Better Health is Hiding in your Kitchen

Better health is hiding in the kitchen. Yes, it is! 

In the haste of the world, we often forget the most important thing – our health. The health of ourselves, our family, and everybody we love. Eating healthy is a good way to start this journey. However, you will need something extra to boost that immunity. For that, we have some information that you may have never known. 

Herbs and spices have always been a part of ancient medicine. Even our nanis and dadis would feed us things from the kitchen when we were sick or got injured. 

Here are some amazing items that are in your kitchen that help boost your health. 

Turmeric – Haldi

Milk and Turmeric – or haldi have always been a staple in the desi household. It is believed to have so many superpowers that desi weddings have a ritual of putting it on the bride and groom. This helps the skin glow, get rid of the tan, and even lose the redness or inflammation of pimples and zits. But, what is the science behind it?

Studies on turmeric have been a constant for the longest time. Turmeric is shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-parasitic properties. The highest of these properties are anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. 

The main nutrient in turmeric is curcumin. This helps in reducing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. 

A study showed that levels of albumin were also reduced in people who took turmeric. Thus, the process of kidney damage was slowed down. 

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, this spice also works well for arthritis and even the pimples of your skin. 

One of the most amazing benefits of turmeric is the slowing of cancer cells. A small human group was studied for this, curcumin nanoparticles seemed to reduce the cancer tumor weight and size. Moreover, the rate at which they divided was also slowed down. 

While most of these studies are made, they are still to be experimented on by a much larger focus group before being definitive. 

Cinnamon – Daar Chini 

Cinnamon is technically a part of the bark of the parent tree. However, it is considered a spice. Cinnamon is absolutely versatile. You can use it in desserts, savories, drinks, or pretty much anywhere. 

However, this spice has more than just taste to it. Cinnamon has cinnamaldehyde coumarin, cinnamic acid, and eugenol. These nutrients are potent antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Studies showed that people who consumed at least 1-6 grams of cinnamon a day, for about 3 months saw a fall in their blood pressure, blood sugars, and even blood lipids – which are the fats in blood. 

This is an amazing spice to add to your life for a boost of health. Too bad the author of this article, who is overweight and diabetic, cannot take it because she is allergic. 

Saffron – Zaffran

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It is beautiful as well. The golden red hue makes it look like it’s straight from heaven. In fact with the health benefits, it is more like a spice for best too. 

While this spice has a type of bitter taste, it is still used in certain ways to enhance flavor. You can use it in sweet and savory dishes. It comes in strands, and most of the time, one or two are enough. 

Saffron has crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and terpene safranal nutrients. These substances have many benefits, the top of which are cell protective qualities.

One of the most amazing benefits of Saffron is mental health benefits. A study by Behavioral and Brain Science found that consuming saffron helped boost dopamine without having side effects on other brain hormones.  

Studies also made Saffron a good promise for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular health, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Black peppercorns – Sabut Kali Mirch

Black Peppercorns, or the whole version of black pepper, is a spice that is always in a Pakistani household. You will be surprised to know that this little spice is more than just funny-looking and robust tasting.

Black peppercorns contain Piperine. As per the applied sciences review, this substance is known to reduce risks of cancer-developing cells in the breast, prostate, ovaries, lungs, and even in the digestive tract.  

Cardamom – Elaichi

We all hate that sneaky little Elaichi that comes in the perfect bite of Biryani. Unless, you are like me and love Elaichi. 

Love it, or hate it! You cannot deny the benefits it brings to the body – naturally. 

Studies showed that overweight and pre-diabetic women found this spice to help them burn their fat and reduce their HBA1C – the markers of diabetes. Furthermore, women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome also saw a decline in ovarian cysts. 

Furthermore, better health for hypertensive women was also observed. So next time you spot an Elaichi, just eat it maybe?

Black Cardamom, or the larger one, is still under study for its effects on the human body. 

Cloves – Laung 

Last but not the least on our list are cloves or Laung. These are very vividly seen in those Korma’s we eat and love. However, we all spot the black clove floating and subtly take it out. However, this aromatic whole spice has its own benefits. 

Most of the South Asian Women go through arthritis at some point of their age. Cloves have eugenol which is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in bones and joints – thus helping with arthritis. 

Cloves also contain a substance called beta-carotene. This substance converts to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A keeps your eyes healthy. 

The conclusion

The spices mentioned above are just a few of the magical ingredients created by the Lord. Your spice rack is all it takes to give your family and yourself a boost of health and happiness.

Disclaimer: All the information on this blog has been taken from the linked sources. The information is not a substitute for medical treatment or the cure for any of the diseases. Please consult your doctor for the best medical advice.