Sustainable Nutrition: Top 3 Spices Teenagers Must Have Every Single Day

Spices have been valued for decades for their stunning healing properties and unique flavour. They not only provide an array of health benefits but can fight cell damage, inflammation, and chronic illnesses like cancer, and heart disease. Some of the science-backed benefits of spices include better metabolic function, improved digestion, enhanced blood sugar control, and increased cognitive health. Meanwhile, cinnamon has emerged a popular spice that that can offer protection against heart disease and bring down inflammation.

The antioxidant activity of the spices can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Another famous spice turmeric contains numerous compounds and medicinal properties. The most significant compound of turmeric is curcumin, a highly powerful antioxidant that can fight oxidative damage.

Oxidative damage is reportedly one of the key mechanisms behind ageing and several diseases. Curcumin can enhance short term memory, fight Alzheimer’s disease, reduce risk of heart disease, and provide relief in arthritis.

Popularity of cumin seeds is also soaring high as the nutritional powerhouse can enhance digestion, regulate blood sugar, and fight inflammation. Cumin seeds are also an excellent source of iron. The tiny yet powerful seeds can be highly useful when consumed in the soaked form.

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. Research over the past decade has reported on the diverse range of health properties that they possess via their bioactive constituents, including sulfur-containing compounds, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic diterpenes, and vitamins, especially flavonoids and polyphenols.” ¹

Recently, leading Ayurvedic expert Dimple Jangda shared 3 powerful spices that teenagers should have every single day. Sharing the post, she said, “Did you know there are different spices for different age groups based on their health needs. Spice up your teen years. From better immunity to sharper focus and clearer skin, everyday masala is everyday medicine on your plate.” ²

3 Best Spices For Teenagers   

1. Turmeric: Dimple Jangda said, number 1 is turmeric. We all know the benefits of this golden spice. It reduces inflammation. It is great for teenagers who are struggling with adult acne or teenage acne. It is great also for reducing inflammation in the body, improving the metabolism, cleaning up the blood, and also detoxifying the liver. Remember, teenagers tend to eat more junk food than us. They probably are loading up on all cheese, pizzas, and burgers.

Having a little turmeric in their diet is a great way of supporting the liver to detoxify all these slimy sticky materials that they are eating on a daily basis. You can add turmeric in their dals, soups, and vegetables. You can also give them turmeric milk at bedtime, which is basically turmeric and milk warmed up, not overheated. This will also help in improving their sleep quality.

2. Cumin Seeds: The health expert recommended to “get your children in the habit of drinking cumin water. This is a great way of reducing lipid profiles, controlling the glycemic index, reducing sugar spikes, and controlling their digestion because if they have indigestion like bloating, gas, flatulence, or any kind of acidity, this can impact the concentration and ability to focus on their studies. Giving them cumin water improves their gut health, reduces bloating, indigestion, and at the same time reduces any kind of inflammatory markers in the body.”

Cumin seeds are carminative in nature that support digestion. You can just take one teaspoon cumin seeds in a glass of water, boil it lightly, and give it to them. Let them sip between the meals, you can also pack it in their bottle that they can carry to their schools and colleges, added Jangda.  

3. Fennel Seeds: It is also called as sauf. Dimple Jangda said sauf is “great for young girls because it has anti-spasmodic effects and thus reduces period cramps and pain. It is cooling in nature, which means it is great for pitta pacifying effect.” It helps in reducing burning sensation, acidity, reflux in young teenage boys who are very active. It also has a mild estrogenic effect which makes it excellent for women during their period cycles, you can just take one teaspoon fennel seeds and mix it with either cardamom and chew it raw.”  

You can roast it and keep it in your bag at all times. You can also boil it in water and drink it post meals. It is a wonderful way to boost your digestion and also improve your teenager’s health, concluded Jangda.

FAQs

References

1. National Library of Medicine|Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices

2. Ayurvedic expert Dimple Jangda via Instagram|Top 3 spices for teenagers

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.