Spices to Include in Your Diet During Monsoon
Spices are vital in Indian cuisine, with almost every kitchen stocked with a variety. These spices are packed with health benefits, medicinal properties, and contribute to overall well-being.
Monsoon and Its Impact on Health
After the intense summer heat, the monsoon season arrives. During this time, the body’s immune system can weaken, and digestion may slow down due to the aggravation of pitta. Spices act as natural medicine, helping to prevent and cure illnesses.
Spices to Include in Your Diet During Monsoon
- Ginger
- Benefits: Ginger is known for its excellent remedial properties for cold, cough, and flu. It strengthens the immune system and maintains digestive health.
- Usage: Add ginger to your food and tea for the best results.
- Garlic
- Benefits: Garlic boosts immunity. It contains allicin, which enhances the immune response of white blood cells against flu viruses.
- Usage: Consume crushed or chopped garlic to gain its benefits.
- Turmeric
- Benefits: Turmeric is a common kitchen spice with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Curcumin, found in turmeric, protects against infection and strengthens immunity.
- Usage: Incorporate turmeric into your meals regularly.
- Jeera (Cumin Seeds)
- Benefits: Jeera speeds up metabolism and is a powerful antioxidant. It aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system and strong immunity.
- Usage: Increase the consumption of jeera during the monsoon.
- Sauf (Fennel Seeds)
- Benefits: Sauf is an aromatic spice used as a mouth freshener. It improves digestion, reduces bloating, relieves gas, and prevents indigestion.
- Usage: Consume sauf after meals for optimal results.
- Black Pepper
- Benefits: Black pepper, whether crushed or in powder form, prevents indigestion and gas. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that boost immunity.
- Usage: Use black pepper as a seasoning in your dishes.
- Cinnamon
- Benefits: Cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps repair body tissues, fight infections, and aids digestion.
- Usage: Add a pinch of cinnamon to your food for added flavor and benefits.
Conclusion
Spices are powerful ingredients that can help you stay healthy during the monsoon. A herbal tea made from these spices can strengthen immunity, fight infections, and support a healthy digestive system.
