Indian cuisine means the use of a variety of colorful and essential spices. Undoubtedly, those spices are essential, as they add beautiful color to any dish and enhance the taste, flavor, and aroma of the Indian dishes we eat.

However, their health benefits are no less. Rather, these spices play an important role in medicinal, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, perfumery, and many other fields. Additionally,those spices are very important in treating conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and so on.

So, today, let’s learn about the 8 most commonly used spices in Indian dishes and their health benefits.

1. Turmeric

In India, turmeric is called “हल्दी (haldee).” This spice is a staple in every Indian home. Some of the health benefits of turmeric include the following:

• Turmeric works as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat gas, toothaches, colic, chest pains, and menstrual imbalance.
• It improves heart health.
• It can treat pigmentation, cure wounds, and get rid of scars.
• It has attributes that can prevent cancer and Alzheimer’s.

2. Cumin

जीरा( jeera) or cumin also comes with lots of health benefits. Such as:

• It helps in the treatment of a number of illnesses like jaundice, dyspepsia, and tooth pain.
• It has many therapeutic qualities.
• It helps in the digestion of food and can treat insomnia.
• It can treat skin conditions and is proven to be beneficial to take while suffering from the common cold.

3. Clove

The medicinal uses of लौंग (laung) or clove have long been recognized. Clove has been regarded as a healthy spice with positive health effects since ancient India.

• Cloves can be used in treating numerous pains, including rheumatoid arthritis and those affecting the joints, muscles, or sinewy tissue.
• It has pain-killing properties.
• It aids in the treatment of bacterial infections, acne, pimples, and other skin-related issues.

4. Coriander

This spice is known as धनिया (dhaniya) in India. Coriander has always been used in Indian dishes as it improves the flavors and aroma of food. Numerous health advantages of coriander include:

• Enhancing digestive, heart, and brain health.
• Reducing blood sugar levels
• Fighting infections
• protecting skin from damage
• Preventing food poisoning

5. Cardamom/Elaichi

इलायची (elaichi), aka cardamom, is a key component in the treatment of many illnesses.

• It promotes a healthy digestive system.
• It prevents vomiting and assists in managing conditions like diarrhea, colic, dyspepsia, epilepsy, and asthma.
• It is used to treat ailments connected to the heart, stomach, kidneys, lungs, liver, and many other organs.

6. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known as “दालचीनी (dal-chini)” in India. We love cinnamon, don’t we? Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits this spice has to offer.

• It reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels and maintains the health of our hearts.
• Cinnamon oil can be used to cure and heal tooth decay and gum diseases.

7. Black Pepper

Black pepper, which is called gul-mohor in India, is the most widely used spice in the world. Its sharp, pungent black seeds are beneficial to our bodies.

• Black pepper promotes a healthy digestive system by boosting our metabolism.
• It has anticancer and antibacterial properties.

8. Bay Leaf

तेज पत्ता (Tej Pata) is another commonly used spice in Indian kitchens. The health benefits of bay leaves are many, such as:

• Bay leaves can detoxify our bodies.
• Bay leaves help us control diabetes and reduce the aging process.

Besides these 8 commonly used spices in Indian kitchens, there are many more spices with lots of health benefits, which we will talk about some other time. Till then, eat healthy and stay healthy.