The health benefits of spices are almost too extensive to list, since between all of the spices available in the world, they encompass almost every element of health, and have been shown to protect your body in some way. Some of the most important ways that they protect the body include their ability to fight infection, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, prevent cancer, improve heart health, induce sweating, keep skin healthy, regulate the metabolism, detoxify the body, lose weight, increase appetite, strengthen bones, reduce stress, increase digestion, protect against dozens of dangerous diseases, cure colds, protect oral health, contribute to a healthy diet, balance the hormones in our body, and countless other important benefits! Spices are monumentally important, and tremendously delicious, so let’s learn a bit more about them.
Spices are defined as dried forms of various seeds, roots, fruits, bark, or vegetable across the world. It’s main use is to add color or flavor to food, even as an aesthetic addition, as well as to help it remain preserved and good to eat. Spices are found everywhere in the world, and often form essential parts of the culinary practices of certain cultures. They are different from herbs, because they are typically made from leafy, green plants, unlike spices. There are hundreds of different spices around the world, but probably about 50-60 that are commonly used in many different countries. Their original use was probably Anise Seed as a flavoring agent which then demonstrated antimicrobial properties by keeping food fresh for longer, and increasing the health of those who ate the spices regularly.
The trading of spice was a huge part of history, because when spices were discovered, and their mobility and value was established, they were some of the highest in-demand products that were traded between nations. In certain parts of the world, salt was more valuable than gold for the same reason. Many medicinal and traditional styles of medicine hinged on the use of spices as well, so they were always in high demand. China, India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa made up the majority of the spice trade, but the tradition and importance of spices are forever apart of our global history. Let’s take a look at the exciting benefits that many of the world’s most popular spices can contribute to our overall health!
- Allspice
- Anise Seed
- Bay Leaf
- Black Pepper
- Capers
- Caraway
- Cardamom
- Cayenne Pepper
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Cumin
- Fennel Seeds
- Fenugreek Seeds
- Horseradish
- Mace
- Mustard Seed
- Nutmeg
- Saffron
- Tamarind
- Vanilla Bean
Health Benefits of Cloves
Cloves offer many health benefits, some of which include providing aid in digestion, having antimicrobial properties, fighting against cancer, protecting the liver, boosting the immune system, controlling diabetes, preserving bone quality, and containing anti-mutagenic properties, as well as fighting against oral diseases and headaches, while displaying aphrodisiac properties as well.
Cloves are one of the spices indigenous to Asian countries like Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and even areas of East Africa. It is native to the Maluku islands in Indonesia. Cloves are a popular flavouring agents used in a variety of ways across the world, particularly in Asia. Cloves form the culinary base in a number of different Asian cuisines.
Clove, just like many other spices originating in Asia, has a great history behind it. During the 13th and 14th centuries, cloves were transported all the way from Indonesia to China, India, Persia, Africa, and Europe. During this time, cloves had a very high price, thus wars for monopoly over clove production and distribution began. Many wars were waged in order to control the islands of Maluku during both the medieval and modern period. The Dutch emerged victorious and held the Maluku islands for a very long time. Today, clove is a very important commercial crop all around the world. Health Benefits of Cloves:
- Better Digestion
- Antibacterial Properties
- Chemo-Preventive Properties
- Liver Protection
- Diabetes Control
- Bone Preservation
- Anti-Mutagenic Properties
- Boosts the Immune System
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Health Benefits of Black Pepper
The health benefits of black pepper include relief from respiratory disorders, coughs, the common cold, constipation, indigestion, anemia, impotency, muscular strains, dental disease, pyorrhea, diarrhea, and heart disease.
Black pepper is the fruit of the black pepper plant from the Piperaceae family and is used as both a spice and a medicine. The chemical piperine, which is present in black pepper, causes the spiciness. It is native to Kerala, the southern state of India. Since ancient times, black pepper is one of the most widely traded spices in the world. It is not considered a seasonal plant and is therefore available throughout the year. When dried, this plant-derived spice is referred to as a peppercorn, and is then ground into a powder to be put on food to add flavor and spice.
Because of its antibacterial properties, pepper is also used to preserve food. It is a rich source of manganese, iron, potassium, vitamin-C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber. Black pepper is also a very good anti-inflammatory agent. The health benefits of black pepper include the following:
- Good for the Stomach
- Weight Loss
- Skin Health
- Respiratory Relief
- Antibacterial Quality
- Antioxidant Potential
- Enhances Bioavailability
- Cognitive Impairment and Neurological Health
- Peptic Ulcers
- Asthma and Whooping Cough
- Other Benefits?
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Health Benefits of Cinnamon
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Health Benefits of Ginger
Health Benefits of Garlic
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Health Benefits of Onion
Health Benefits of Spices
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