Spices are an excellent source of phenolic compounds that can significantly prevent chronic diseases.
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Cinnamon is not just a spice. It is a powerful remedy. It contains Cinnamaldehyde that improves insulin sensitivity and keeps blood sugar balanced. Research indicates that regular consumption of cinnamon can lower fasting sugar levels.
There are several types of spices we use every day to enhance flavor of our meals. Some of these spices have emerged highly beneficial for overall health by offering necessary antioxidants, decreasing inflammation, and supporting digestion. Spices are also an excellent source of phenolic compounds that can significantly prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.
The vital spices are turmeric, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, and cinnamon, among others. They provide benefits like enhancing immunity, boosting metabolism, managing weight, and regulating blood sugar.
According to a study featured in National Library of Medicine, “There is now ample evidence that spices and herbs possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumorigenic, anticarcinogenic, and glucose- and cholesterol-lowering activities as well as properties that affect cognition and mood.” 1
Recently, Ayurvedic health coach Dimple Jangda took to her Instagram account and shared three crucial spices that can enhance women health and every woman must have these spices in their kitchen for holistic well-being.
1. Turmeric: “Number one is the golden spice that we all speak about. Turmeric. Now, turmeric is known to reduce inflammation, which is the root cause of PCOS, PCOD, infertility, and gynecological disorder. But did you know, it also cleanses, calms, and heals your hormones. It helps in purifying the blood. It helps in liver detox and thus flushing out the excess estrogen, which has not been digested,” revealed Dimple Jangda. It helps in reducing PMS symptoms, dysmenorrhea symptoms, period cramps by blocking COX-2 and prostaglandin, which can cause a lot of pain. It also helps in controlling your insulin resistance and diabetes symptoms, added the Ayurvedic health coach. 2
The core component of turmeric is known as polyphenol. It is also known as curcumin that provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can aid asthma patients and bring down the possibilities of asthma attack.
2. Cinnamon: Number 2 is cinnamon, the sweet armor against sugar spikes. Many studies have proven that cinnamon is probably one of the best antidotes for PCOS as well as diabetes and pre-diabetes risk. Now, cinnamon is also called as dal cheeni in Ayurveda. It helps in scraping off the excess kapha, the mucus, fat, and helps in improving your metabolic rate. It helps in addressing your sugar cravings and your belly fat. It improves your metabolic markers thus allowing you to lose weight and reduce PCOS, and PCOD symptoms. It has also been shown in studies that it helps in controlling HOMA IR thus reducing the endomorph symptoms in our body which leads to weight gain, informed Dimple Jangda.
According to Dr Saleem Zaidi, “cinnamon is not just a spice. It is a powerful remedy. It contains Cinnamaldehyde that improves insulin sensitivity and keeps blood sugar balanced. Research indicates that regular consumption of cinnamon can lower fasting sugar levels.” 3
Mix half teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of warm water and drink it everyday on empty stomach. Don’t use too much of cassia cinnamon as it contains coumarin that can damage liver. Prefer Ceylon cinnamon which is Sri Lankan cinnamon, suggested Dr Zaidi. Therefore, if you want to keep diabetes under control, make sure you add cinnamon to your diet, concluded Dr Zaidi.
3. Fenugreek Seeds: Number 3 is the most powerful spice ever known for women. It is the fenugreek, also called as methi seeds in Ayurveda. It is the feminine endocrine tonic. It is great for women who have irregular period cycle, want to improve ovulation, LH FSH ratio, and also the fertility rate. In fact, in a trial that was done on women who consume fenugreek seeds every day, some were able to conceive during the trials itself.
Fenugreek seeds are powerful and you can take one teaspoon. You need to soak it overnight, next morning add some water, boil, and bring it to a half, and drink it. Or, you can just swallow the seeds as a whole. It helps in controlling triglycerides, cholesterol, and fatty liver. Fenugreek seeds help in flushing out the unhealthy bacteria from your gut and thus supporting women’s health, added Dimple Jangda.
FAQs
How do turmeric, cinnamon, and fenugreek seeds compare in managing PCOS symptoms?
Turmeric reduces inflammation linked to PCOS and aids hormone detoxification. Cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic rate, helping manage sugar spikes and belly fat related to PCOS. Fenugreek supports hormonal balance, including improving ovulation and menstrual regularity, making it highly effective for PCOS management.
What is the best way to consume cinnamon to control blood sugar safely?
To control blood sugar, mix half a teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon powder in warm water and drink it daily on an empty stomach. Avoid excessive use of cassia cinnamon due to its coumarin content, which can be harmful to the liver. Ceylon cinnamon is preferred for its safer profile and effectiveness.
Can fenugreek seeds aid fertility and how should they be taken?
Fenugreek seeds are known as a feminine endocrine tonic that can improve ovulation, regulate menstrual cycles, and enhance fertility rates. They should be soaked overnight, boiled until reduced by half, and consumed in the morning or swallowed whole. This method supports hormonal balance and gut health beneficial for fertility.
What are the antioxidant benefits of turmeric related to women's health?
Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful polyphenol that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce PMS symptoms, period cramps, and inflammation, which are common in women’s hormonal disorders. Additionally, turmeric supports liver detoxification and blood purification, promoting overall hormonal health.
How reliable are the health claims about these spices and who supports the information?
The health benefits of turmeric, cinnamon, and fenugreek are supported by studies cited in the National Library of Medicine and expert opinions from Ayurvedic health coaches like Dimple Jangda, as well as medical doctors such as Dr. Saleem Zaidi. These claims are grounded in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic research but should complement medical advice.
National Library of Medicine|Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices
Ayurvedic health coach Dimple Jangda via Instagram| 3 Spices Every Women Must Have In Their Kitchen
Dr Zaidi via Instagram|Cinnamon
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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