Did you Sprinkle Some Garam Masala on your Food Today? | Taste Bhi Health Bhi
The aromatic garam masala is a staple spice blend in most Indian kitchens. But, did you know that this flavourful blend not only adds to the taste and flavour of the dish but also packs a punch when it comes to health?
Origin and Characteristics of Garam Masala
Even though it originated in India, garam masala powder has fast gained popularity across the globe and is an essential ingredient in many world cuisine recipes.
Known for its deep and warming flavour garam masala is a spice mix of around 10 to 30 everyday spices. It is rich in the inherent health benefits of each of these spices. A potent combination, indeed!
‘Garam,’ means hot and ‘masala’, means spices. It is not a spicy mix, but rather an intense one. Full of flavour, it has a warming effect on the food.
It typically contains cumin, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, peppercorn, clove, and more. However, the exact ratio of spices in the blend can vary – from households to regions. The spices are dry roasted, ground and carefully combined to give a balanced flavour.
A remarkably complex blend of flavoursome spices, garam masala lifts the dish it is added to and gives it a unique taste. Also, if that were not enough, we get the health benefits of each spice in the blend.
Spices are rich in powerful antioxidants that fight diseases and promote good health.
Now, imagine all these spices together in a ‘super spice blend,’ bringing together all the health benefits! Health in a teaspoon or sprinkle!
Seven Health Benefits of Garam Masala
1. Improves Digestion
Spices like cumin, cardamom and coriander present in garam masala powder are known for their digestion-enhancing properties. Therefore, the combined effect is all that more potent as the spice blend gets the digestive juices ‘fired up’. It improves the absorption and digestion of the food in the body.
The warming nature of the spice mix furthers boosts the digestive system, helping to flush out toxins.
2. Boosts Metabolism
Improved digestion helps in flushing out toxins from the body. Which, in turn, helps in increasing the metabolic rate and revving the sluggish body.
Garam masala increases the body temperature because of its warming nature, boosting the metabolism and making one feel more energetic.
3. Fights Constipation
A direct result of improved digestion. Healthy digestion helps in decreasing the time the body needs to absorb and digest the food, promoting smooth bowel movement.
Studies show that garam masala and other spices help in accelerating the digestion process vis-à-vis the ‘spice-free’ food.
4. Prevents Cancer
Over time, spices have proved their mettle in preventing and fighting cancer and other deadly diseases.
According to a study done on animals and published in Nutrition and Cancer, regular consumption of garam masala led to a significant increase in the levels of detoxifying enzymes.
The study also showed a reduction in the size of tumours with the regular consumption of the spice blend.
These findings suggest that garam masala acts as a natural cancer-preventing agent by speeding up the detoxification process in the body.
5. Controls Diabetes
Cinnamon, the diabetes fighter, is an integral spice in the garam masala blend. Its role in lowering the sugar levels in the blood is legendary and has scientific validation.
Numerous studies have proved this ability of the spice to improve the sensitivity of the hormone insulin. Which, as we know, is vital for keeping optimal blood sugar levels in the body.
6. Builds Immunity
The antioxidants present in the spice mix have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, among many more.
These go a long way in building the body’s immunity and help it fight infections and diseases.
7. Improves Overall Health
Garam masala powder contains approximately 10 to 30 spices in its mix.
No matter how many spices are there in the mix, the health benefit of each spice is available to the consumer instantly, through this magical spice blend.
Cinnamon’s ability to control severe neurological disorders like Parkinson’s; cumin’s power to help control anaemia; the remarkable role of cardamom in fighting cancer, are all present in garam masala.
Spices are known across the globe for enhancing the taste and flavour of the cuisines. However, they are the unsung and underused heroes where health is concerned.
It is time we use more of these little nuggets of nature and improve not just our taste buds, but our health as well.
However, make sure to purchase only high-quality garam masala powder to ensure it lives up to its promise of improving your health and taste.
In today’s fast-paced life, convenience is the key, but not at the cost of quality. So, buy the best. Pure and authentic garam masala and many other spices are available online at Amazon.
Are there any innovative garam masala recipes that you would like to share with us? Please do so in the comment section below, and the most unique recipe stands a chance to win a gift hamper from Valley Spice.