5 Sri Lankan Spices with Amazing Health Benefits

  • Apr 27, 2020
  • By Ram Kan
  • 0 Comment

Cinnamon

Cinnamon Quills

Cinnamon is a plant endemic to Sri Lanka and cinnamon trade has a very long history since 2000BC. It obtains by shaving the inner bark of the cinnamon plant. When it comes to the health benefits of cinnamon you can have it as a powerful compound that can control the blood sugar levels and reduce harmful cholesterol and triglycerides.

Recent research studies reveal that cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon is the responsible compound for that. It is also identified as beneficial for the prevention of bacterial and fungal infections of the digestive system and protects from diseases. You can use Cinnamon as pieces or powder and cinnamon oil, extracted from the leaf as a disinfectant and an air purifier.

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Black Pepper

Black Pepper

Black pepper is nutritious and provides us with vitamin K and magnesium along with other minerals, and actually helps absorb additional nutrients from other foods. Because of its piperine, black pepper can increase brain function and has been used to treat depression. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and speeds up metabolism in the human body.  Black pepper has been used to control tooth aches and arthritis, and to treat the emergence of grey hair.

The piperine found in black pepper is about 1% as hot as the capsaicin found in cayenne pepper. It has subtle heat and a woodsy aroma and is added universally to food to enhance flavor.  Black peppercorns and salt can be combined with cooking oil as a marinade for roasted meat. It is often used in conjunction with turmeric to enhance the benefits of that spice. Black pepper is best when whole peppercorns are milled just before use.

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Nutmeg

Nutmeg

Nutmeg, a spice native to the spice islands of Indonesia, is grown in Sri Lanka and is valued for its fragrance as well as its flavor.  Nutmeg is beneficial to the digestive system.Nutmeg oil is used to treat chronic inflammatory pain.  An old remedy for sleeplessness is warm milk flavoured with nutmeg.Nutmeg contains volatile oils which increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good stuff in our brains.  

Nutmeg has a warm, sweet taste, and is familiar as a spice for eggnog. It enhances the flavors of baked goods and puddings, but is also added to sausage, meats, vegetables and sauces.Try ground nutmeg on breakfast foods, such as scrambled eggs or a warm bowl of oatmeal.

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Ginger

Ginger

Ginger has long been known for its health benefits.  Phenolic compounds within the ginger root assist digestion and control nausea.  It has been shown to reduce inflammation and stabilize cholesterol in the blood. Ginger is diaphoretic, which means it controls body temperature from within, and is beneficial in the treatment of colds and flu.

The ginger root is processed as fresh, ground, candied, pickled or crystallized.  It is a pungent spice with some heat and is used in many forms in a wide variety of meat and vegetable dishes, spiced drinks and baked goods. Add more ginger to your diet by drinking Ginger Tea. Peel and slice about two inches of fresh ginger root, add that to about 2 cups of water and boil 10 to 20 minutes.  Flavor with lemon and honey if desired.

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Turmeric

Turmeric

Turmeric, or the Golden Spice, has been known to man for 4000 years.  It is the spice that gives curry its yellow color and is native to India and grown in Sri Lanka.  The spice known as turmeric is the root of the Curcuma plant.

The world’s people have used turmeric for its medicinal properties since the plant has been cultivated.It contains a substance called curcumin, known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.In its purest form, curcumin is used to control free radicals, and increase the growth of neurons in the brain.

Incorporate more turmeric into your diet by sprinkling it on vegetables before roasting, or add to rice, potatoes, scrambled eggs, and salad dressing.

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