Add some spice to your life and boost your immunity system

The popular adage, ‘Add Spice to Your Life’ couldn’t be less relevant now. We are talking about the literal meaning and referring to the spices that rule your kitchen. From turmeric to clove and ginger to black pepper, all the spices that you have underestimated so far need to be reconsidered for their immunity-boosting power.

Spices and herbs are known for their wide usage in the age-old principles of Ayurveda owing to their wondrous medicinal properties. The inherent essential oils in spices are potential sources of myriad health benefits. The role they play in strengthening the immune system is a case in point. 

Shampa Banerjee, Senior Dietitian at SastaSundar YANA Diet Clinic, tells us how regular use of these spices can be beneficial for our health:

Turmeric

The yellow coloured Turmeric has been imparting its health benefits for centuries now. The curcuminoids that give the colour to Turmeric is its major chemical component. Curcumin is believed to modulate growth and cellular response of various immune cells.

Benefits:  

• Rich Anti-inflammatory properties
• Potent Antimicrobial, Antiviral & Antifungal properties
• Presence of Antioxidants
• Effective in Healing Wounds

How to use:

• Include as a spice in your daily cooking
• Add half a teaspoon of Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml of hot milk; drink once or twice a day
• Eat raw turmeric root with 1 tbsp. of fresh lime juice, first thing in the morning

Clove

Cloves are used in different culinary systems throughout the world. They are also used often to cure several ailments; their benefits have actually become integral to several indigenous cultures.

Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial in nature
• (Eugenol, a compound found in high amounts in cloves, has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties; these can help our body fight germs and microbes)
• Helps in the Treatment of Common Cold
• (As an expectorant, cloves are believed to reduce inflammation and help in getting rid of mucus; they may also relieve a coughing throat)
• Strengthens the Immune System due to High Antioxidant content
• (Eugenol also has the ability to help ease infections and fight disease-causing bacteria in the body)

How to use:

• Include cloves as a spice in your cooking
• Lavang (clove) powder mixed with natural sugar/honey can be taken 2-3 times a day, by non-diabetics, in case of a cough or throat irritation

Ginger

Ginger is one of the essential spices in every household. Characterised by a strong piquant aroma, it is used in the preparation of different curry dishes.

Benefits: 

• Source of Anti-inflammatory Properties
• (6-Gingerol is a chemical compound found in fresh ginger; this compound is said to have several health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties)
• Source of Anti-proliferative Properties 
• (Impedes the spread of malignant cells in the body)
• Rich in Antioxidants

How to use:

• Ginger can be used for its zesty taste to add flavour to your meals
• Add ginger in the preparation of your daily tea
• Add 1-inch ginger root and 2-3 black peppercorns in a cup of water. Boil the water, strain, and drink once lukewarm

Black pepper

Black pepper (Piper nigrum), another commonly used spice, is widely known for its health benefits.

Benefits:

• Source of Antioxidants
• (Black Pepper is a rich source of the plant-based compound piperine which is said to be high in antioxidants that fights harmful free radicals in the body)
• Believed to have Anti-inflammatory Properties
• (Again, owing to the Piperine compound) 
• May be helpful in Controlling Blood Sugar and Blood Cholesterol levels
• Known to significantly Increase the Absorption of Curcumin found in Turmeric 

How to use:

• Sprinkle black pepper powder to make your favourite meals even tastier
• You can drink hot infusions sprinkled with black pepper powder, in case you have a sore throat
• Add powdered black pepper to baked chicken wings or baked potato wedges for a mouth-watering evening snack