Spices are the best way to add aroma and flavors to a dish without any additional salt, fat, or calories. Spices not only enhance the flavors of a dish but are also full of beneficial antioxidants.
Antioxidants in diet prevent the production of free radicals, which can lead to improper functioning of the body. Nutrients present in spices help to prevent heart disease and diabetes, improve the immune system and lower the risk of infections and cancers.
Some of the spices rich in antioxidants are:
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Turmeric
- Mustard
- Paprika
- Cumin
Spices with high antioxidant properties along with their benefits are mentioned below-
Cloves
Clove is an aromatic flowering bud of a tree with many health benefits. It provides liver protection, boosts the immune system and acts as an anti-microbial compound. It is used as a spice in preparing dishes to add a pleasing fragrance.
Some of the benefits of clove are:
- Antibacterial property: Clove is used as an antibacterial agent against many pathogens and extracts of clove are effective against the bacteria responsible for cholera.
- Controls acne: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of clove can help in reducing production of excess oils in the skin, which is mainly responsible for acne and skin problems.
Cloves are also useful in curing toothaches.
Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant widely used as a folk medicine or spice, closely related to cardamom and renowned for its health benefits and delicious taste.
Some of the benefits of ginger are:
- Promotes skin care: Extracts of ginger rich in antioxidants can help in fading scars from the skin. As well as it moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Ginger contains nearly 40 antioxidants which can help in preventing harmful free radical production and protect against skin aging. It evens skin tone and improves elasticity in the skin.
- Healthy Hair: It promotes the growth of hair, combats dandruff and increases blood circulation in the scalp.
- Help in Osteoarthritis: Anti-inflammatory properties of ginger may help in reducing stiffness and joint pain, which is a sign of diseases called Osteoarthritis.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a commonly used spice obtained from the bark of trees of the family called Cinnamon. It has high reserves of antioxidants like polyphenols with delicious flavors and medicinal properties.
Some of the benefits of cinnamon are:
- Fights fungal and bacterial infections: Cinnamaldehyde, present in cinnamon may prevent and reduce various kinds of bacterial and fungal infections. It is also very helpful in stopping bad breath and reducing tooth decay.
- Skin nourishment: Cinnamon nourishes and moisturize dry skin, restores softness and shine to the skin. It also reduces the risk of acne and other skin related issues. Cinnamon scrub is a method to combat the dry skin problems.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice obtained from the turmeric plant, commonly used to add flavor and color to food. Turmeric has a bitter and warm taste used widely in the production of medicines. It has a yellow-colored chemical compound called curcumin which gives it its antioxidant properties. Turmeric is also used to add color to cosmetic and food products.
Some of the benefits of turmeric are:
- Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties: Free radicals cause oxidative damage to proteins and DNA which is responsible for a variety of chronic diseases such as, atherosclerosis and cancer disease. Curcumin plays a vital role in treating these conditions.
- Improves skin: Skin benefits of turmeric are numerous. It helps in reducing redness from blemishes and calms the skin. It has antibacterial properties which help it to combat acne. It disinfects the skin and reduces dark circles. It also helps to fix uneven skin tone.
Mustard
Mustard is a versatile spice belonging to the Brassica family. Seeds of mustard are mainly used in culinary activities as they add a very delicious and rich taste to food with many health benefits.
Some of the benefits of mustard are:
- Prevents cancer: Mustard seeds contain adequate amounts of healthy nutrients, which can be beneficial for many cancers such as cervical, colon, and bladder cancer.
- Promotes and improve overall skin health: Mustard seeds act naturally as a scrub on your face and exfoliate dead skin. Aloe Vera gel along with mustard seeds works to hydrate your skin. It nourishes and removes impurities from the skin. These seeds are a great source of lutein and carotene and rich in vitamins, which work and as an antioxidant and treat signs of aging.
Paprika
Paprika is a ground spice obtained from red dried fruits of the larger varieties of plant Capsicum annuum (sweet pepper or bell pepper). It is used as a seasoning as well for garnishing. Color and flavor of paprika are used in commercial cosmetic and food manufacturing industries.
Some of the benefits of paprika are:
- It cures and treats skin related problems. Paprika not only improves the health of body but also enhances skin appearance. It is rich in iron, and beta-carotene and vitamins, which help in reducing the occurrence of age spots and freckles. Paprika improves complexion by restricting the generation of melanin responsible for darker skin.
Beta-carotene present in paprika gets converted to Vitamin A and plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and prevents wrinkles and encourages a bright complexion. - Healthy Hair: Paprika bears a lot of nutrients required for hair health benefit. It is a rich source of vitamin B6, so it helps in preventing hair loss, provides iron to the hair follicles and regulates hair growth by increasing circulation in the scalp.
Cumin
Cumin or Cuminum cyminum is a member of the family Apiaceae. It is used as a spice in culinary activities. It contains a number of essential nutrients that help to keep the body healthy. Strong aroma of cumin used in dishes to provides a powerful punch. It has antiseptic and diuretic properties which are beneficial for our health.
Some of the benefits of cumin are:
- Regulates digestion: It is very good for digestion and digestion related problems. Cuminaldehyde is responsible for the aroma of cumin. The main content of its essential oil initiates the salivary glands which are responsible for the primary digestion.
- Reduces signs of aging and helps in skincare: Cumin is rich in Vitamin E, which keeps skin glowing and healthy. It contains dietary fiber which helps in the removal of unwanted toxins and treats anti-aging processes of the skin. It works as an antioxidant and prevents free radicals causing signs of aging such as sagging skin, age spots and wrinkles.