Spices Types, Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses

Inflammation is the body's natural response to harmful pathogens and stimuli, and is usually acute or chronic in nature. Spices have been extensively used to treat inflammation, and recent studies have supported this practice. A study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine in 2018 confirms that nutraceuticals derived from spices like clove, coriander, garlic, ginger, onion, pepper, turmeric, etc target inflammatory pathways and can therefore prevent, treat and cure various chronic diseases like arthritis.

Many spices, like cinnamon, add a sweet flavour to food without adding to the blood sugar levels of the body. These spices contain high concentrations of cinnamaldehyde, a compound that helps slow down the rate of carbohydrate breakdown and improves insulin sensitivity. Fenugreek seeds and ginger have proven to be equally beneficial for prediabetes and diabetes treatment because they help control blood sugar levels.

Most spices are rich in antioxidants that boost the metabolic rates of the body. These include spices like pepper, chilli, cinnamon, fennel, fenugreek, cardamom, and cayenne pepper. These spices are effective digestive stimulants and have diuretic properties that flush out toxins in the body much faster and more effectively. Even a simple tea made with a blend of these spices can help you along on your weight loss journey.

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It doesn’t matter if you are feeling nauseated because of an upset stomach or during your pregnancy, spices are good at relieving nausea and indigestion. Spices like ginger, cardamom, carom, cumin, fennel and cloves have diuretic and antioxidant properties, and consumption of these spices - whole, ground or in tea - can get rid of nausea as well as related issues like gas and bloating in a flash.

There are a number of spices which are effective against cardiovascular diseases and can help you maintain heart health. Garlic has an active compound called allicin, which inhibits the rise of artery-clogging low-density lipoproteins and maintains blood circulation. Curcumin, which is present in turmeric, can prevent myocardial infarctions or heart attack. Ginger and ginger extracts can inhibit aortic atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries of the heart. Black pepper, cinnamon and coriander have similar contributions to heart health.

Most spices are full of antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties, and can help you get clear and glowing skin. A number of spices are so effective in this case that apart from ingesting them, topical applications are also recommended. Turmeric’s role in this regard is exceptionally celebrated, with the ground spice being even ritualistically applied to brides and grooms on their wedding day. Cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, ginger, etc are also known to improve skin quality when blended and applied topically.

Because of their highly-effective antimicrobial properties, most spices are natural cures for infections. Spices like cloves, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, carom, asafoetida and cumin are particularly good at boosting your immunity and keeping fungal infections and bacterial infections at bay.

Spices like turmeric, black cumin, ginger, garlic, saffron, black pepper and chillies are considered to be especially effective in the treatment of cancers and the reduction of tumours. These spices are known to contain several bioactive compounds like curcumin, thymoquinone, piperine and capsaicin. A study published in the journal Nutrients in 2016 showcased how these compounds induce apoptosis (or death) of tumour cells, inhibits their proliferation, migration and invasion. The study also noted that adequate levels of these compounds in the body make tumours more receptive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Apart from keeping your body healthy, spices can also ensure the safety of the food you consume. Many spices like clove, cinnamon, cumin, thyme and oregano, have antibacterial and antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens), pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus) and fungi (Aspergillus flavus) that can spoil food. Cook your food with these spices and you can preserve them longer and eat them without fearing infections.

A number of spices have been proven to work as natural aphrodisiacs, particularly because these spices trigger an increase in certain hormones associated with a raised libido. The saponins in fenugreek can increase the growth of testosterone, and raise male libido. Fennel can increase estrogen levels and work the same way. Saffron, nutmeg, garlic and ginger increase levels of arousal and vaginal lubrication lubrication. Ginseng is often used to naturally treat erectile dysfunction.

Though rare, anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction has been reported in some cases in the USA, especially due to consumption of spices like coriander, caraway, cumin, oregano and thyme. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also recalled certain batches of ground cumin from time to time because peanuts are sometimes used as fillers in packaged spices, which can cause anaphylactic shock due to peanut allergy.

A number of spices are hot and can cause contact dermatitis or a red, itchy rash when they come in touch with skin. This is more likely to happen with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which pack a lot of heat.

Overeating spiced or spicy food can cause nausea, upset stomach and diarrhea in extreme cases. Once again, this is because spicy food usually generates a lot of heat in the body, which can destroy the natural flora of the stomach and its lining.

Inhaling spices, accidentally or intentionally, can often trigger symptoms of asthma, like coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and throat, and feeling of anxiety or panic. This can particularly be caused by pepper and chilli powders.

Many people believe that eating spicy food can irritate anal fissures and cause hemorrhoids or piles, but recent studies have proved this to be a myth. A study by researchers based out of the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy in 2006 gave hemorrhoid patients chilli capsules and a placebo for a week, to finally conclude that spicy food (specifically chilli peppers) do not worsen the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

In September 2019, the USFDA took a few batches of MDH’s Sambhar Masala powder out of circulation because of salmonella contamination. This might seem unusual, especially since spice blends are usually safe to consume, but a report by the FDA in 2013 revealed that ground spices and spice blends are very easily contaminated. This contamination is usually due to the presence of bacteria like Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, etc as well as filth like insects, excrement, hair and other materials.