Spices
What are some of the historical applications of the properties of spices?
Ajwain fights bacteria and fungi. Carom seeds have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Helps to improve cholesterol levels. Combats peptic ulcers and relieves indigestion |
| Anise improves digestion, alleviates cramps and reduces nausea. Anise tea helps digestive ailments such as bloating, gas, indigestion and constipation. Contains thymol, terpineol and anethole, which is used for treating cough and flu. |
| Baharat helps reduce and maintain optimal blood pressure levels, lowers risk of diseases and strokes. Rich in Vitamin A for better vision and helping prevent eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. |
| Bay Leaves rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium |
| Caraway Seeds can improve digestion, reduce constipation and lower blood cholesterol levels. |
| Cardamom aids digestion, helps to reduce spasms, lowers blood pressure, increases metabolism and improves circulation. |
| Cinnamon is an anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-septic, local anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory, with rubefacient (warming and soothing) carminative properties. Known to have one of the highest antioxidant levels in food to assist infection recovery and prevention of minor illnesses. |
| Coriander seeds help reduce bad cholesterol and promote good cholesterol in the body. These are rich in copper, zinc, iron and other essential minerals that increases Red Blood Cells and improve heart health |
| Cumin stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, to help your body digest foods efficiently |
| Fennel helps to reduce blood pressure, improve heart health, inflammation and your metabolism |
| Fenugreek improves blood sugar control |
| Garam Masala helps to relieve pain and inflammation. Slows the aging process. Promotes weight loss. Increases vitamin, mineral and protein absorption. Relieve gastrointestinal problems, heartburn and also soothes the upset stomach. |
| Garlic clears nasal and throat congestion |
| Horseradish contains higher levels of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants as well as being anti-inflammatory. |
| Nutmeg is a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals necessary for human health. It can fight fungal infections, work as an aphrodisiac, improve digestion, reduce excess gas, improve hair and skin health. |
| Paprika Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties |
| Pepper (Black) helps control heart rate and blood pressure |
| Pepper (Cayenne) has the ability to assist clearances of the sinuses, increase urination, eliminate toxins from the body, help manage diabetes, prevent cancer, and lower blood pressure. |
| Peppermint clears congestion, helps with indigestion and Irritable Bowel Syndrome pain. |
| Rosemary helps control allergies. |
| Saffron contains many carotenoids and helps boosts your immune system. It also fights infections in wounds, elevates mood, induces sleep, stimulates red blood cell formation, assists to eliminate spasms, and modulates hormonal activity. |
| Sage is used as an antisweating agent, antibiotic, antifungal, astringent, |
| Sumac is an anti-oxidant, and packed with vitamin C. Helps ward off diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. |
| Tamarind antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties |
| Thyme is used as an anti-septic mouthwash in the treatment of caries and gingivitis |
| Turmeric, Ginger and Oregano are anti inflammatory, anti nausea and anti oxidant |
| Reducing flatulence, particularly gas from eating legumes – Cloves, Cinnamon, and Garlic are potent in reducing gas. The potency of garlic increases when heated, whereas the potency of cinnamon decreases. |
| Example Uses |
| · Dip berries or bananas in low-fat sour cream, then in a mix of 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon |
| · Add Cinnamon to smoothies, warm drinks. Sprinkle it on oatmeal, stir it into peanut butter for celery sticks, and dash on sweet potatoes or carrot. |
| · Oregano on Pizzas. |
| · Tumeric, Pepper and Ginger on salads |