spice – Aspiring Nirvana

Black Pepper: Facts, Health Benefits, Consumption and Side Effects

Black pepper is made from vine family Piperaceae by drying and grinding it’s fruit peppercorn.

Black pepper is one of the most widely consumed spice in the world and is also used for seasoning. It is cultivated in India and many other tropical regions.

It has a sharp flavor that goes well with many dishes and is often paired with salt.

Potential Health Benefits of Black pepper

Anti-inflammatory benefit potential
Anti-oxidant benefit to prevent cell damage
Anti-bacterial benefit to prevent cough and cold
Anti-depressant benefit by stimulating brain
Prevent indigestion
May preventing cancer
May lower cholesterol

Options to Consume Black pepper

Excellent source of additive to the food
Mix in salad and soups
Add in meat dishes
Flavor in fried rice and curry
Mix in tea with turmeric and ginger

Caution

Some people have observed heartburn, upset stomach or indigestion after heavy usage of black pepper. Consult with your doctor before including it in your diet.

Final Verdict

Black pepper has many health benefits, but like anything else, use it as part of a holistic healthy lifestyle that includes healthy diet, proper exercise and regular doctor visit.

We hope the information in this post will be helpful in your journey of aspiring nirvana!

Coriander: Facts, Health Benefits, Consumption and Side Effects

If you aspire to consume a spice that adds distinct flavor to your meals as well as offers excellent health benefits, then you must try coriander.

Coriander is a feathery plant of parsley family and is cultivated mainly in Asia and Europe. It is also known as cilantro or parsley. Both its seed as well as leaves (also known as cilantro) are used as spice and herb in many parts of the world.

Fresh Coriander leaves can lose their aroma quickly and thus must be kept wet or in cold storage.

Potential Health Benefits of Coriander

It is good source of fiber
It is believed to be a good source of anti-oxidant
It may help prevent inflammation
It may help skin from sun exposure damage

Options to Consume Coriander

Add flavor to salad, soup and curries
Complement beverages
Pair with pesto, avocado and vegetable dips
Works well with fish, meat and egg dishes

Tip: For best flavor, add Cilantro leaves at the end of the cooking.

Caution

Some people have observed food allergy after consuming coriander. Some do not like its strong taste and may perceive it taste as soapy. Consult with your doctor before including it in your diet.

Final Verdict

Coriander has many health benefits, but like anything else, use it as part of a holistic healthy lifestyle that includes healthy diet, proper exercise and regular doctor visit.

Impressive Health Benefits of Superfood spice Turmeric

If you aspire to consume a spice that adds delicious flavor to your meals as well as offers excellent health benefits, then you must try turmeric, aka Golden Spice.

Yellow colored turmeric is made of tropical plant root that grows mostly in Southeast Asia. It is usually consumed in a dry powder form to add flavor to meals. It has also been used for health benefits for hundreds of years, specifically in India as part of alternate-medical system, Ayurveda.

Majority of benefits from consuming turmeric are related to presence of an active ingredient curcuminoids (curcumin) that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Turmeric is also known as a good source for iron.

More and more people are consuming turmeric to reap the natural health benefits without any risky side-effects.

Potential Health Benefits of Turmeric

Build Immunity Turmeric has antioxidant properties that help build stronger immune system and treat cough and cold symptoms.

Reduce Pain Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that acts as a natural pain killer by reducing arthritis muscle pain and general soreness.

Aid Digestion Turmeric may help in assisting digestion and preventing stomach upset.

Reduce Cancer Turmeric may help kills certain cancer cells and thus lower the risk by preventing their growth.

Improve Liver Turmeric may reduce side effects of taking diabetes treatment drugs that impacts liver.

Options to Consume Turmeric

Add in milk or flavor in tea, may also be combined with ginger and basil
Flavor in rice, curries, noodles, stir fry and soups
Flavor in chicken or other meat products
Turmeric Supplements

Caution

Some people have observed certain side effects like nausea, upset stomach or diarrhea that may be related to consuming turmeric. Turmeric has a somewhat bitter taste that may not fit well with taste buds of certain people. Make sure you consult with your doctor before taking turmeric supplements or including it in your diet.

Final Verdict

Turmeric has many health benefits, but like anything else, use it as part of a holistic healthy lifestyle that includes healthy diet, proper exercise and regular doctor visit.

We hope the information in this post will be helpful in your journey of aspiring nirvana!