![]() 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... 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
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!
0 Comments
|
Basma Gale
Complementary therapist and natural health expert. On a mission to sprinkle health and wellness wherever I go... Archives
November 2017
Categories
All
|