Spices
Scientists have been working in understanding why Indian food is so rich in flavors, aroma and nutrition? India is a country of diverse cultures and land of spices. The answer lies right here where amalgamation of two has given Indian cuisine its top rank on taste buds - yum - yum!
Heart of Indian cooking is in its spices and aromatics which have been in use since ancient times. Natural ingredients like the flower, bark, leaves, roots, seeds and bulbs are used in endless combinations to produce infinite variety of flavors: sharp, sweet, sour, hot, aromatic, spicy, mild, tart, fragrant or pungent. They add flavor and nutrients to dishes without fat or calories.
Indian spices not only offer significant health benefits but also contributes towards individual’s healthy life.Did you know that Indian spices have medicinal properties too?? Ayurveda (traditional hindu system of medicine / science of natural remedies) incorporates many of these spices for its healing and magical qualities.
Click on Indian spices page to learn about health benefits of these spices.
Asafoetida ( Hing) | Bay Leaf (tej patta) | Cardamom (elaichi) | Cayenne pepper (lal mirchi) | Chillies (mirchi) | Cilantro (dhaniya) | Cinnamon (dalchini) | Cloves (luong) | Coriander seeds (dhaniya seeds) | Cumin (jeera) | Curry leaves (kadi patta) | Fennel (saunf) | Fenugreek (kasuri methi) | Garam masala | Garlic (lahsun)| Ginger (adrak) | Mango Powder (amchur) | Mint (pudina) | Mustard seeds (Rai) | Nutmeg and mace (Jaiphal and javetri) | Onion seeds (kalonji) | Oreango (ajwain) | Paprika | Peppercorns (kali mirchi) | Saffron (zaffran) | Tamarind (Imli) | Turmeric (haldi) |
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Also called as devil’s dung
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Distinctive and pungent spice
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Aids in digestion
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Anti-flatulence property
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Pleasant aroma
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Sweet, lemony, eucalyptus flavor
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One of the expensive spices
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Cures indigestion, anorexia, burning sensation and asthama
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Most delicious and healthiest spices
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Help fight common cold
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Lower blood sugar
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Reduce heart disease risk factors
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Aids digestion
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Lower blood sugar
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Decrease blood pressure
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Improve cholesterol levels
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Aromatic
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Fights infections
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Packed with carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, Vit A,B,C and E
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Adds flavor
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Aids liver and gastric functions
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Fights against cholesterol
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Anti-diabetic
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Mixture of ground spices (varies per recipes) :cloves, cardamom, cumin, peppercons, cinnamon and bay leaves
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Builds immunity
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Effective pain killer
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Slows aging process
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Promotes weight loss
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Increases ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and proteins
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Sweet, sour and lemony taste
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Stimulated detoxification
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Boosts digestion
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Keeps heart healthy
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Nutty, warm and slightly sweet
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Relieves pain
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Soothes indigestion
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Detoxification
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Anti-bacterial
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Rich source of manganese, iron, potassium
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Vit C, K and fiber
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Most expensive spice
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150 volatile compounds like carotenoids, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals
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Contains bioactive compounds with powerful medicinal properties
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Acts as anti-oxidant
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Lowers risk of brain diseases like Alzheimers
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Lowers risk of heart disease
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Help prevent cancer
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Reduces liver toxins
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Helps liver metabolizes fat this aids in weight loss
