Spicing up your daily routine with an occasional bite of spicy food is not only enjoyable; it also helps you stay fit and healthy. No matter what kind of diet you follow, adding hot spice to your meal can help you crave less and lose weight more. Their warm, pungent aroma attracts the senses and stimulates the appetite while they trigger a cascade of saliva-producing hormones in the brain that make you feel full faster.
However, most people do not eat hot chillies regularly because they are very pungent and many have strong scalding effects on the mouth. Therefore, if you are looking to add some zest to your meals without overdoing it, here is a list of some common spices that can bring some excitement into your routine:
Turmeric
Turmeric is a light orange-yellow coloured root used in many Asian and Indian recipes. It has been used as a spice for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments including, but not limited to, high blood pressure, digestive issues and inflammation. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been found to have the ability to reduce the damaging effects of oxidative stress, which is caused by the build-up of harmful free radicals in the body.
The antioxidant properties of turmeric have been linked to its ability to boost metabolism and reduce fat accumulation in the liver and body. Furthermore, it has also been found to suppress the interest in eating, promote self-control and reduce cravings for sweets.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a bright yellow compound that has been found to reduce the amount of fat accumulated and stored in the liver and body. Furthermore, it has also been linked to boosting metabolism and reducing cravings for sweets. You can consume turmeric by adding it to your foods or taking a supplement, as it is not easily absorbed by the body.
Ginger
Ginger, also known as ‘the ingredient that keeps away colds’, is a common ingredient in Indian and Asian dishes. It is a root that has anti-inflammatory properties that have been found to reduce the risk of common ailments such as high blood pressure, migraines and nausea.
Ginger is a common ingredient in many drinks, candies and desserts and can be consumed as fresh ginger or ground ginger. Fresh ginger can be consumed as tea or in a curry. Ground ginger can be added to many foods including vegetables, soups, curries and many types of cookies. Ginger is a common ingredient in both fresh and dried forms.
Black Peppercorns
Black peppercorns are the seeds of the pepper plant that are picked and fermented to create a pungent spice. They are used to add a kick to many Asian and Indian dishes, as well as many drinks. While black peppercorns are pungent, they are less hot than white peppercorns.
They are rich in antioxidants, which help keep your body healthy and strong by fighting off free radicals that are linked to conditions like cancer, heart disease and stress. They can be added to soups, stews and curries and can also be consumed on their own as a snack.
Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds are the small black seeds used to make spiced mustard. They are pungent, and bitter and are high in minerals, including iron, zinc, selenium and vitamins A, B, C and E. Mustard seeds have been used as a seasoning for thousands of years.
They can be used for both hot and cold dishes, such as salads, curries, soups and vegetables. They are high in fibre and can help prevent harmful bacteria from growing in your gut by preventing pathogens from adhering to your intestinal walls.
Paprika
Paprika is a Hungarian hot and sweet spice that is used in many cuisines around the world. It is made from dried peppers that have been fermented and dried. Paprika can be consumed in a fresh form or as a powder. It is usually consumed as a spice, but some people take it as a supplement.
It is rich in antioxidants that have been linked to preventing cancers, heart disease and inflammation. The colour of paprika can vary depending on the origin of the peppers. Paprika can be red, yellow, orange or green. Sweet paprika is made from peppers that are less spicy and has a milder flavour; while red paprika is full of flavour and spiciness.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a hot spicy spice that is used in many cuisines. It is usually mixed with paprika, black pepper or nutmeg. It has been linked to promoting weight loss by helping to increase metabolism. It can be consumed as a spice or as a supplement. It is rich in antioxidants that have been linked to reducing the risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Cayenne pepper has been linked to promoting weight loss by helping to increase metabolism. It can be consumed as a spice or as a supplement. It is usually consumed as a spice, but some people take it as a supplement.
Onion
Onions are a common vegetable that is widely used across the globe as a cooking ingredient. They have a strong flavour and aroma and are usually eaten raw or cooked.
Onions are rich in dietary fibre, which helps to prevent harmful bacteria and viruses from growing in the gut. The pungent flavour makes them ideal for adding taste to salads and other vegetables while they can be consumed in fresh or powdered form.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a herb that is widely used in Indian and Asian dishes. It has a strong, pungent and slightly sweet flavour that can be consumed as a spice or as a supplement. It has been linked to improving glucose metabolism and promoting weight loss.
You can consume fenugreek as a supplement or as a spice. It is a rich source of fibre, vitamins A, C and E and potassium, which can help to promote weight loss.
Hing/Asafoetida
Hing is a flavour enhancer that is used in many Asian and Indian dishes and drinks. It is made from a dried rhizome of a plant that grows in the Indian subcontinent. It has a strong, slightly salty flavour that can be consumed in a fresh or powdered form.
It has been linked to promoting digestion, increasing metabolism and reducing gut diseases linked to pathogenic bacteria. Hing can be consumed in a fresh form or a powdered form. It is usually consumed in a fresh form, but some people take it as a supplement. It is rich in fibre and can help to promote weight loss by encouraging the gut to move things along more efficiently.
