Spices (Immunity Boosters)

Spices are one of the most important ingredient of our food, as we talk about spices what is that first thing comes to our mind?

It gives us the perfect Taste and the Texture to our food but spices are much more than just the taste and texture. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish in food. Many spices contain antimicrobial properties which can help in improving immunity system, not only that there are many other things about spices which will help us in various ways. In this blog we are going to discover about spices which are used in day to day life. Today we are going to discuss about 6 spices which can help us in building strong immunity system to fight against deadly viruses and influenza.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek which is also known as “Meethi” and is a very popular spice in Indian food.

Fenugreek is a plant which have green leaves and white flowers with pods that contain small golden brown seeds. Fenugreek is been used as medicine to treat skin problems and many other diseases. It is also a very common household spice which is used as a thickening agent. It is also very rich in fibres and antioxidants which helps in digestion. It has some other benefits: 

• Lowering blood sugar levels,
• Boosting testosterone,
• Increasing milk production in breastfeeding mothers,
• Reduce cholesterol levels,
• Lower inflammation,
• Soothe upset stomach and digestive problems,
• Reduce menstrual cramps,
• Reduce fat mass,
• Maintain liver and kidney health,
• Soothe muscle pain,
• Reduce fever.

Dosage:  In powder form

• For diabetes: 5-50 grams,
• For painful menstruation: 1800-2700 mg,
• For increasing sex: 600 mg,

Garlic: Garlic is a popular ingredient in cooking due to its strong smell and delicious taste and grows in many parts of the world.

The main health benefit which makes garlic special is “Sulfur compound” formed when a garlic clove is nicely chopped, crushed or chewed.

The sulfur compound from garlic enters the body and travels in every part of the body, it expand its potent biological effects. Garlic and its supplements are also well known for boosting the functions of immune system but there are more benefits of garlic:

• Maintain Blood Pressure,
• Lower’s Cholesterol,
• Reduced Risk of Heart Disease,
• Colds and Flu,
• Better Athletic Performance,
• Stronger Bones,
• Improved Memory

Dosage: In tablet form:

• For diabetes: 300 mg
• For high blood pressure: 300-1500 mg 
• For arteries (atherosclerosis): 300 mg 

Turmeric: Turmeric has been used in India since thousand years as a spice and also as a major medicinal herb.

Turmeric is be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence but one compound makes it special which is Curcumin.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. Curcumin is also fat soluble, it is sold as an herbal supplement, cosmetics ingredient, food flavouring, and food colouring agent. More benefits of Turmeric

• Helps prevent Depression,
• Helps with Type 2 diabetes,
• Viral infections,
• Premenstrual syndrome,
• Alzheimer disease,
• Arthritis,
• Cancer,
• Irritable bowel syndrome,
• Headache,
• Acne problems.

Dosage:

• 3 to 6 g/day have been investigated for protective effects. 

Ginger: Ginger which is also known as Adrak in India is a very common spice and mostly used in food to enhance flavors. It is a flowering plant that is originated from China and is very much similar to turmeric.

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine.

Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Gingerol is the main bio-active compound in ginger which is highly responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Some of the amazing things that ginger can do:

• Calm nausea
• Sooth sore muscles
• Keeps your mouth healthy
• Prevent Arthritis
• Prevent from cancer
• Lowers blood sugar
• Helps with menstrual pain
• Relieves indigestion
• Lower cholesterol
• Fights influenza    

Dosage:

• For morning sickness: 500 to 2500 mg of ginger daily
• For menstrual cramps: 250 mg 
• For osteoarthritis: 4 grams 

Cayenne peppers: Cayenne peppers are very spicy type of chili peppers in the capsicum family. They are basically the flowering plants and are closely related to jalapeños.

Cayenne peppers are a popular spice used in many different styles of cooking to spice up the taste and texture of food, and they also have been used medicinally for thousands of years. It helps in increasing the amount of heat your body produces, which causes an increase in your metabolism. They have the properties of good antioxidants. Cayenne peppers also helps in:

• Can Help Reduce Hunger,
• Improves immunity,
• May Lower Blood Pressure,
• Helps in congestion,
• May Help Relieve Pain,
• May Improve Psoriasis,
• May Reduce Cancer Risk,
• Can prevent from Heart attack,
• Help in detoxify,

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a spice which is high in calcium and fibre and is made from the inner bark of trees. Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees. The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts are removed. When it dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls, called cinnamon sticks. These sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder. It is an ingredient which is used in desserts

There are two main types of cinnamon: cassia and Ceylon.

Cinnamon contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial properties, which might offers protection from cancer and cardiovascular disease. It can also help in:

• Manage type 2 diabetes,
• Lower the cholesterol,
• Combat acne,
• Reduces inflammation,
• Good for mouth,
• Prevent aging,
• Sanitize hands,
• Good for hairs.

Disclaimer:

Please consult your doctor before consuming any of these spices if you are allergic to any of them.

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