The power within the Powder

"If you want to enhance the taste of your food, you must include the right spices in it”. Can you imagine your food without spices? Not really, right? Spices are the basic and mandatory ingredients for any recipe and there are about more than a hundred of them! They were first discovered in ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Indian cultures. The most common spices used in today’s Indian culture are Cinnamon, Cardamom, Coriander, Cumin, Ginger, Chilly, Pepper, Clove, Turmeric etc. India contributes to 75% of global spice production. Apart from powders, they are also available as seeds, leaves, stems, fruits, roots, barks and whatnot. Most spices are vegan and are cooked before being served, but some of them are often eaten raw and are served with the dish for convenience. The role of spices is to increase palatability and act as a flavouring, colouring and preservative agent. They are also used in medicines, religious rituals, cosmetics and perfumes. They have immense health benefits like anti-inflammatory effects, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic & glucose-cholesterol lowering capabilities. Additionally, it also helps improve digestion, hair and skin. According to Ayurveda, each dosha-vata, kapha and pitta benefit from different spices. Even the slightest quantity of a particular spice can enhance the food and surprisingly mood too. They are packed with healing power and are assets of nature to us. Mindful use of spices can make our bodies healthier and immune to most diseases.