Spices to naturally boost the immune system

July 2021 | Reading time: 3 minutes

A brief look at four everyday spices that go a long way in helping the body stay healthy and strong.

Oh, the culinary delights the spices bring forth! With the right mix of spices, you can even transform the blandest meals into a feast worthy of kings and queens. But there is actually so much more to these magic tastemakers.

Long before the days of modern medicine, spices were revered for the extraordinary medicinal properties. In fact, modern research confirms the astounding amounts of minerals, vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants you can get from consuming the right spices.

We have listed here a few spices that you can incorporate in your cooking to enjoy the many health benefits.

Garlic

While including garlic in any savoury dish is sure to improve it, the benefits you can reap, health-wise, are many. This is primarily due to the presence of a compound called allicin.

• Helps the immune system fight sicknesses such as the flu and common cold.
• Is highly effective in reducing blood pressure.
• Is known to improve cholesterol levels by reducing LDL cholesterol by 10-15%.
• Is overall very good for heart health.

Ginger

The main ingredient in gingerol responsible for all the health benefits found is gingerol. It is a highly effective anti-inflammatory compound that help with various ailments.

• Aids in treating nausea caused by morning sickness, sea sickness and chemotherapy.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is highly adept at relieving pain triggered from exercising, menstruation, and osteoarthritis.
• Helps with stomach discomforts such as indigestion.
• Lowers the risk of cancer by reducing cellular activities in the body that are responsible for cell death and DNA changes.

Turmeric

Throughout history, turmeric has always had the reputation of being a highly effective remedy. The active ingredient curcumin is responsible the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Improves functions of the brain by boosting the new neuron production.
• Helps fight depression by increasing the levels of BDNF, a brain hormone. Lower levels of BDNF can be responsible for depression.
• Lowers cancer risks by fighting growth of cancerous cells and preventing the formation of new blood vessels within tumours.
• Can also reduce the chances of heart diseases by keeping the blood vessels healthy and contributing to the reduction of oxidation and inflammation.
• Due to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory quality, it can relieve arthritis symptoms as well.

Cayenne peppers

Cayenne pepper is an excessively popular chilli that is used in Mexican and Creole dishes and a variety of curries around the world. The chilli contains capsaicin, which not only contributes to the hot taste but comes along with a bunch of health benefits.

• Can aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and burning more calories.
• Being a fantastic source Vitamin C, cayenne peppers are extremely effective in boosting the immune system.

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