Importance Of Condiments & Spices In Diet! - By Dt. Mrunal Deshpande | Lybrate
Spices are very important ingredient of human diet. It not only adds flavor in your diet but also carries several health benefits. I didn’t find any home in India where spices are not included in the diet. However, doctors suggest people with hyper acidity not to include high amount of spices in their food as it can trigger the disease. Nowadays people are more interested to take snacks than home food, because these are highly spicy food.
Cardamoms, anise seeds and cinnamon are used in food to increase its taste. Cardamoms are also included in sweets items and tea that I have taken several times. Anise seeds can be served after food and cinnamon are also included in several dishes to enhance their taste.
In addition to above benefits, it brings several health benefits –
- Anti-clotting agent - There are several compounds in spices that prevent the formation of blood clots. There are three types of cells in the blood – red blood cells, white blood cells and blood platelets. Clots are formed due to the accumulation of too many platelets in one place, and excesses can lead to lethal disorders like strokes and blockages in the arteries of the heart. Consuming spices like garlic and turmeric keeps these risks at bay. Turmeric consists of curcumin, which has blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger, too, has anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent blood clotting.
- Respiratory aid - Several spices can aid the functioning of the human respiratory tract. Many times, doctors suggest you gurgle your throat with lukewarm water that has the essence of thyme in it. This will relieve you from throat pain and cough. These are rather painful symptoms of serious lung diseases like bronchitis. Thyme is also used as a mouthwash that prevents the growth of germs in patients that have gingivitis.
- Booster of the general functioning of the body - Several spices such as cinnamon, cardamoms, turmeric and others can be boiled together to obtain the essence of them, a preparation known as a decoction of spices. This decoction can boost several aspects of the functioning of the body. It can treat allergic fevers like colds, sores and influenza. It can also combat stomach problems and painful, irregular periods in women.
- Blood circulation booster - Certain ingredients in spices act as a natural blood circulation booster. Cayenne, thyme, turmeric- these spices and herbs improve blood circulation in the body. They even the tone of skin in and around the area where they are applied. Therefore, they are used in cosmetic skin treatments and also in medical remedies of joint pain and arthritis.
In India, people are using spices in their diet since old age and so the use of spices in Indian diet has been a tradition. However, medical science has also proved that spices are loaded with several health benefits that are mentioned above.
However, you must consult an expert if you want to know more about spices.
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