Feel a cold coming on? Head for the kitchen. Feeling a bit bilious? Head for the kitchen. Queasy stomach? Yes, you got the point. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician knew what he was talking about when he said, “Let food be thy medicine.” And the best place for that medicine is, surprisingly, on your kitchen spice rack.
The spice rack is a veritable medicine chest. From garlic to cloves to cardomom to cinnamon and dozens of other spices, it offers exquisite flavours and effective health boosts. Love garlic in your pasta? You may be sold on its flavour and taste but there’s more to it than that. Garlic has many health benefits such as helping in lowering cholesterol and even high blood pressure. Do you liberally use turmeric in your curry dishes for its rich colour? Turmeric has more to offer than a deep yellow lustre to food — it is one of the best anti-inflammatory agents and can sooth an upset stomach. Cardamom, added to desserts, puddings and sweet dishes not only lends the most amazing flavour but is also a good mouth freshener but helps you control your mood swings?
Juliot Vinolia, clinical dietician and consultant nutritionist, iCare Clinics, refamiliarises you with the spice rack and reveals the many amazing curative properties they possess. She not only tells you how each spice is good for you, but also how much of it you can ingest and what’s the best way to have it.
Here are 15 spices and herbs to re-discover.
