Why North American should use Indian Spices in food

I LOVE INDIAN SPICES. Everyday we use for making food. I am now using these spices for making North American foods too. Recently I added Indian spices in Italian pizza. Taste was so different. I was surprised to find that there are so many healthy reasons to use them.

What is a Spice




A vegetable production of many kinds, fragrant or aromatic and pungent to the taste, as pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, ginger, cloves, etc., which are used in cookery and to flavor sauces, pickles, etc.
Figuratively, that which enriches or alters the quality of a thing in a small degree, as spice alters the taste of food; that which gives zest or pungency; a slight flavoring; a relish; hence, a small quantity or admixture; a sprinkling; as, a spice of mischief.

Every days we used spices in our food but we do not know its benefits.The advantage of using of spices and herbs over commercial drugs as they have less side effects. Spices such as oregano, ginger, garlic, fenugreek and rosemary are very beneficial to our health.



Spices are an essential part of many foods. Home made spices are better than ready-made spices, as they have no adulterants. Artificial colors are carcinogenic and should be avoided. Natural pure spices, not only give us direct and subtle flavors & sometimes color to the food, but, are rich in anti-oxidants and have anti-cancer properties ( exception being red chillies which are cancerous ) science still has not fully understood all the protective ingredients of Indian spices . Some additional benefits of specific spices are mentioned below:

1.Star anise oil

This oil is beneficial for rheumatism. Star anise primarily contains anethole and fatty oil. Essential star anise oil has a sweetish, burning flavor and a highly aromatic odor.

2. Clove (Long) oil

This is beneficial for coping with tooth ache and sore gums. Clove has physical, mental and emotional health benefits. Clove leaf essential oil has been long used by ancient civilization for medicinal properties

3.Bay leaf (Tej Patta)

This oil possesses anti-fungal and anti bacterial properties.Tej Patta, also known as Bay leaf, is dried aromatic leaf from Cinnamon tree (cassia tree) or Malabar lea

4. Fenugreek seeds 

These seed delay gastric emptying & stimulate insulin secretion & hence are beneficial in diabetics. It is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Fenugreek also has many medicinal properties for diabetes, asthma and allergies.

5. Garlic

This is known to be an antioxidant as it prevents LDL oxidation hence is useful in patients with coronary artery disease. Garlic is a wonderful seasoning to add aroma, taste, and added nutrition to your dishes.

6. Turmeric

This is used for its antiseptic properties and is also suppose to prevent Alzheimer disease.Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful healers. It has shown promise in treating cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, obesity and  psoriasis.

7.Black pepper

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. Black pepper aids digestion,Improves the appetite.

8. Cardamom

Cardamom (or cardamon) refers to several plants of the genera Elettaria and Amomum in the ginger family Zingiberaceae.This one considered a key digestive and is used to treat stomach disorders.