Spices are an important ingredient in our cooking and for an obvious reason. They make our food more delicious, aromatic, and alluring. But their use is not limited to our sensory pleasure only. Spices are one of the powerful herbal medicines that offer immense health benefits when consumed regularly.
Spices contain essential oils that impart a pleasing fragrance, delectable taste, and potent compounds that can uplift our health. However, there are numerous spices available in the world, and not all are used at once. Here are several common must-have spices that you easily buy from Indian spice wholesalers and use in your dishes.
Cardamom
Cardamom is praised as the queen of spices. It has an extremely aromatic and pleasing flavour that makes a variety of our dishes delicious. But it is not just flavour that cardamom is praised for; it also offers many health benefits. Cardamom is the most effective herbal medicine for digestive issues. It is particularly beneficial for heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal spasms, intestinal gas, constipation, and various liver and gallbladder issues. All its health beneficiary advantages and pleasing flavour makes this spice the must-have in your kitchen.
Black peppercorn
Black pepper, also popular as black gold in ancient times, is another must-have spice in the kitchen. Black pepper has been one of the world’s top demanded spices for its tasty hot flavour and health benefits. According to recent studies, black pepper is high in antioxidants that fight free radicals creating cellular damage. In addition, the Pepperdine compound found in black pepper aids in chronic inflammation, helps in indigestion, and also increases appetite.
Turmeric
Turmeric is probably the best spice for the benefits it offers. It is among the top spices you must have in your kitchen and consume daily. Everyday consumption needs a great amount, so you should buy turmeric powder in bulk. Turmeric is scientifically proven to reduce inflammation in the body. It also has antioxidants that help you fight free radicals that damage cells and cause heart issues, cancer and dementia.
Mustard seed
Mustard seeds are a widely used spice in Indian, Southeast Asian, and middle eastern cuisine. Wide varieties of mustard seeds are cultivated throughout the world, among which brown and black mustards are more popular in Asian cooking. Yellow or white mustards are popular in European, Australian, and American dishes. Mustards are traditional medicine in greek medicinal practices. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in colds, flu, and arthritis. They also help lower cholesterol and have been traditionally used to treat several skin conditions.
Cumin
Cumins is one of the oldest spices and is still widely used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisine. The spice imparts an earthy, woody flavour that makes any dish, from curries to rice dishes, instantly aromatic and delicious. Moreover, cumin seeds are packed with myriad nutrients that promote your health, which makes them one of the must-have spices in the kitchen. Cumin seeds are good for digestion, improve blood cholesterol, promote digestion, and may also help in diabetes.
Bay leaves
Bay leaves are a popular herb used in cuisine across the world. There are wide varieties of this herb, each having its own potency and difference in flavour. Dried bay leaves impart an alluring woody flavour to various dishes, from curries to stews and porridges to soups. Bay leaves are also considered a spice and give immense health benefits. They contain many essential nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and B6. In addition, these leaves can help boost the immune system, aid in digestion, and also prevent the risk of Type-2 diabetes.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to global cuisine. Its usage dates to the Egyptian era, as documented in ancient wall paintings. For its pleasing, sweet aroma, cinnamon makes a great ingredient for hot chocolates, coffees, cake, tea, and myriads of savoury dishes. It also has several health benefits, making this spice a must-have in any kitchen. Cinnamon can be used to prevent and treat cancer, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it can also be used to treat respiratory problems and regulate blood sugar levels.
Wrapping Up
Spices are an important ingredient in any cuisine. There are a wide variety of spices available in the world. But to build a basic pantry, you must have the ones mentioned above to meet all your culinary requirements. These spices are used in almost every dish, and you will probably use them daily. So, buying bulk spices and stocking them up for regular supply is better.
FAQ :
What are the 7 Indian spices?
In India, spices have long been a staple of dietary supplements. The seven spices—cumin, clove, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, fenugreek, and cardamom—as well as their culinary and medicinal applications are examined in the study.
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