Six simple ways with spice - celebrating National Curry Week 2016

It's National Curry Week (10th-16th October) and with the weather starting to get a bit chilli, I thought I'd rice to the challenge and show why we should all have the hots for Indian spices this season (sorry, I'll stop this silliness raita way ;-)).

Once hailed as Britain's favourite dish, curry has somewhat fallen out favour, especially with the clean eating crowd (a quick search on Instagram reveals #avocado beats #curry hands down). 

However, an authentic Indian meal will be brimming with health enhancing spices rather than swimming in saturated fat.  Read on as I reveal my must-have store cupboard spices and six simple ways you can use them at home... 

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Chilli - Want to lose weight and get rid of a stuffy nose?  Meet your new best friend.  Chillies contain capsaicin which can increase metabolism for up to three hours.  It's also a potent painkiller and excellent for breaking down mucous and clearing airways.

Clove - Another spice that packs a punch as a painkiller, cloves contain the anaesthetic, antiseptic and analgesic compound eugenol.  As well as being a traditional cure for toothache, cloves are also thought to rid the body of intestinal parasites.

Coriander - If you want a healthy digestive system, keep a pot of coriander to hand in the kitchen.  It has been used for centuries as an appetite stimulant and digestive aid.  Incredibly, it's also as effective at treating food poisoning as the leading salmonella antibiotic!

Cumin - The ancient Egyptians valued this spice so much, they used it in the mummification process!  Cumin has been shown to improve digestion by increasing absorption of other nutrients.  It is also thought to be an aphrodisiac.

Garlic - A real powerhouse of health benefits, organosulphur compounds give garlic its antibiotic, antifungal and possible antiviral properties.  It also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol and strengthens the immune system.

Ginger - Got a dodgy stomach or stiff joints?  Ginger is well known for its stomach settling abilities, making it the perfect remedy for morning sickness or a hangover.  The anti-inflammatory compound gingerol is cold and flu fighting and warms muscles and joints.  Try adding a few tablespoons of dried ginger powder to the bath to relieve aches and pains.

Turmeric - Last, but certainly not least, it's the spice 'du jour', turmeric is highly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, boosting immune system function to fight colds and flu. 

Six simple ways to spice up your life

• An easy way to liven up bland baked beans on toast - fry half a teaspoon each of cumin and mustard seeds in a little oil (the seeds should pop after a minute or two), add a teaspoon of curry powder, stir well before adding a tin of beans.
  

• Whip up a spicy butter to serve with seasonal corn on the cob; just add two teaspoons of chilli powder, smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to three teaspoons of butter.
  

• Add a pinch of cinnamon to your porridge; it may help cut cholesterol and curb blood sugar levels by lowering insulin resistance.
  

• Warming soups make the perfect autumn lunch - try adding cumin, coriander and a touch of chilli to an otherwise plain pumpkin or butternut squash soup.
  

• Spicy roasted chickpeas are the perfect healthy snack, nutritious, high in protein and yummily moreish,,, Drain a can of chickpeas (saving the juice for a vegan meringue - yes, it's really a thing), pat dry, spray with olive oil and coat with the following seasoning: 1/4 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon chilli powder and a dash of cayenne pepper.  Bake at 220c for 25mins, stirring at 15 mins.
  

• Golden Milk - a must-try the next time you notice the first signs of a cold... Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to warm milk, add a drizzle of honey and a pinch of black pepper and drink just before bed. 
  

What's the one spice you couldn't live without?  Will you be celebrating National Curry week with a home cooked meal or takeaway?  I'd love to hear from you!