By : Dheeraj Upadhyay
Indian spices have been in use for ages due to its medicinal properties and culinary aroma it contains. Many spices we use in our kitchen come with number of health benefits, from boosting the immunity to safe guarding from infections. Some of these spices also help in weight loss along with enhancing immunity to help fight covid pandemic.
Amid the various spices we have collated the seven best immunity boosting spices which has innumerable health benefits-
Seven spices with health and immunity boosting properties-
CINNAMON: Cinnamon comes from its tree bark mostly used for flavouring of dishes but has innumerable health benefits from lowering blood pressure to reducing triglyceride and cholesterol. It’s full of natural vitamins like vitamins A, B6, C, E. It works like a shield for our body when used in combination with other spices and foods.
Cinnamon also helps in weight loss and its long-term use helps in reducing coronary illnesses and Alzheimer’s, along with preventing the respiratory tract infections.
CARDAMOM: Cardamom is derived from the seeds and widely used in Indian kitchen due to its flavour enhancing properties. These small pods help prevent respiratory infections, cold, coughs, and bronchial asthma.
These fragrant cardamom seeds are beneficial in reducing blood clotting and it has some medicinal qualities which help in reducing most of the cancer carriers too.
BLACK PEPPER: Comes from the God’s own country Kerala, black pepper has been used in cooking in India since around 2000 BC. This is also known as ‘black gold’ due to its high cost and amazing heath benefits. Today, black pepper is commercially grown in Vietnam along with tropical areas of Indonesia and Brazil. It is probably the most costly and traded spice in the world.
Black pepper is commonly used in the seasoning of dishes, making aromatic & herbal products. Along with rich flavour it protects your body from common soar & throat infections, irritation, untimely ageing, free radicals and coronary heart diseases.
Lahori Namak: Extracted from the salt range mountains of Pakistan. The famous Himalayan salt also known as Lahori namak has is derived from rocks and works well with Indian spices and foods to support overall health. These pink granules are used similarly like the common salt due to its pure and unrefined nature it provides better nutritional and health benefits.
The Himalayan salts are ten-fold better in stabilising the electrolytes. This pink salt boosts your mental health and helps maintaining bones density. It even regulates hormone and helps reducing the respiratory infections and boost immunity in sinus related issues.
TURMERIC: Turmeric has become a trendy super food due to its inflammation reduction qualities and therapeutic powers. It contains Lipopolysaccharide, a substance rich in antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties which helps in stimulating the immune system. Famous for its immunity & inflammatory properties turmeric mixed with milk is a superb concoction used in Indian households to enhance immunity.
GINGER: Ginger originated in Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Borneo, and Malaysia. The first few spices exported to Europe and liked by Roman & Greeks for daily consumption in their diet.
It is loaded with dietary benefits of Vitamin B group like B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9. This is also known as wonder spice which helps in battling flu and nausea. It reduces muscular pain and has anti-inflammatory advantages. Ginger also helps in reducing blood sugar levels to improve digestion as well.
CLOVE: It is also known as the winter spice due to its unbelievable immunity-boosting properties. Clove is commonly used in India and abroad in the treatments of cough and cold, likewise it also safe-guards your body from various infections. Clove oil is also very useful in toothaches and gum infections.
Although these spices have lot of immunity boosting and health benefits but one must follow Covid appropriate protocols and take covid vaccination also.
Disclaimer: Do not use these suggestions solely as a medical reference, since it was sourced from data available online. Discontinue the use of any of the spices if you feel allergic to any of these herbs.
