Everyone loves spicy food especially if it is severed on a chilling winter day. Spices not only add flavor as well as aroma to a dish but are of immense medicinal utility. India is one of the largest spice producing countries in the world. From a thousand of spices to choose from, we present you the healthy winter spices that not only will add to delicious taste but also health benefits to meals and beverages. Here are the best among them:
1. Cinnamon
One of the ancient spices, Cinnamon is one of the rarest species on earth that are effective against the deadliest disease HIV-1 and HIV-2. It also possesses several anti-viral properties. It is generally available in dried tabular form either as a quill or as ground powder. Cinnamon contains several essential oils among which cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol are the major ones.
Why use it?
Cinnamon, as aforesaid, has immense utility both as spice as well as medicine since ages. It is used for stimulating appetite, to treat gastrointestinal problems and as natural food preservative. In addition, its effect on blood platelets is well known. It discourages the excessive clotting of blood and lessens inflammation. The essential oils present in Cinnamon have highly effective anti-microbial properties making it a traditional food preservative. Researchers have found that if food is seasoned a bit with Cinnamon, then it can help bringing down the blood sugar levels considerably. Some even suggest that Cinnamon’s scent can boost the brain function. However, this is just a theory that has be to be clinically tested.
How to use it?
Cinnamon is generally dried and either available as a stick or in powder form. The sticks have longer shelf life while the powder boosts of stronger smell. It can be easily stored in any air tight container kept in a cool and dry place. Use its powder while cooking food or for seasoning purposes. One can also simmer its stick with milk and honey for a nutritious drink.
2. Nutmeg
The spice that waged bloody wars is Nutmeg. It grows on an evergreen tree with egg shaped leaves. The most peculiar thing about nutmeg is that it is not just a single spice but two. Mace, a spice is also obtained from Nutmeg. Found in abundance in the Molucca Islands, this spice has been valued since ages for its remarkable medicinal and intoxicating properties.
Why use it?
Nutmeg contains a compound called maceligan that exhibits high anti-microbial activity. It is also prescribed to patients suffering from cancer when they suffer from loose bowel movements to slow down the food movement down the intestinal tract. Studies have revealed that nutmeg may help lower blood fat levels. However, larger doses of it can cause noticeable physiological as well as neurological effects, hallucinations and some times fatal poisoning. Hence, one needs to be very careful with the quantity of Nutmeg being consumed.
How to use it?
One must try to store the nuts as a whole rather then grinding it to powdered form as in the case of latter the flavor deteriorates quickly. Whatsoever the form may be, store it in airtight containers away from sunlight. It can be used for massage the abdomen of a pregnant lady and is also given to infants with honey who cry a lot during night. One can use the nutmeg oil or powder along with half-boiled egg and honey as an effective sex tonic. If suffering from cold and congestion, nutmeg mixed with juice provides instant relief.
3. Ginger
Ginger is one of the oldest spices and is highly appreciated for its heating capabilities. It is cultivated in different flavors namely zingy, fresh, lemony, spicy and hot. The first ever Ginger knobs were first discovered in 2400 B.C. on isle of Rhodes.
Why use it?
Ginger is highly effective against nausea, vomiting and symptoms of dizziness. Pregnant women get it prescribed from doctors to fight morning sickness during pregnancy. Clinical research on Ginger has established its effectiveness against Theumatoid arthritis, Osyteroarthrsis, loss of appetite, migraine headache and congestion during winters.
How to use it?
Procure fresh ginger from market and store them in cool and dry place. One needs to peel of the skin before grating it. One can mash it and boil along with water while preparing tea or use its liquid in any form of juice. Owing to its exotic spiciness and smell it is used for seasoning a huge variety of dishes.
4. Cloves
Cloves are the most common and widely used spices in Asia. Known for increasing the heat system of human body and its high medicinal utility, Cloves are used in food and beverages alike. Clove is an important ingredient of Indian Ayurvedic as well as Chinese medicine. The oil extracted from clove is used for painkiller capabilities. Its warm and aromatic feels makes it a perfect ingredient for several beverages during winter season.
Why use it?
Clove is very effective against cold and fighting cold waves as it heats up the body system. It is also known for treating HIV as well as other virus related diseases. If one is feeling like vomiting and nausea, then clove can be consumed for instant relief. Cloves also keep away worms, bacteria and other protozoan infections. Its strong flavor and certain chemicals are very effective against dentistry disease. Clove is very effective against several stains owing to its antifungal and antiviral properties.
How to use it?
It is added to dishes for facilitating digestion as well as relieving gassy problems. It can also be used in different sauces and in soups during winter season. One can also eat cloves directly as they fight mouth bacteria effectively. Cloves are specially used in non-vegetarian dishes to add to the smell as well as flavor.
5. Star anise
It is cultivated in China and Vietnam and closely resembles a star or a star fish in appearance. The protruding sections which are the seed pods are very hard. This spice has a very pungent smell and has sweetish licorice taste.
Why use it?
It is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal as well as sedating properties, thus, is widely used for medicinal use. Star anise is carminative, stimulant and diuretic properties. It is also very effective against colic, rheumatism and cough.
How to use it?
It is generally used in sweetmeats, meat and poultry dishes. One can also be added as a powder form in different soups. Chinese people love to have star anise with snacks and marbled eggs. In many parts of the world, it is added in jams and sausages.