Why we love our curries!
Here’s a list of our favourites that offer some pretty interesting health benefits.
We crave our curries despite our flaming tongues and the fires in our bellies because the wondrous deep and spicy flavours of each mouthful is an addictive, seductive journey of the senses.
It isn’t often that something so naughty can be so good, yet we’re in luck this time because the spices that bring our curries to life are actually healthy for our bodies too. Here’s a list of our favourites that offer some pretty interesting health benefits.
Red chilliesAntioxidant – the rich red colour of these chillies mean it is a beta-carotene rich in flavonoids as well as Vitamins A and C. The powder is also known to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol.
CardamomAphrodisiac – just a little cardamom powder sprinkled over coffee or mixed in your tea is believed to get you in the mood for some bedroom fun.
Stomach health – the oils in cardamom seeds are believed to aid digestion and reduce flatulence. It also helps counter stomach acidity, increase appetite, reduce nausea and freshen breath.
ClovesGeneral health – cloves have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
Natural anaesthetic – when placed on an aching tooth, cloves help relieve pain.
Stomach health – cloves help relieve flatulence, promote digestion and help relieve vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also known to increase metabolism.
Prevent blood clots – cloves contain a compound called eugenol that helps prevent blood clots.
Black pepperAids digestion – it is believed black pepper stimulates the taste buds thereby signalling to the stomach to increase hydrochloric acid secretions that improve digestion and helps reduce intestinal gas.
Antioxidant – black pepper is brilliant at preventing oxidative stress that slows down the regeneration process of our cells.
Prevents infections – studies have shown that black pepper prevent bacterial growth in the intestinal tract.
CuminHerbal remedy – cumin is a great diuretic, helping the body shed water. It also helps relieve indigestion, diarrhoea and feelings of nausea.
Antiseptic – cumin helps fight flu by boosting the immune system. Drink a cup of water boiled with cumin seeds, ginger, basil leaves and honey for relief.
Fennel seed
Rich in nutrients – fennel is a powerful antioxidant rich in fibre, folate, potassium and vitamin C.
General health – besides boosting the immune system, fennel also helps reduce blood pressure and is a great detox agent.
Stomach health – fennel helps ease abdominal cramping and spasms and is a mild appetite suppressant.
CinnamonLowers cholesterol – studies have shown that just half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily can lower LDL or bad cholesterol.
Diabetes – if you have Type 2 Diabetes, then a daily intake of cinnamon can help regulate your blood sugar levels.
Arthritis – half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder mixed with one tablespoon of honey taken before breakfast every day helps to significantly relief pain from arthritis.
SaffronImproves organ function – saffron is helpful in treating disorders of the kidney, bladder and liver.
Lowers cholesterol – studies have shown that saffron can help lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides among heart patients.
TurmericAntioxidant – curcuminoids found in turmeric help fight joint inflammation from arthritis while recent studies have shown that turmeric also has cancer-fighting properties.
Alzheimer’s – studies have shows that curcuminoids may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Improve liver function – turmeric has been found to minimise liver damage caused by excessive intake of alcohol or medication.