The Medicinal Properties of Spice Powders

The spices on the shelf in the Indian kitchen have always been known to have medicinal properties. Everyone’s grandmom knew the benefits of milk with haldi (turmeric) in case of an injury. Other spice powders like cumin and black pepper were used to treat a number of ailments from the common cold to an upset stomach.

Of late, more and more people have started becoming aware of the benefits of spice powders. Spice industry in India too realises the potential of spices in preparing healthy and nutritious food. They are putting their best efforts to bring 100% pure and authentic spices to the consumer through various practices.

To Bring Pure Spice Powder to the Consumer

Companies like Valley Spice use a number of practices to bring allergen-free pure & authentic spice powder to the user with all their health benefits intact. These involve sustainable agricultural practices and processing with state-of-the-art machines.

1. Procuring from trusted sources – The first step towards producing pure spices is acquiring pure raw material. Contract farming not only helps the spice industry in India access to quality raw material but also helps the farmers gain access to knowledge and better technology.
2. Drying in close facilities – Spices dried in open facilities get contaminated by rats, cockroaches etc. Drying spices in specially closed enclosures keep them free of contamination.
3. Steam sterilisation – Spices are steam sterilised in state-of-the-art plants to make them 100% allergen free. It's only after going through these processes that 100% pure and authentic spices reach the user.
   

Benefits of Different Spice Powders

Every Indian spice has many health benefits and medicinal properties. Not only are they a must in cooking in most households but some alternative medicines also use spices and herbs as ingredients.

Red Chilli Powder
No Indian dish is complete without red chilli powder. The spice contains Capsaicin, a bioactive compound that helps in weight management and helps maintain a healthy heart.

Turmeric Powder
Curcumin in turmeric powder contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These help in the healing of wounds and injuries and lowers the risk of cancer.

Coriander Powder
Coriander powder contains Linalool, another bioactive compound. It reduces cholesterol and is an excellent diuretic. The fibre in coriander powder is good for the digestive system and helps the body get rid of cancer-causing free radicals.

Cumin Powder
Cuminaldehyde, a bioactive compound in cumin powder is a digestive stimulant. It also helps in maintaining blood sugar levels. Drinks made with cumin powder are used to treat an upset stomach.

Ginger Powder
The bioactive compound Gingerol found in ginger powder has many health benefits. It helps in bringing relief from allergies, asthma and cold. Gingerol also stimulates blood circulation.

Black Pepper Powder
Piperine, the bioactive compound found in black pepper powder improves metabolic rates. It also enhances the bioavailability of therapeutic drugs. Black pepper powder is also used in treating the common cold by many.

So the spice powders we use in our kitchen daily have numerous health benefits. Apart from helping cook delicious homemade food of course.