I am all for trying out various cuisines from all over the world. I love whipping up some Chinese stir-fried veggies doused in lots of soy and Italian pasta with dollops of fresh tomato sauce. But there’s something about homecooked Indian food that I just cannot get enough of. Simple dishes like khichdi and dal-chawal are my ultimate comfort food. Having grown up in India in a Bengali household and stayed in various states like Orissa, Gujarat, Bengal, and Maharashtra, my meal plate is often as eclectic and colorful as our country. It’s natural that I’ve picked up food habits everywhere I lived and they’ve kinda stayed with me. While traveling abroad, I try to eat local delicacies as much as possible but after a while, I start missing home food. Our masalas, our spices are the soul of desi dishes and that’s why my taste buds start craving them post long intervals.
But these spices are not just tongue-ticklers, they add much more value to our food. If used correctly and in the right amount, they can boost our gut health and strengthen our digestive tract. I’ve personally been a victim of major heartburn in the past. But thanks to a roasted spice mix that my mum had made, I got immense relief. Gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and many other such digestive ailments can be kept at bay with the help of these spices found in every desi kitchen. Here’s a list of 6 Indian spices that can uplift your gut health.
Turmeric/Haldi
Turmeric is the Indian cousin amidst desi spices, which is traveling the world and gaining global popularity with each passing day. And it is all for a reason of course. It has a carminative effect and is largely beneficial in promoting digestive health by reducing gut inflammation. Also, it’s great for our overall immunity and should definitely be incorporated into our day-to-day meals. If it’s in season, please buy some fresh kachcha haldi and use it in your meals instead of the packaged powders at times.
Fennel Seeds/Saunf
Fennel is rich in minerals and also has a cooling effect. Chew a pinch of fennel after every meal to aid digestion. It can also help soothe stomach cramps and reduce bloating if you’re feeling gassy.
Carrom Seeds/Ajwain
Carrom seeds are said to be packed with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. A few studies also suggest that they often help in relieving indigestion.
Cinnamon/Dalchini
High in antioxidants, cinnamon can help you in combating gut infections. You can also benefit from its prebiotic qualities. Just a small piece of bark or less than half a spoonful a day can be more than enough in helping your body take in all the healing benefits of cinnamon.
Cumin Seeds/Jeera
Jeera water has several benefits, I’m sure you’ve heard some of them too. Apart from using them in your jeera rice and dal tadkas, you can also sometimes also have a pinch of jeera with a sprinkle of black salt as an after-meal munchie. Or just boil a cup of water with a tablespoon of jeera to make a perfect concoction for your gut health.
Coriander Seeds/Dhania
Loaded with fiber, these magic seeds can ease bowel movement and help you develop a strong digestive system. Soak some coriander seeds in water overnight and put that to boil, strain and take small sips of that drink in the morning. Or toast and grind them and put them in your sabzis. You do you!
A lot of these spices can be boiled, strained, and consumed in warm morning teas. But using them in your regular dishes will also be quite beneficial. Here’s wishing you a happy, healthy digestion!
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