There are a lot of foods with health benefits surrounding us, from chukku kaappi or ginger chai to spicy pepper rasam, etc. We come across a wider range of spices and herbs and use them daily without knowing the benefits they have on our body. In this exploration we will investigate 10 common herbs with health benefits that will help improve our health naturally in our fast-paced, busy routines.
- Cinnamon
Found in all kinds of recipes and baked goods is cinnamon. Cinnamaldehyde is the compound present in cinnamon responsible for its medicinal properties. This helps in fighting inflammation and has been proved to lower cholesterol in the blood. The main function of cinnamon, which is often not known, is its effect on blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. There are a lot of studies done to show how it can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients.
- Turmeric
The super spice with various health benefits! How? It contains a compound called curcumin, known for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This helps in fighting infection and improving gut health. Not only this, but it also aids in enhancing skin health, reducing acne and brightening complexion. By adding this to your routine, you will get a wide range of benefits and restful sleep!
- Tulsi
Also called holy basil, it is a sacred herb in India that is one of the most used herbs in Ayurveda because of its adaptogenic properties. Do you know why your mother tells you to eat tulsi when you struggle with a cold? As it is mainly useful in treating sore throats and respiratory issues by boosting immune system response. This herb with all these health benefits can be easily grown in our homes effortlessly. This can be eaten raw, added to your food or had as tea too!
- Cumin
This is known for its effectiveness on digestive issues, anemia and weight loss. But too much cumin intake can have side effects such as upset stomach and a decrease in fertility. Its rich source of iron can help people deal with deficiencies. Adding it to your drinking water helps in increasing metabolism and aiding in digestion. Overall health and digestive health are sorted with a teaspoon of cumin added to your routine.
- Amla
The Indian gooseberry, filled with vitamins C, A, E and other required nutrients, helps in:
- Rejuvenating and revitalizing the body.
- Strengthening the respiratory system
- Supporting Cardiovascular health
- Promoting healthy skin and hair
What else did we miss? It also strengthens the immune system and protects you from common infections. Amla juice, if consumed regularly, helps with managing blood sugar levels too and adding to this, it supports weight management. The list of benefits goes on and on. Add amla to your diet and experience this wide range of benefits, improving overall health.
- Cardamom
Sometimes referred to as “queen of spices,” here’s why!
Cardamom has been part of Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. It has many potential health benefits, including:
- Improved digestion
- Helps with stomach ulcers
- Eliminates bad breath
- Lowers blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Helps protect cells against oxidative stress
- Boost metabolism
- Reduces inflammation
To experience these health benefits, cardamom should be consumed as a part of a balanced diet. If consumed in excess, it causes mild side effects like heartburn.
- Ginger
A staple in Indian cuisine has a lot of effective health benefits, including:
- Gastrointestinal motility
- Calms Nausea
- Soothes sore muscles
- Lowers blood pressure
- Eases period pains
Adding flavors to your dishes to home remedies for a lot of symptoms, ginger can play a vital role in improving health and quality of life if consumed in the required and right amount regularly.
- Clove
The culprit behind the appetizing aroma in your delicious dishes is clove. But it’s also known for other things, like:
- Antimicrobial and antifungal effects
- Natural remedy for oral health issues including toothaches and gum infections
- Supporting in the immune function
From seasoning meats and curries to flavoring baked goods and chai, this spice can help you improve your health by adding it to your soup, tea or water.
- Fenugreek
It can be bitter, but its health benefits are too good to avoid.
- Helps lowers your blood pressure
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Rich in fiber and antioxidants that helps with digestion
- Aids in managing menstrual discomfort
- Helps fighting dandruff
- Pepper
This spice has a lot going for it. Being low in calories with good nutrition, these provide us with vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acids and fiber. Curious about the benefits?
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Helps with digestion
- Boost metabolism aiding in weight loss
- May help improve cognitive function
This adds spice to your food and all these health benefits to your life, which can be consumed with a balanced diet. People with piles are advised to avoid this.
Amusing and fascinating, right? All these herbs and spices that we consume daily provide us with all these benefits if taken properly. Making the best use of them is what is in our hands.
