India is the land of spices. Britishers colonized India for it, grandmothers vouched for its benefits and mothers ensured their kitchens never ran out of it. Need we say more? Spices are naturally bestowed with chemical components that act as natural healers for various kinds of illnesses. Apart from adding aroma and flavour to the food, it also acts as an appetizer and facilitates the process of digestion.
Here are 7 spices with their interesting nutritional and health benefits:
Black Pepper: When added to food, it aids in absorbing the nutrients wholly with the help of a chemical component called ‘Piperine’. It can be used to treat sore throat, cold, constipation and keeps lung and liver infections at bay.

Turmeric: It is filled with an essential antioxidant called curcumin, which has the ability to fight against cancer cells. It is also an essential antiseptic for cuts and bruises. It is also a blood purifier and helps keep a check on diabetics and blood pressure.

Cinnamon: Having ¼ to ½ of a teaspoon everyday can cut the cholesterol level by 12 to 30 percent. It is packed with rich antioxidants like polyphenols, which is a good regulator of blood flow to the heart.

Garlic: Eating 4 cloves of garlic every morning can reduce the incidence of a heart attack by 76 percent. They help fight back yeast infections, sinus and common cold. The compounds present in garlic are also known to ward off the cancer cells by forcing the cancer cells to eat themselves (self-destruction).

Mustard: It activates the salivary glands to increase the momentum of the process of digestion. For people with frigid fingers, mustard tends to activate the nervous system and help in recovery. Avoid consuming more than one teaspoon of mustard per day.

 

Ginger: Having ginger in considerable proportion can help protect the body against gastric ulcers. It is also a great medicine for people suffering from joint pain and osteoarthritis.

Cloves: Cloves are an excellent remedy for toothaches. They contain an anti-inflammatory substance called Eugenol which is good for bone and cartilage health.

Saffron: It is loaded with 150 active and aroma-yielding compounds like carotenoids, lycopene,etc. that have rich anti-bacterial and anti-tumour properties.

References:

http://www.rd.com/health/welln ess/10-healing-herbs-and-spice s/
http://www.thefitindian.com/am azing-benefits-of-herbs-and-sp ices/