India is a land of tropical weather and great cuisines. Some of the cuisines in India are loved and cherished all over the world such as the Butter Chicken Masala, Mutton Biryani, Kashmiri Pulao, Rajma Masala, Chicken Kabab Masala, Tandoori Chicken, Matar Paneer etc. All of these fabulous dishes are made using special masala blends that are made using whole spices and powdered spices. Indian spices are in much demand all over the world as now scientists have backed up the use of whole spices in everyday food, a practice that Indians have been following for centuries now. Simple spices such as Ginger, Garlic, Turmeric, Cumin etc are excellent for the health and help in better immunity, digestion and overall health. These spices can be added to simple everyday cuisines such as soups, salads, gravies and even desserts to aid in not only flavour but also health and immunity.
Why use Spices ?
Perhaps the most important discussion between westerners and Indians is the use of spices. Indian food is always known to be spicy and flavourful when compared to the western palate. Most westerners find Indian food overwhelming because of the use of heat inducing spices. So why do Indians consume so much spice and include whole spices and masalas in all of their cuisines. The answer lies in simple science and medicinal knowledge.
The book of Ayurveda, the Indian medical scripture that is known to have the cure for almost all health ailments and diseases, discusses the use of spices that are grown indigenously in India to prepare medicines for all health issues. Ayurvedic medicines are all plant derived and have no chemicals present in it. They are made fresh and provided to patients as and when needed. Since technological innovations have come along, now the same natural and ayurvedic medicines are made into tablets and powders and provided to patients by Ayurvedic doctors.
These medicines all consist of various spices that are generally used in Indian cuisine making them superfoods – foods that are known to have medicinal values for better health and metabolism. Indian spices have been in use for all household purposes ever since they were known to have medicinal values. Not only do they enhance the taste of food by adding strong flavours to it, but they also aid in better health.
Different types of Indian spices and their Benefits
Here is a comprehensive list of most important Indian spices and their Benefits for human health –
- Garlic
Garlic is one of the most flavourful Indian spices that grows below the ground. They are known to contain certain chemicals that help in aiding immunity, better digestion, promotes healthy gut and also helps in preventing against common bacteria based diseases
- Ginger
Another spice that goes under the ground, this is one of the most common spices that is used in almost all Indian cuisines. Ginger helps in better digestion, aids immunity and fights against cold and flu symptoms. It promotes a healthy gut.
- Mango Ginger
A type of ginger that is used to make pickles and to make gravies and masalas, this spice is known to have excellent flu fighting properties and helps in aiding general immunity. It also helps with constipation and bloating
- Black Pepper
An expensive and extremely useful spice, black pepper is a staple for all spicy gravies and curries in India. Black pepper is most useful for immunity as it contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Perhaps the most important discussion between westerners and Indians is the use of spices. Indian food is always known to be spicy and flavourful when compared to the western palate. Most westerners find Indian food overwhelming because of the use of heat inducing spices. So why do Indians consume so much spice and include whole spices and masalas in all of their cuisines. The answer lies in simple science and medicinal knowledge.
The book of Ayurveda, the Indian medical scripture that is known to have the cure for almost all health ailments and diseases, discusses the use of spices that are grown indigenously in India to prepare medicines for all health issues. Ayurvedic medicines are all plant derived and have no chemicals present in it. They are made fresh and provided to patients as and when needed. Since technological innovations have come along, now the same natural and ayurvedic medicines are made into tablets and powders and provided to patients by Ayurvedic doctors.
These medicines all consist of various spices that are generally used in Indian cuisine making them superfoods – foods that are known to have medicinal values for better health and metabolism. Indian spices have been in use for all household purposes ever since they were known to have medicinal values. Not only do they enhance the taste of food by adding strong flavours to it, but they also aid in better health.