Turmeric, cumin, ginger, coriander, pepper, and cinnamon are just a few of the spices that make up the Indian spice box. For thousands of years, people have used these herbs and spices in Indian cooking, and they’ll help you make delicious food, too. They might not be as exotic as some other herbs you may have heard of (like saffron or cardamom).
But they’re easier to find and still add an amazing flavor to dishes. They’re also incredibly healthy for you! So whether you’re looking for something new or just want to optimize your diet with these essential ingredients, here’s everything you need to know about these eight must-have Indian spices.Herbs and Spices to Add to Your Diet
Cumin
First up is cumin. It’s a spice commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines. It has been a digestive aid for centuries. But it has many other benefits.
- Cumin is good for digestion. It helps with indigestion, flatulence, and bloating by stimulating bile production and easing bile flow from the gallbladder.
- Cumin helps boost the immune system by increasing the secretion of interferon (a protein with antiviral properties) in response to infection by viruses or bacteria.
Ginger
Ginger is a great herb because it’s an anti-inflammatory and can help with various gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and motion sickness. It’s also used to treat arthritis, joint pain, and menstrual cramps.
Coriander
Coriander is a popular ingredient in Indian cooking. It’s used to make chutney in pickles and can be added to curries and soups for flavor. You may also find coriander used in desserts such as baklava or cookies.
Pepper
Pepper is a spice that comes in wide different varieties, including black pepper and white peppercorns. It has been a food preservative since ancient times. The main ingredient in pepper is piperine. It can help relieve an upset stomach and reduce bad breath. It’s also an antioxidant and may help prevent cancer.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon may be one of the best-kept secrets in natural medicine. This sweet flavor is packed with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This means it can help reduce pain and inflammation throughout your body. It also lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels for people with diabetes and reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) in people without diabetes.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a plant in the daisy family that grows in India, Egypt, and Turkey. It’s been used for over 3,000 years to cure many ailments, from diabetes to digestive problems. Fenugreek is a spice that can be added to any dish for flavor as well as health benefits. The leaves are typically added in curry dishes. And the seeds may be used in loaves of bread or other baked goods such as pancakes, muffins, or cookies.
Mustard/fennel/fenugreek seeds
Lastly, mustard seeds are a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium. Fennel seeds are a good source of vitamin B6, folate, and magnesium. Fenugreek seeds are a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
These herbs and spices can make a big difference to your diet.
For thousands of years, people have used herbs and spices to flavor their meals. But they can also be used more strategically to enhance the nutritional value of your meals and help prevent disease. Moreover, many spices are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-bacterial.
So, there you have it. These eight Indian Spices and herbs are some of the most powerful ways to improve your diet and make your food more flavorful. With just one or two of them in your pantry, you’ll be able to go into any recipe with confidence knowing that it will come out tasting great. And if you feel like experimenting, there are many more options!
If you liked this article, read more food-related stories on Greta’s Junkyard. Until the next one!