Introduction:

Cardamom is a spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor that some people compare to mint.  It originated in India but is available worldwide today and used in both sweet and savory recipes.  The seeds, oils and extracts of cardamom are thought to have impressive medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

Health benefits of cardamom:

Antioxidant properties:

Cardamom may be helpful for people with high blood pressure.    The spice may lower blood pressure due to its diuretic effect, meaning it can promote urination to remove water that builds up in your body.

Cancer fighting properties:

The compounds in cardamom help fight cancer. 

Anti-inflammatory properties:

Cardamom is rich in compounds that may fight inflammation.  Antioxidants, found in abundance in cardamom, protect cells from damage and stop inflammation.

Helps digestion:

Cardamom has been used for thousands of years to help with digestion.  It’s often mixed with other medicinal spices to relieve discomfort, nausea and vomiting

Treats bad breath and prevent cavities:

The use of cardamom to treat bad breath and improve oral health is an ancient remedy. In some cultures, it’s common to freshen your breath by eating entire cardamom pods after a meal.

Has anti-bacterial properties:

 Cardamom also has antibacterial effects outside of the mouth and may treat infections. The essential oils and extracts of cardamom may be effective against a variety of bacterial strains that contribute to fungal infections, food poisoning and stomach issues.

Improves lung function:

Compounds in cardamom may help increase airflow to your lungs and improve breathing.  When used in aromatherapy, cardamom can provide an invigorating odor that enhances your body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise.

Lowers blood sugar:

When taken in powder form, cardamom may lower blood sugar.

Other benefits:

 ·         Liver protection: Cardamom extract may decrease elevated liver enzymes, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. They may also prevent liver enlargement and liver weight, which reduces the risk of fatty liver disease.

• Anxiety: One rat study suggests that cardamom extract may prevent anxious behaviors. This may be because low blood levels of antioxidants have been linked to the development of anxiety and other mood disorders.
• Weight loss: A study in 80 overweight and obese prediabetic women found a link between cardamom and slightly reduced waist circumference. However, rat studies on weight loss and the spice have not found significant results.

Conclusion:

Cardamom in a very versatile spice with medicinal properties. Cardamom is used for digestion problems including heartburn, intestinal spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal gas, constipation, liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite. It is also used for common cold, cough, bronchitis, sore mouth and throat, and tendency toward infection.

Introduction:

Mustard seeds (Brassica napus) are also famous as rai or sarson ke beej in India. All parts of the mustard plant (leaves, flowers, and seeds) are edible and possess numerous essential nutrients. These seeds are globally the third most common source of vegetable oil, after soya bean and palm oil.

A 20-gram portion of mustard seeds contains:

• Calories: 101.6 calories
• Fiber: 2.44 grams 
• Protein: 5.22 grams 
• Fat: 7.24 grams 
• Vitamin C: 1.42 milligrams
• Vitamin K: 1.08 micrograms
• Thiamin: 0.16 milligrams
• Riboflavin: 0.05 milligrams
• Niacin: 0.95 milligrams
• Folate: 32.4 micrograms
• Calcium: 53.2 milligrams
• Iron: 1.84 milligrams
• Zinc: 1.22 milligrams
• Copper: 0.13 milligrams
• Magnesium: 74 milligrams
• Phosphorus: 165.6 milligrams
• Potassium: 147.6 milligrams
• Sodium: 2.6 milligrams
• Manganese: 0.49 milligrams
• Selenium: 41.6 micrograms

Health benefits:

These tiny seeds are rich in numerous essential minerals, which have the following health benefits:

• Each part of the mustard plant is rich in various nutrients. But the mustard’s leaves and seeds contain copious amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, which are crucial for fighting chronic diseases, better vision and eye health, and blood clotting mechanisms.
• Mustard seeds are rich in fibers, selenium, manganese, and magnesium, which boost our immunity, maintain various bodily mechanisms and are crucial for bone health.
• Mustard seeds contain numerous glucosinolates-derived antioxidants, including isothiocyanates and sinigrin. Apart from these, mustard seeds are also rich in isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and carotenoids. All these antioxidants help protect our body against oxidative damage, several infections, and chronic diseases. They also possess antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
• Regular consumption of a mustard seeds-rich diet reduces inflammation and activates the healing process in psoriasis-caused lesions and contact dermatitis.
• Mustard green extract benefits people with diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.

Generally, mustard seeds are safe for eating, but some people encounter problems when consuming a large amount or applying their paste directly to the skin.

Conclusion:

Mustard seeds are extensively used in Indian cuisine. Mustard seeds are rich in antioxidants help protect our body against oxidative damage, several infections, and chronic diseases. They also possess antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

Introduction:

Cloves are frequently used to improve the flavor of the food. In addition to making the dish mouth-watering, it is a healing spice.  Cloves, often referred to by their scientific name Syzygium aromaticum, are highly good for health, particularly in Ayurveda. Clove’s therapeutic qualities can provide relief from stomach discomfort, toothaches, and throat pain when regularly ingested.

Nutritional Value of Cloves:

One teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves contains: 

• Calories: 6
• Carbs: 1 gram
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Manganese: 55% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin K: 2% of the DV

Health Benefits of Cloves:

1. Regulates hunger levels

 Cloves are an amazing spice that can help keep your stomach from growling between meals. They are high in fiber, which is a nutrient that can help regulate hunger levels. Just one teaspoon of cloves provides close to a gram of fiber.

2. Keeps blood sugar levels in check

 Cloves are one of the best spices for regulating blood sugar levels. They contain manganese, a mineral that helps the body process and utilize glucose. Adding cloves to your diet is an easy and delicious way to keep your blood sugar levels in check.

3.  Good for oral health

Clove oil is a popular ingredient in many oral health products, including mouthwashes and toothpastes. This is because clove oil has been shown to have antibacterial properties, which can help fight plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

4. Alleviates tooth pain:

 Cloves can be used to help relieve pain from a toothache. The eugenol in cloves acts as a natural anti-septic, and studies have shown that cloves are more effective than other common options for relieving pain, inflammation, wound healing, and infection. 

5. Anti-inflammatory:

 If you’re struggling with inflammation, cloves may be a helpful addition to your diet. Cloves are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, and studies have shown that eating them on a daily basis can lead to major benefits. Experts specifically recommend cloves for helping with arthritis, and using clove oil as a lotion or adding cloves into tea to reduce inflammation.

6. Cures cough:

 If you have a cough, one home remedy you can try is to chew on cloves. Cloves are known to help suppress a cough by relaxing the throat muscles. To do this, simply chew on the cloves (but don’t swallow them). You can also brew them into a tea and sweeten it with honey. 

7. Good for bones:

Eugenol and flavonoids, two hydro-alcoholic substances abundant in cloves, can boost bone density and mineral content. Cloves are beneficial for those with osteoporosis and brittle bones. 

8. Boosts immunity

Clove has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. The active ingredient in clove, eugenol, is effective against many harmful bacteria, fungus and viruses. Clove also has anti-viral and blood purifying properties which can help to decrease toxicity in the blood and increase resistance to diseases. 

9. Anti-cancerous

Cloves are not only a great way to add flavor to your food, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. One such benefit is that cloves may help protect against cancer. The eugenol in cloves has strong anti-carcinogenic properties and may help control lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Conclusion: 

Cloves are full of antioxidants. These compounds help your body to fight free radicals, which damage your cells and can lead to disease. By removing free radicals from your system, the antioxidants found in cloves can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers

Introduction:

A spice that is commonly used in the preparation of various dishes across various cuisines, nutmeg is valued for its sweet aroma. Said to be a native of Indonesia, found in the Spice Islands, it is the seed of the fruit of an evergreen tree known as Myristica fragrans. It now grows in Malaysia, the Caribbean, and Southern India as well.

Health benefits of Nutmeg:

Relives Pain

Nutmeg contains many essential volatile oils such as myristicin, elemicin, eugenol and safrole.  Its (nutmeg) volatile oils have anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for treating joint and muscle pain.  Just a few drops of the essential oil on the affected area can treat inflammation, swelling, joint pain, muscle pain and sores.

Helps Treat Insomnia

Nutmeg has a calming effect when consumed in smaller doses. Various ancient medicinal practices credit it for its sleep inducing and de-stressing effects.  According to Ayurveda, you should add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm milk and have it before sleeping. You can also add in some almonds and a pinch of cardamom for added benefits.

Helps Digestion

Nutmeg contains essential oils which have a carminative effect on our system. So if you are suffering from digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating or gas, a home remedy is to grate a pinch of nutmeg in your soups and stews, and have it. It will help in the secretion of digestive enzymes, bringing about relief, whereas the fiber content in nutmeg will help in bowel movement. It also helps in removing excessive gas from the system.

Brain Health

Nutmeg is an aphrodisiac, stimulating the nerves of the brain. It was commonly used as a brain tonic by the Greek and Romans during the ancient times. It is known to be an effective ingredient for treating depression and anxiety as its essential oil tend to ease fatigue and stress.

Treat Bad Breath

Bad breath could be a sign of toxicity in your system. Unhealthy lifestyle and improper diet can build up toxins in your organs. Nutmeg is touted to help in detoxifying the body, clearing out toxins from the liver and kidneys. Since its essential oils have anti-bacterial properties, it helps in removing bacteria from the mouth which are responsible for causing bad breath. It is commonly used as an ingredient for Ayurvedic toothpastes and gum pastes. The essential oil eugenol helps in reliving toothaches as well.

Gorgeous Skin

Nutmeg is a good ingredient for skincare because of its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to remove blackheads treat acne and clogged pores. A common home remedy is to mix equal parts of ground nutmeg and honey, make a paste and apply it on pimples. Leave it for 20 minutes, and then wash with cold and warm water alternately.

Blood Pressure and Circulation

Its high mineral content makes nutmeg a good ingredient for regulating blood circulation and pressure. It contains calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, etc., which are all essential for various functions in the body. Its stress reducing properties help in relaxing the blood vessels while keeping the heart functioning efficiently.

Conclusion:

According to animal research, nutmeg may help boost mood, enhance blood sugar control, and reduce risk factors for heart disease. Studies in humans are needed to further investigate these potential health benefits.