November 7, 2017
Whilst our favourite curries are packed with spices, creating amazing flavours for us to enjoy, we rarely give a thought to the health benefits they give us.
Knowing the medicinal powers of popular herbs and spices means we can choose a curry – not just for the taste – but for how it can help maintain our bodies, and help prevent us from becoming ill.
Check out our list of common spices and the health benefits they contain:
Of all the spices out there, cloves contain the highest levels of antioxidants. Cloves are used across the world as an effective painkiller; easing tooth aches and gum pains for centuries.
They can also be brewed into teas to ease colds and allergies. Clove oil is also a useful antiseptic mouthwash.
As well as helping increase circulation and calming the digestive tract, ginger has also been found to contain over a whopping 50 antioxidants.
It has been used for years to treat food poisoning, shown to lower cholesterol, ease arthritic pains, reduce inflammation, and help increase insulin sensitivity in diabetics.
Turmeric has been found to contain a phytochemical called Curcumin, which gives the spice its bright yellow colour. This phytochemical can eliminate cancer cells, help reduce obesity as well as metabolic disease.
Something of a miracle spice; scientists have developed a new molecule from Curcumin called CNB-001 that triggers the mechanisms that safe-guard and restore brain cells after a stroke.
Another spice that is a powerhouse of antioxidants. Contains compounds that protect against inflammation, heart disease, even Alzheimer’s. The presence of Polyphenois increases insulin activity, aiding diabetes control.
Loaded with carotenoids which possess anti cancerous properties, and aids the immune system.
Protects blood fats against oxidation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Another one that’s great for diabetes sufferers due to the high antiglycemic effect helping reverse metabolic abnormalities.
Also stimulates bile acid production and its secretion into bile.
Good for those who consume a high fat diet as it contains free radical scavenger pinene’s that counteracts oxidative stress.
The Piperine present in black pepper increases absorption of selenium, vitamin B, beta-carotene and other nutrients.
Here at Royal Nawaab we use a selection of the finest spices to create great flavours in our restaurant. Manchester has – for a long time – had access to a great supply of herbs and spices from around the world, meaning we use the greatest quality ingredients in all our dishes.
