By Almira Ross, PhD
Indian and Moroccan foods are rich in aromatic spices and herbs that are delicious. For many years I enjoyed these foods, and used spices and flavourings for one thing only — to improve the taste of a dish. Yet, there’s so much more to spices than we give them credit for, especially here in the West.
They’ve been used for millennia to maintain health, improve longevity and treat many common illnesses and complaints. In fact, they are nothing short of wonder foods; even in small doses they pack a punch when it comes to improving your physical and mental health and well being.
Indian and Moroccan foods are rich in aromatic spices and herbs that are delicious. For many years I enjoyed these foods, and used spices and flavourings for one thing only — to improve the taste of a dish. Yet, there’s so much more to spices than we give them credit for, especially here in the West.
They’ve been used for millennia to maintain health, improve longevity and treat many common illnesses and complaints. In fact, they are nothing short of wonder foods; even in small doses they pack a punch when it comes to improving your physical and mental health and well being.
Take cinnamon for example. Taken from the bark of the cinnamon tree, it’s delicious stirred into your morning porridge. Cinnamon has one of the highest ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) values of any food, meaning it’s a powerful anti-oxidant, capable of mopping up excess free radicals and preventing cellular damage. It’s also great at controlling blood sugar levels, stimulating blood flow and improving brain function. A great way to set yourself up for the day.
Turmeric is another favourite of mine. Turmeric is related to ginger and it’s the root of the plant that is dried and ground into the distinctive yellow powder. Turmeric is a good anti-oxidant and anti- inflammatory, and is beneficial to our health and wellbeing in many ways. It contains curcumin, which scientific studies now confirm inhibits tumour growth and protects against — indeed, even prevents — certain cancers.
It’s also been shown to improve your cardiovascular health and
prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s. A teaspoon of turmeric in a
glass of warm milk or almond milk at bedtime relaxes you and
ensures you get a good night’s sleep.
And if you’ve got a sore throat, take a teaspoon of turmeric in a
glass of warm water and gargle with it. Works wonders.
It’s also been shown to improve your cardiovascular health and
prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s. A teaspoon of turmeric in a
glass of warm milk or almond milk at bedtime relaxes you and
ensures you get a good night’s sleep.
And if you’ve got a sore throat, take a teaspoon of turmeric in a
glass of warm water and gargle with it. Works wonders.
Turmeric’s close cousin, ginger, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is proving effective in the treatment of arthritis. It calms and soothes an upset stomach, and its anti-oxidant properties have been shown to prevent certain cancers, particularly ovarian and colorectal cancers.
Ginger is a warming spice; a small cube of fresh peeled root will invigorate your morning smoothie. Use it to spice up a carrot or squash soup. You can even dissolve a teaspoon of ginger powder in warm water for a relaxing and soothing foot bath.
Ginger is a warming spice; a small cube of fresh peeled root will invigorate your morning smoothie. Use it to spice up a carrot or squash soup. You can even dissolve a teaspoon of ginger powder in warm water for a relaxing and soothing foot bath.
Coriander. Both the seeds and the leaves (cilantro) of the coriander plant are used in cooking and in the treatment of certain ailments. Coriander has been called the ‘anti- diabetic’ plant, because it stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, thus preventing excess blood sugars to be stored as fat. It also helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels.
The seeds and powder add spice to rice dishes, casseroles and soups. Add the leaves to lentil and grain salads and Moroccan style casseroles and tagines.
The seeds and powder add spice to rice dishes, casseroles and soups. Add the leaves to lentil and grain salads and Moroccan style casseroles and tagines.
So.... Next time you go out for a curry — or enjoy one at home, savour, enjoy and appreciate each and every one of these magnificent spices. Enjoy the rich blend of flavours, and know that every mouthful is restoring your health and vitality from the inside out.
These exotic spices are well and good, you say. But what of those herbs grown closer to home? You know, the ones we really take for granted — Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme — some of which are a gal’s best friend. More of these fabulous foods in my next blog.
Almira Ross is an anti-ageing and rejuvenation specialist with HOLISTIC LONDON. She specializes in easy and efficient ways to help her clients look and feel younger and more vital each day. For more information, visit here
These exotic spices are well and good, you say. But what of those herbs grown closer to home? You know, the ones we really take for granted — Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme — some of which are a gal’s best friend. More of these fabulous foods in my next blog.
Almira Ross is an anti-ageing and rejuvenation specialist with HOLISTIC LONDON. She specializes in easy and efficient ways to help her clients look and feel younger and more vital each day. For more information, visit here
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