9 Indian Spices To Boost Your Gut Health
Given that spices exist in so many different forms and dimensions, understanding the category of spices is a broad subject. Spices give food a unique flavor and aroma. And you achieve that perfect flavor by combining them in various ways. However, the advantages of spices extend beyond food. They also have applications in religious rituals, cosmetic products, and medicine.
Spices & India
A significant producer of spices, India accounts for 75% of global spice production. Every Indian household makes extensive use of spices, often known as masala. All the dishes created in Indian cuisine are full of flavor, taste, and perfume thanks to the use of various spices.
Fresh, whole-dried, or ground spices are just a few of the many shapes and forms that you can find on the market. Meanwhile, depending on the exact necessity and goal, these different types of spices can be added to the cuisine. While they make the food taste better, they also help improve your gut health.
The 9 Indian spices to enhance your gut health
Here are the 9 Indian spices that you can consume to enhance gut health. However, despite being one of the most often used spices, salt won’t be on this list. It belongs to the group of organic minerals and thus it isn’t really a part of the conversation. However, you can use Aashirvaad salt as your preferred high-quality salt. It is one of the most frequently used and necessary seasonings when cooking cuisine.
#1. Turmeric
One of the most adaptable species, turmeric offers a multitude of advantages in every form. As a result, turmeric powder is regularly used in cuisine, cosmetics, and even religious rites. It is well known that turmeric has anti-inflammatory qualities. These qualities help raise immune levels and protect the body from viral infections.
#2. Black Pepper
Due to its many advantageous qualities, black pepper is yet another significant spice that we’ve been using in meals for centuries. It results in better digestion and stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Besides, it contains a wealth of vital vitamins and minerals that support the body’s general immunity.
#3. Coriander Powder
Indian cuisine uses coriander powder primarily for its fragrant qualities, which enhance the flavor of food. Since it aids in improved food digestion and relieves stomach gas, coriander powder is beneficial for your digestive system. Additionally, it might aid in removing excess sodium from the body, enhancing your general health and well-being.
#4. Red Chili Powder
The cuisine to which red chili powder is added has a potent flavor and striking color. Strong antioxidants included in red chili powder can aid in the prevention of heat-related illnesses. Vitamin C, which helps assist the immune system and protect against hazardous infections, is abundant in red chilies.
#5. Fenugreek
Fenugreek, often referred to as Kasuri Methi, is a flavorful spice that is primarily used as a flavoring on top of curries. Its use can lower cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, along with improving digestion, fenugreek can also assist to reduce bodily inflammation.
#6. Cumin
In India, cumin, also known as jeera, is a common spice that we use in many traditional foods. However, Tadka, or tempering, is another common application for jeera. The spice is beneficial for digestion and metabolism, thus it can help you lose weight. On the other hand, you can drink some water, infused with cumin overnight. Or simply boil some cumin and water to eat each morning.
#7. Cardamom
An effective treatment for bad digestion is black cardamom. We also know it as moti elaichi. Additionally, it guards against stomach ulcers. So, to promote digestion, combine 1/4 teaspoon of black cardamom powder with honey or water and consume it once a day.
#8. Garam Masala
Antioxidants found in this mixture of ground whole spices aid in aiding digestion and reducing body inflammation. This helps keep our immune system at its peak. It also reduces bloating and gas and is rich in antioxidants.
Here’s a tip. Buy garam masala that contains all of the following ingredients: coriander, turmeric, chili, fennel, black pepper, cumin, salt, ginger powder, and mustard. Additionally, it can include green chili powder, fenugreek (leaves), cinnamon, coriander (leaves), cloves, allspice, asafetida, cardamom, and mace.
#9. Ginger
It has great immunity-boosting qualities and is a successful therapy for colds and coughs. Therefore, many people add it to hot beverages in the winter. Additionally, ginger has a natural ability to decrease high blood sugar. Due to its strong flavor and soothing aftertaste, ginger has both warming and cooling effects on the digestive system.
Besides, if you don’t often feel hungry, it can reduce nausea and motion sickness and increase appetite. So, mix 10–20 g with hot water, some lemon, and honey to neutralize toxins. It also helps improve the digestive process if you don’t have that issue but rather feel like you overate.