basil
Tulsi is a medicinal plant, in which vitamins and minerals are found in abundance. It is full of properties that cure diseases and increase physical strength.
Basil leaves and seeds protect against these diseases
- Daily consumption of basil increases brain function and sharpens memory.
- Tulsi is also beneficial in cold and cough. Drinking its decoction relieves sore throat.
- Consumption of basil is considered beneficial in case of stone problem.
- Like basil leaves, its seeds also have numerous benefits. Ayurveda also recommends consuming basil seeds and leaf powder. These leaves help in removing Kapha-Vata doshas, increasing digestion power and appetite.
- Basil leaves are very beneficial in treating fever, stomach ache, malaria and bacterial infections etc.
- Basil leaves are also beneficial for asthma patients and those suffering from dry cough.
what does science research say
- According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, Tulsi is the most beneficial for health among all the herbs recommended in Ayurveda.
cinnamon
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants. Consuming it reduces inflammation.
Cinnamon protects against these diseases
- Cinnamon is also used to stop vomiting.
- If you are suffering from headache then eating cinnamon will give you relief.
- Use of cinnamon is beneficial for cough.
what does science research say
- According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, cinnamon is very effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s and diabetes.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek has a sharp, sweet and somewhat bitter taste. It is used as a spice. It can be eaten raw or cooked.
Fenugreek protects against these diseases
- It has antioxidant properties.
- It also has liver protection properties.
- It helps in reducing swelling.
- It has anti-ulcer and anti-cancer properties.
what does science research say
According to a study published in Science Direct, fenugreek is very useful in the treatment of diabetes. Its consumption improves insulin resistance.
Celery
Celery is rich in fiber, antioxidants and other minerals and is full of nutritional and medicinal properties.
Celery protects from these diseases
- Celery has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are also helpful in reducing weight.
- Celery also improves digestion and helps in relieving problems like constipation, acidity, gas and eliminating toxins from the body.
- Celery has a broncho-dilating effect. It helps the bronchial tubes of the lungs expand, providing relief from mild asthma.
- Celery has antibiotic properties and is beneficial in irritation and swelling.
what does science research say
According to a study published in ResearchGate, celery is considered beneficial for the brain. Research has found antiseptic and antiviral properties in celery seeds.
Garlic
Garlic is used to enhance the taste of vegetables. Pickles and chutneys are also made from it, but the most important thing is that it increases our immunity and protects us from free radicals.
Garlic protects against these diseases
- Garlic boosts immunity and controls blood sugar level.
- It also protects against cancer and peptic ulcers.
- Helps fight UTI (urine infection) and improve kidney health.
what does science research say
- According to a study published in Science Direct in 2016, eating a clove of garlic on an empty stomach in the morning is good for heart health. It reduces cholesterol.
- According to a study published in 2020 in the National Library of Medicine, it is effective in reducing high blood pressure.
Ginger
Ginger is mostly used in tea and vegetables. But it is the most effective herb to cure many seasonal diseases.
Ginger protects against these diseases
- Ginger is a panacea for cold, cough and infections.
- It is capable of destroying cancer cells.
- It is beneficial in diabetes.
- Controls high sugar level.
Scientific research done on ginger says
- According to a study by ‘The University of Sydney’, Australia, ginger is considered effective in type-2 diabetes. The elements of ginger help in improving the process of transporting glucose to the cells.
