Garam Masala Ingredients & Their Health Benefits

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Garam masala is the quintessential Indian spice mix that is used in a myriad of Indian dishes. Garam masala is a mix of spices like coriander, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, mustard seeds, clove, fennel, peppercorns, and fenugreek. In this article, you will learn about the health benefits of garam masala.

Specifically, home-made garam masala is favoured more than store-bought garam masala. There is no perfect recipe for making garam masala as the spices depend on your personal taste and region.

According to Ayurveda, garam masala is named for its ability to heat up the body. You need to provide the right type and amount of warming foods to maintain optimal digestive fire and garam masala does just that.

The health benefits of garam masala come from the health benefits of the individual spices used in the mix.

Let us have a look at the health benefits of garam masala.

1. Improves Digestion
2. Lowers Cholesterol And Blood Sugar
3. Prevents Constipation
4. Fights Diabetes
5. Fights Inflammation
6. Boosts Metabolism
7. Fights Bad Breath & Strengthens Teeth
8. Fights Bloating And Flatulence
9. Slows Down The Ageing Process

1. Improves Digestion

Garam masala increases the body temperature and consequently raises metabolism as well. This prevents slow digestion and the build-up of toxins in the body. This masala also stimulates appetite and boosts digestion. The cloves and cumin in the garam masala keep indigestion and acidity at bay. Also the presence of pepper and cardamom in the garam masala aid in digestion.

2. Lowers Cholesterol And Blood Sugar

Ingredients used in garam masala like cloves, pepper, cardamom and cinnamon are known to lower bad cholesterol(LDL) levels. Cinnamon is great for type 2 diabetics as it lowers blood sugar levels and promotes heart health and has anticancer properties. Coriander is also known for lowering blood cholesterol and blood sugar level.

3. Prevents Constipation

One of the benefits of garam masala is that it wards off constipation. Consuming garam masala will lead to effective digestion, ultimately resulting in the timely expulsion of waste from the body.

4. Fights Diabetes

Garam masala contains cinnamon which has wonderful health benefits. This spice has the powerful ability to ward off diabetes and naturally lower blood sugar in diabetics. In addition, it will improve the insulin hormone that is needed to keep the blood sugar levels stable.

5. Fights Inflammation

The spice cumin, is one of the most important ingredients of the garam masala powder. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that improve digestion, rev up your metabolism and regulate your heart rate. Cumin is also rich in iron and increases your haemoglobin level.

6. Boosts Metabolism

The ingredients in garam masala are rich in phytonutrients, which aid in boosting metabolism. Especially pepper, which is usually great in giving a boost to the body's metabolism. All the ingredients are also responsible for improving the function of the various organs of the body.

7. Fights Bad Breath & Strengthens Teeth

Cloves and cardamom present in garam masala are very effective in fighting bad breath. Cloves are the best when it comes to tooth problems as it reduce tooth decay and toothache. Cloves are an excellent source of antioxidants and contain calcium, vitamins and omega 6 fatty acids.

8. Fights Bloating And Flatulence

Garam masala has carminative properties that boost digestion, help in fighting bloating, nausea and flatulence. It also aids in keeping the gastrointestinal tract healthy.

9. Slows Down The Ageing Process

Garam masala has a powerful ability to slow down the process of ageing, thanks to the ingredients like cinnamon, pepper and cumin. Pepper, in particular, has strong antioxidants, antibacterial and antibiotic properties which offer excellent anti-ageing benefits.

How To Make Garam Masala Powder At Home

Now that you know the amazing benefits of garam masala, here's a quick garam masala recipe to make at home.

Garam Masala Ingredients:

• ¼ cup coriander seeds
• 2 tbsp peppercorns
• 2 tbsp cloves
• 2 tbsp cardamom
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• 3-4 star anise
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ nutmeg

Method:

• Add all the spices in a skillet and dry roast them for 5 minutes.
• Put all the spices in a blender until it becomes into a powder form.
• Now, your garam masala is ready for use.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.