5 Incredible Indian Spices & Their Benefits

5 Incredible Indian Spices & Their Benefits

For generations, seeds have been used in Indian cooking as well as medieval medicinal practices. Even with the advancement of modern medicine, our home remedies recommended by the elders in the family hold importance. And there’s good reason for it – seeds and their health benefits are largely underrated and unknown by most!

Eating seeds or using them in food can be highly beneficial for boosting one’s immune system and body functioning. Here is a list of 5 incredible Indian spices, and how they benefit you.

  1. Flax seeds

Flax seeds, despite being odd tasting, have wonderful health benefits. Flax seeds have the highest Omega-3 content in them, which is very important for brain and eye health, as well as for good cardiovascular function. They also are good antioxidants, and is recommended by doctors to treat PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), a hormonal condition common in women. Eating flax seeds can make your digestive system function better, since it prevents inflammation and has a good amount of fiber. Flax seeds can be consumed by grinding them and adding them in moderate amounts in rotis, breads, and other baked foods.

  1. Amaranth seeds

Amaranth seeds have been worshipped dearly in the past – the Aztecs not only ate this as a staple, but also used it for their religious ceremonies. This was the importance of Amaranth seeds back in the day. Today, too, these seeds hold the same kind of importance. Similar to maize and wheat, amaranth seeds are largely known and used for their gluten-free properties. They are antioxidants and have a good amount of protein. It also contains vitamin K which is essential to maintain cardiovascular health. It is also highly recommended for pregnant women, as foliate deficiencies can affect unborn children. It also has properties that can reduce one’s appetite, thus causing a natural and healthy weight loss.

  1. Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds are very popular, and are used in many dishes of the Indian cuisine. Did you know it could do wonders for your health too? Sesame seeds, or til, contain natural oils that have the ability to reduce cardiac stress, help reduce blood pressure, reduce chances of diabetes, and improve bone health as well as digestion. It has protein that boosts metabolism. One of the compounds of sesame seeds, sesimol, is known to protect DNA from the harmful radiations of chemotherapy.

  1. Mustard seeds

Mustard is one of the most loved seed among Indians – we all love sarson da saag and sarson ka tael. But did you know that it prevents colon and cervical cancer? Mustard seeds can cure bronchitis and ease respiratory illnesses. Apart from helping control diabetes and lowering cholesterol, these seeds are also helpful to menopausal women by improving bone health. Believe it or not, but mustard seeds even have qualities that reduce the effect of poison in the body!

  1. Cumin seeds

Cumin, or jeera, should be given more credit than just for its wonderful flavor in food. Cumin seeds are the perfect remedy for indigestion. They have dietary fiber that works as a laxative for piles. One thing that might surprise you about cumin is that the seeds are a natural relaxant – it helps ease insomnia. Its smooth effect on the brain makes it a stress-reliever. Cumin seeds also contain a lot of iron, which helps anemic patients. The iron is also essential for the production of hemoglobin, an important factor for healthy blood flow in the body.

Do you know of any more benefits of these incredible Indian seeds and spices? Let us know!