Delhi: Ms. Divya Gupta, Consultant Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator is explaining the medicinal properties of the Indian Spices which are largely used for cooking.
TURMERIC ( haldi)
Curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric with anti inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. For its better absorption, take turmeric(1/2tsp) and grounded black pepper(1/4 tsp) concoction with water. This also helps to increase your immunity.
You can also have turmeric (1tsp) and ginger (1/2 tsp ginger juice) concoction which also serves as an immunity booster.
You can add turmeric to your tea, milk, soups, buttermilk, vegetables etc.
Also Read: Lockdown: Summer Diet Tips
CLOVE (Laung)
Clove contains nutrients like fibre, vitamins and minerals. Clove has a sweet and spicy aroma. It acts as an antioxidant and helps in treating digestive problems.
You can add it to your tea or you can consume clove water ( boil 1 crushed clove and a pinch of cinnamon powder in 1 1/2 cup of water), etc.
CARDAMOM (Elaichi)
Cardamom can be helpful in digestive problems, acidity and gas. Consuming cardamom tea aids digestion and to a great extent helps in treating cough and cold. It is also used as a mouth freshener ( helps in treating bad breath).
You can either chew it as it is or add it to your tea, milk, coffee, kheer, preparing rice and various curries. It goes well with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.
Also Read: Lockdown: Try these healthy foods substitutes of your favorite recipes.
CUMIN (jeera)
Cumin helps in boosting immune system and helps fight bacterial and fungal infections.
It helps in lowering high cholesterol and it is a rich source of iron. Cumin helps in relieving bloating and constipation.
Cumin water is used as a natural remedy for various health problems. To make jeera water, boil a few seeds of jeera (cumin) in water, then allow it to cool and drink on a empty stomach. Cumin is also used as a seasoning. You can even add it to your buttermilk.
RED CHILLI (LAAL MIRCH)
Red chilli has anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties. It also helps in weight loss and digestion. It is an excellent source of vitamin C. Red chilli is used for tempering (tadka) . Red chillies are also used for making sauces.
ASAFOETIDA (Hing)
Asafoetida has anti inflammatory, anti viral and anti bacterial properties.
It helps in relieving stomach problems like gas, bloating, flatulence and respiratory disorders like asthma. Mix a pinch of hing with 1tsp honey and ½ tsp ginger juice and have it. You can also consume lemon hing water (a glass of warm water with a pinch of hing and 1tsp lemon juice)
You can also add a pinch to buttermilk (Chaach), pulses (dal), vegetables etc.
CINNAMON (Dalchini)
Cinnamon has anti inflammatory properties and is packed with antioxidants. It helps fight bacterial and fungal infections. Cinnamon helps in digestion and boosting immunity.
Add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and ¼ tsp cinnamon powder in 1 cup warm water and drink it.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to your daily cup of tea, coffee detox water, cinnamon cookies.
Sprinkle cinnamon on fruits like apple or pears.
Once in a while when you are making puddings and desserts, add some cinnamon powder to it.
Cinnamon to a great extent may help in lowering blood sugar levels. So it is recommended for diabetic patients.
Also Read: How to curb sugar cravings during lockdown
BLACK PEPPER ( Kaali Mirch )
Black pepper has anti inflammatory properties and is high in antioxidants. Black pepper may improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, digestion. It helps to relieve cold and cough ( mix it with a teaspoon of honey and a little ginger juice ).
Crushing peppercorns at home is better and can be added to almost everything to enhance the flavour like buttermilk, pasta, soups, salads, curries, marinating chicken or ducks before roasting, sandwiches etc.
Dr Divya very strongly says, "All the above, which I have mentioned needs to be done consistently. Nothings happens overnight. Be patient!"
