Living in Indonesia, we have easy access to spices. Not only for flavoring dishes, Indonesian spices are also known for their health benefits. The following are seven types of Indonesian spices and their various properties.
- Clove
This native Maluku spice had become a bone of contention for colonialists from Europe. Cloves are known for their eugenol compounds which are anesthetic and antiseptic. That is the reason dentists use clove oil as an anesthetic for pain relief and also recommend it as an exterminator for bacteria on the teeth that cause bad breath.
In addition to eugenol compounds, cloves also have flavonoid compounds. This compound is useful as an anti-inflammatory which helps relieve inflammation. Flavonoids are also known to be useful for people with rheumatism. Consuming cloves regularly can also cleanse the body of various toxins that have settled.
- Cinnamon
Various health benefits of spices can also be obtained from cinnamon. One of the most famous types of this spice contains antioxidants that can overcome inflammation to reduce cholesterol in the blood.
Research has also found that cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels. Cinnamon works by increasing insulin sensitivity and slowing down the process of breaking down carbohydrates. Because of these benefits, cinnamon is popular among people who are on a diet program.
- Black cumin
Black cumin has the property of lowering blood sugar levels, helping digestive function, overcoming respiratory problems, and boosting immunity. Research has even found that patients exposed to gamma radiation experienced fewer immune system problems after consuming black seed oil. The rich benefits of black cumin make this type of spice much sought after for consumption as a medicine until it is used as a topical oil.
- Turmeric
Besides being useful as a yellow dye in food, turmeric is also beneficial for the health of the body. The curcumin compound in turmeric is known as a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin is able to ward off free radicals and increase antioxidant enzymes. In addition, curcumin is also able to overcome arthritis because it is anti-inflammatory. Research on the effects of curcumin on the brain has also found that this compound is useful in improving brain function to prevent you from developing Alzheimer's.
- Coriander
Coriander is widely used for medicine because of the many compounds and nutrients contained in this spice. This pepper-like plant contains vitamins A, C and K, calcium, magnesium, folic acid, flavonoids, riboflavin and niacin. You can get all these types of compounds and nutrients by processing coriander seeds and leaves.
The ingredients in coriander plants make it widely used as a medicine to relieve headaches, flu, inflammation, digestive problems, maintain oral health, and reduce high blood pressure. Vitamin K in coriander can also help build bone mass.
- Cardamom
Maybe you rarely hear about this type of spice, but the benefits of cardamom for health need not be doubted. Regular consumption of cardamom can help you lower blood pressure. You can add cardamom to various types of food, especially various types of curry or curry.
In addition to lowering blood pressure, cardamom can also help reduce inflammation, prevent insulin resistance, and reduce cholesterol. Therefore, cardamom is good for consumption by those of you who have cholesterol problems, diabetes, and are overweight.
- Ginger
Besides being rich in benefits, ginger is also easy to mix in various foods and drinks. Not surprisingly, ginger is one of the easiest and most popular types of spices to find. This type of spice contains gingerol which can relieve stomach contractions. Another function of ginger is as a pain reliever in the muscles. Apart from that, the warm sensation when consuming ginger can also have a relaxing effect when you experience excessive anxiety so that it activates body heat to increase metabolic processes.
So, those are the seven types of native Indonesian spices that are beneficial to health. Even though it is rich in benefits, that doesn't mean you can consume it without dosage rules. To get the benefits of spices, you must consume them regularly but not excessively so as not to cause side effects. Also make sure you process the spices properly so that the nutritional content is not lost. #LiveExcellently