why spice ?

Most people are confused between spices and herbs. A spice is usually any dried part of a plant, such as dried bark, roots, berries, seeds, twigs or anything else that isn’t green or leafy.

As you may have guessed, the green and leafy part of a plant is considered a herb! Herbs can be used whether they are dried or fresh, as opposed to spices, which can only be used dried, generally for seasoning and flavouring but not usually the main ingredient.

There are many interesting and beneficial facts about spices, which can make lives more healthy in the most natural way. With India’s wonderful cooking

styles and variety of dishes differing widely from North to South and from East to West, it is extremely complicated to categorise Indian Cuisine. Indian cuisine is in fact an exciting hodgepodge of spices and aromatic spices. For the culinary enthusiast seeking adventure, there is a surprise around every corner However, no matter how complex it is, the one common thread running through all Indian dishes is

the use of the ubiquitous chili.

Health benefits Chilies are often overlooked as circulation boosters. They can have

a dramatic impact on your health by helping to boost circulation and also act as a thinner to help protect against strokes.

Good news for fat burners The thermogenic compound ‘capsaicin’ which is found in chili helps increase the metabolic rate, which aids in the fat burning process. Studies reveal that eating chilies can raise your metabolic rate by up to 23% for about three hours. So, eating food with chilies every day is all you need to do to enjoy the multiple and important health benefits they have to offer.

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Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs

Herbs and spices have more disease-fighting antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables. Here's how to rack up the benefits (Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs).

Cinnamon Health Boost: Can lower blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Aim for one-fourth to one-half teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day.
Get Cooking: Dip berries or bananas in low-fat sour cream, then in a mix of 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup brown sugar.
Turmeric Health Boost: Contains curcumin, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Try to have 500 to 800 milligrams a day, says Bharat Aggarwal, PhD, a professor of cancer medicine at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Get Cooking: For an Indian flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric to water when cooking 1 cup rice.
Rosemary Health Boost: Stops gene mutations that could lead to cancer and may help prevent damage to the blood vessels that raise heart attack risk.
Get Cooking: For a delicious chicken rub, combine 2 teaspoons rosemary leaves with 2 teaspoons seasoning salt and 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves.
Garlic Health Boost: Destroys cancer cells and may disrupt the metabolism of tumor cells, says Karen Collins, RD, feed advisor to the American Institute for Cancer Research. "Studies suggest that one or two cloves weekly provide cancer-protective benefits (Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs) ."
Get Cooking: "Let garlic sit for 10 to 15 minutes after chopping and before cooking so the active form of the protective phytochemicals develops," says Collins. Saute fresh garlic over low heat and mix with pasta, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese.
Paprika Health Boost: Contains capsaicin, whose anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may lower the risk of cancer (also found in cayenne and red chili peppers). There's no specific recommended dose, but moderation is probably the best way to go.
Get Cooking: Combine 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme and 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper to liven up popcorn.
Ginger Health Boost: Can decrease motion sickness and nausea; may also relieve pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Doses used in clinical trials range from 500 to 2,000 mg of powdered ginger. (A quarter-size piece of fresh root contains about 1,000 mg.) More than 6,000 mg can cause abdomen irritation. Ginger can also hinder blood clotting, so if you're about to have surgery or are taking blood thinners or aspirin, be sure to talk to your doctor first.
Get Cooking: For motion sickness, try having one or two pieces of crystallized, or candied, ginger. Make sure ginger is listed as an ingredient; some candied products or ginger ales contain a small amount or a synthetic form. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger to vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, as well as fresh fruit (especially peaches).
Oregano Health Boost: A USDA study found that, gram for gram, oregano has the highest antioxidant activity of 27 fresh culinary herbs (Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs).

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