Spices are basically any seed, fruit, root, bark or other plant substance primarily used for flavouring or coloring food.
They fall in the same seasoning category as herbs but they’re distinguished in the fact that herbs are the leaves, stems and flowers of plants used for flavouring or garnishing.
Today, the focus is on spices. Some of the forms spices are used are fresh, whole, dried, grated, chopped, crushed, ground or extracted into a tincture (think essential oils).
5 very common spices that we have in our kitchen includes:
1. Cinnamon – an antioxidant, it regulates blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, supports heart health by lowering cholesterol amd triglycerides. Best taken as tea or in hot water, it aids in weight loss and prevents metabolic diseases. Helps curb late night cravings and snacking. Cinnamon increases your sensitivity to insulin.
2. Turmeric – Contains curcumin an active compound which boasts potent anti-inflammatory properties, rich in phytonutrients that help the body neutralize free radicals and shields cells from damage. When you take turmeric everyday, it supports heart health by improving blood vessel function and prevents degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. Turmeric aids digestion and may help prevent cancer by inhibiting cell growth. For a woman’s body, it eases PMS symptoms and possibly aids in conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.
3. Cloves – they are powerful anti-inflammatory amd antioxidants thanks to their high eugenol content. They are best known as a sweet and aromatic spice. Research suggests their benefits include supporting liver health, boosts the immune system and they help women relieve menstrual pain and potentially enhance sexual health and hormone balance. Try brewing pineapple bark with cinnamon and cloves. Thank me later.
4. Ginger – a versatile root and also a super food, It’s powerful ingredient gingerol is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps reduce nausea, helps manage conditions like arthritis and diabetes. Chewing raw ginger is a natural remedy for cough and cuts down on fermentation, constipation and other causes of bloating and intestinal gas. Ginger soothes muscle pain after a workout and goes with practically everything from smoothies to stir fries, teas amd stews.
5. Cayenne Pepper – closely related to jalapeño and bell pepper, they contain capsaicin which is responsible for the heat in peppers. Helps in weight loss, improves circulation and relieves heart burn. Cayenne pepper increases the production of gastric juices amd enzymes that aid in digestion and there’s evidence that spicy foods like Cayenne pepper can boost the good bacteria in the gut.
There are at least 40 known spices in the world but we’re starting with these 5 today.
- Joy Mfon Essien is an Entrepreneur and the CEO, of Discover Essence Media, Millionaire Woman Soapworks and Delicioso Foods. Writer, TV presenter and producer, Wellness Coach and mom of two.
