The more the cold air starts creeping in, simultaneously, the more spice you can smell when you step outside. Spice is the smell of Christmas and has been used for centuries in the winter because of its exceptional health benefits.
Many will swear blind that the liquor in the hot toddy is the reason you feel better, but that ginger will be doing more than you think. And in a season where cinnamon is added to almost anything physically possible, behind the scenes, it is keeping our blood sugar steady.
So, what else can spices do for us? Read this piece to find out more about two main spices and their health benefits for winter.
Herbs and spices have had quite the lifespan so far, dating back centuries. Its popularity varied at different peaks in different countries. Ancient Egypt was well known for using cumin, garlic, thyme, and fennel, to name a few for their health-enhancing properties. Ancient China grew ginger in pots to provide them with fresh food and prevent scurvy on long sea journeys, and Ancient Mesopotamia enjoyed growing a wide variety of aromatic plants such as saffron, turmeric, coriander, and poppy.
Spices are common in cuisine all around the world but are most often associated with foods that will set your mouth on fire like a good curry. No matter how hot or mild you like a dish, you can always turn to Indian restaurant delivery. You don’t have to leave the house, and you get a bunch of nutrients in a delicious meal packed with vitamin-rich veg delivered straight to your door.
The use of these herbs and spices are still prevalent to this day, and it turns out that with our advanced technologies, we can back up the health claims with scientific evidence!
Ginger is a staple in winter. It exudes Christmas cheer as it is used to infused baked goods such as gingerbread men, cakes and houses. It is also a spice that is included in mulled wine – a classic winter warmer, and well known for being one of the most important spices in an Indian kitchen. That being said, what can ginger do for our health? Ginger has long been used for its medicinal properties, including aiding digestion, fighting off a cold, and fighting inflammation. It can also help joint pain and can help fight infections – all of which can be a common issue when it comes to wintertime.
Turmeric is another staple in Asian cuisine and has long been hailed as a spice that promotes healing from within.
It is said to act as a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free-radicals (known as disease-causing compounds that can be found in the environment) and also helps aid the body in boosting its own response to free radicals too.
Amazingly, turmeric has also been found to act as a friend to the mind too, with the main component, curcumin, aiding in the increase of serotonin in the brain – a neurotransmitter responsible for mood, and has also said to be beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s.
Leave a Reply