They come in various shapes, sizes, and smells yet they all possess the capacity to change a bland dish into a Chef-d'oeuvre. Yesss I just did that! Anyway, as a passionate foodie, it is in my humble opinion that the discovery of spices might have been one of the most influential discoveries of all time! Spices allow for the transformation of bland dishes into tasteful masterpieces.

Historically, the use of spices were not limited to just cooking alone. In Asian cultures, many medicines were created from sun dried spices. As time passed, spices were transported around the world eventually dispersing their aromatic flavors and medical benefits to every corner of the earth.

Today, we’ll look at 5 spices loaded with many health benefits and vital to the everyday lives of many people around the world…

 

• Turmeric: This bright yellow spice comes with a strong aroma and dominant taste. Turmeric is a spice from India and is rich with antioxidant properties. Independent researchers have found that one teaspoon of turmeric contains enough nutrients to protect your body from various forms of cancerous growth. Also, Turmeric is highly effective in reducing inflammation and can be applied as an antiseptic to internal as well as external injuries. Turmeric also helps in reducing stomach problems. Turmeric can be used while making soups, stews or curry.

• Cloves: A small spice which often can be found in Middle Eastern cuisine is actually a dried flower bud of the tree species Syzgium aromaticum. Cloves possess a spicy flavor and are used most often in rice dishes as an aroma enhancer. Each small dried bud is filled with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties. If you are having nausea, just chew one or two cloves and it will suppress the uneasy feeling within a few moments. Some people use clove oil to cure tooth aches and even to reduce acne on skin. Cloves contain “eugenol”, a compound which improves blood circulation in body and also keeps food from spoiling!

• Asafetida: Some consider Asafetida to be one of the most pungent flavor spices on earth. This particular spice is so strong that a pinch has a power to dominate your whole dish. Asafetida is a dried powder spice which has many health benefits. If you have a poor digestive system, a pinch of Asafetida will do miraculous work on you. Women should be consuming this dried spice on a daily basis as it is used around the world as a remedy to unusually painful and excessive menstruation, sterility, unwanted abortion, and pre-mature labor.

• Black Pepper: Most likely you’ve been enjoying the many wonderful health benefits of these tiny black peppercorns without even knowing… If you ever feel that your taste buds are nearly dead, try consuming a good amount of black pepper powder in your food. The Black pepper is an antioxidant which when consumed daily can improve your digestion and hinder bacterial growth in your body.

• Cinnamon: Be it in sweets, biscuits or just a small sprinkle in your hot cocoa during a balmy winter day, many of us have that distinct childhood memory of a dish that possessed the tantalizing flavor of ground Cinnamon. These long spice sticks have a distinctive flavor profile that is a favorite amongst many, but most of us know little about the exquisite health benefits. Research shows that medicines made from Cinnamon are effective in reducing leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. A teaspoon of Cinnamon powder can reduce your arthritis pain and even improve your digestive system. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and is loaded with antioxidants that protect that body from damage caused by free radicals.

So now let’s get to cooking up some authentic cuisine using one the aforementioned spices and herbs. We hope you’ve enjoyed this post regarding some of our favorite medicinal spices! Check back soon for an update regarding various other medicinal herbs and spices. Stay Pure My Friends!

Disclosure: While Kevin Terrero is certified by the NCCPT as a Personal Trainer, this article is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered medical advice. If you are in need of medical advice, please seek the appropriate medical counsel.