Spices not only add depth and complexity to our meals, but they also have a wide range of health benefits. From boosting digestion to reducing inflammation, spices have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties.
One of the main reasons I love spices is their ability to enhance the flavour of any dish. Whether it's a pinch of cayenne pepper to add a kick to a soup or a sprinkle of cinnamon to elevate the taste of a dessert, spices have the power to transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Furthermore, spices can also have a positive impact on our mental and emotional health. The aroma of certain spices, such as cloves or cardamom, can uplift our spirits and create a sense of comfort and warmth. They can even help improve digestion and alleviate digestive issues, promoting a healthy gut and overall digestive wellness.
Embarking on a journey into the world of spices to improve your gut health is a wonderful step towards overall well-being. In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, spices play a crucial role in restoring digestion and eliminating toxins known as "ama."
Spices are beneficial for you and have great qualities but these healing properties are only possible if they are used properly. Here are four practical tips:
1- Cook with spices. The way to release their active ingredients or phytoconstituents is to boil them in water (e.g. drinking spice teas) or add them to fat (oils like ghee, coconut, olive).
2- Explore. Spices like cumin, coriander and fennel are a Tridosha blend (suitable for everybody) that can properly aid our digestion. Read more here: https://www.maikaprevosti.com/blog/all-purpose-digestive-tea. Also TURMERIC and GINGER are excellent choices and you can get them fresh, as dried rhizomes or ground. These two can help to protect the gut from damages due to wheat and sugar. You can then have a go at fenugreek and mustard seeds or asafoetida.
3- Use spices on daily basis. It is this consistency that develops the desired healing effect.
4- Buy spices in small quantity. The garam masala (a spice mixture) bought more than 6 months ago won’t do the trick as they lose their potency after that time. Even though they can have an amazing aroma and taste, they will never have the same benefits of freshly prepared spices.
So, the next time you're in the kitchen, don't be afraid to experiment with spices. Not only will they add a burst of flavour to your meals, but they will also provide you with a myriad of health benefits. Embrace the world of spices and let them spice up your life in more ways than one.