Most people use all kinds of spices for cooking. Indeed, in cooking, it is impossible to do without fragrant piquant seasonings. It is also necessary to remember that they not only attract their aroma and taste but are also very healthy.
Spices are a complex world of plant-based flavors. These are spicy and spicy substances that have a positive effect on the quality of the prepared dish. Spices give the finished dish a certain color and increase flavoring properties. Also, improve the digestion and absorption of food.
In the Middle Ages, spices and spices were equal in price to gold. If you regularly and correctly use these or those aromatic seasonings, you can strengthen your health and make up for the deficiency of nutrients and microelements necessary for the body. We offer the top 9 most useful and aromatic spices that you should have in the kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes.
Saffron
This spice is not familiar to all of us. She is the most expensive in the world. And not because it has some super-useful properties. The fact is that growing and harvesting saffron is a very expensive and time-consuming task. This spice is sold not in kilograms, but in grams. And yet, saffron contains quite a lot of all kinds of nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. It is calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, copper. Thanks to this composition, the spice is used for diseases of the gallbladder, liver, and spleen. It also improves brain function and has a positive effect on vision.
Seasoning is also used to treat nervous disorders, cleanses the blood well, removes harmful toxins and toxins from the body. Scientists from Iran have proven that saffron reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It also normalizes blood sugar and improves memory. However, we must not forget that the norm of consumption in food is no more than 1-2 grams of saffron per day. Otherwise, nervous strain and even poisoning may occur.
Paprika
This is a spice in the form of powder from sweet varieties of capsicum. Paprika has a sweet taste with a small bitterness. When heated, dishes seasoned with this spice acquire a bright red color. Paprika is the richest source of antioxidants that help fight the oxidation processes in the human body. In addition, it contains anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating substances. And lutein and zeaxanthin contained in paprika have a positive effect on human vision. They protect the eyes from an age-related disease such as macular degeneration.
Cinnamon
Fragrant spice has very powerful antioxidant properties. The latest research has shown that cinnamon lowers blood sugar, which is very important for diabetics. Despite the fact that this spice itself has a slightly sweet taste, it helps stop the craving for sweets. Two types of cinnamon are known – Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon cinnamon is more expensive and better in quality. Therefore, it is difficult to find in supermarkets. Mostly cassia goes on sale. However, it is cinnamon of Ceylon origin that has many useful properties: antimicrobial, antiviral, antiseptic and anesthetizing. Of course, the presence of beneficial properties in cassia cannot be completely denied.
Together with Ceylon cinnamon, it has a positive effect on blood sugar and increases metabolic processes in the body. However, remember that cassia contains coumarin and in large quantities is a toxin for the body. Therefore, if you want to use cinnamon more often, it is better to use Ceylon variety. Still, it is not recommended to abuse cinnamon of any kind. This can lead to severe irritation of the oral mucosa, throat, as well as breathing problems. This spice is perfect for adding to coffee, tea and all kinds of desserts. It also goes well with fruits, especially apples. It can be added to almost any food, both sweet and spicy.
Cardamom
Cardamom is the most expensive spice in the world, after saffron and vanilla. This is a spicy, tasteful spice, something like mint. It contains a large amount of manganese, which has a positive effect on digestion. Cardamom is also very rich in fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A and zinc. In addition, this aromatic seasoning helps to lower blood pressure and blood sugar. It also helps people with peptic ulcers. And thanks to the diuretic properties, this spice helps to quickly remove toxins and toxins from the body. Its main chemical component, cineol, is used as a sedative, antiseptic, expectorant and laxative. Cardamom seeds are often chewed for fresh breath.
Caraway
This spice is very popular in the Middle East, India and some regions of the Mediterranean. Spice is often used to improve digestion, as it increases the activity of digestive enzymes and solves gastrointestinal problems. In restaurants, after a meal, it is served as chewing gum.
In traditional medicine, it has been successfully used both for lowering blood cholesterol and for the prevention of diabetes and cancer. This spice is rich in iron, which is necessary to increase hemoglobin (a substance in red blood cells that helps oxygen distribute from the lungs throughout the body).
Black pepper
Today, black pepper is widely known throughout the world. It is one of the most popular and sought after seasonings. In cooking, almost no dish can do without this seasoning. Its pungent taste and aroma are very harmoniously combined with all kinds of dishes prepared from meat and fish. Peas and peas are especially appreciated; this helps preserve its delicate, unique taste and aroma. And only if necessary, it must be thoroughly ground. Black pepper is rich in vitamins A, groups B, C, E, K, PP. It contains a large number of valuable minerals – this is iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, selenium and several others.
Black pepper also contains special natural substances that are necessary for all vital processes – metabolism, digestion, and blood circulation. And one teaspoon of honey with the addition of ground pepper can reliably protect against colds. This mixture is recommended to be taken three times a day. Black pepper has a very effective antioxidant effect. It protects against various problems with the liver, cardiovascular system, and even serious cancer. However, for pepper to be beneficial, it must be consumed in very moderate doses. And for people with diseases such as stomach ulcers, gastritis, colitis – this spicy and aromatic spice is contraindicated.
Ginger
Fragrant root with a specific taste for several thousand years has been successfully used in both folk and traditional medicine. Ginger is very rich in gingerol. This substance has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also, the spice is a very effective remedy against nausea.
Ginger is an excellent assistant for joint pain, diabetes, and is also used as a prophylactic for cardiovascular diseases. Ginger has antibacterial properties. After all, it is not in vain that it is served on land. It is a good defense against germs that can be found in raw fish.
Turmeric
This bright orange oriental spice originally from India has been used for thousands of years both in medicine and added to a variety of foods. Curcumin is the most valuable active ingredient in the spice. Such a chemical compound is not only a powerful immunostimulant but also a natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory agent and a strong antioxidant.
As a result of recent studies, experts have proven that curcumin reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, stimulates brain activity, and also fights against all kinds of neoplasms. Turmeric contains vitamins B3, B2, C, K. It is also rich in calcium, iodine, phosphorus, and iron. Thanks to these essential elements, the spice is an excellent prophylactic against Alzheimer’s. Turmeric has a positive effect on joints and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Garlic
The most useful spice on our list is garlic. Its medicinal effect has been known since ancient times. Science still opens up more and more healing properties of this amazing plant. Garlic contains a sulfur compound such as allicin, which exhibits strong antioxidant activity and is responsible for the immune system. Experts have proven that allicin is excellent protection not only against a heart attack but also against stroke and atherosclerosis.
Garlic is an excellent helper for high blood pressure. It can even replace some medications. In addition, it is useful in diabetes, heart failure, and can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Regular consumption of garlic in certain doses effectively reduces bad cholesterol. The active substances of garlic very effectively destroy microorganisms in the respiratory, urinary tract, lungs and oral cavity. The plant effectively fights viruses, in particular influenza viruses, supports the immune system and inhibits the development of cancer cells.
Of course, there are many more interesting spices and seasonings that are used in cooking and are very healthy. However, we told you about the most famous of them, and they must be in your kitchen.