Spices are a speciality of every Indian cuisine. From routine dishes to sophisticated ones, every food has some or the other spice in it. They not only enhance the flavour, but also give an interesting aroma and texture to the dishes. But, did you know that spices can also make you slim, happy and smart? Yes, it is true! Spices can do all these, and much more.
So, all you fitness freaks out there, who are also closeted food lovers, get ready to raid your spice racks, and start using these spices. And, if you are too lazy to turn into a fitness freak, but still want to lose weight, then all the more reason for you to be reading this. Take a look.
#1. Cinnamon
Sprinkle it on tea, coffee, oatmeal or add in any other food item, this sweet and aromatic wonder spice has great benefits. Not only does it help to enhance memory, attention and focus, but it also boosts metabolism.
It also helps in regulating blood sugar, thus preventing hunger spikes for sugary foods. Cinnamon also contains traces of manganese that helps in maintaining bone density. It is also a good source of dietary fibre, iron and calcium.
#2. Turmeric
Turmeric is the most common spice used in Indian curries. This bright yellow spice has an active chemical ingredient called curcumin. This compund helps to reduce body fat and weight gain by cutting off blood supply to fat cells, thus making it hard for them to multiply.
Turmeric is also filled with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in reducing depression. This spice also helps to boost memory.
#3. Cumin
Cumin has, for long, been used for medical purposes, due to its various health benefits. It helps to improve digestion, and aids in better absorption of nutrients by the body. Cumin also increases your metabolic rate, and provides positive boost to the body's fat burning ability.
It has also been scientifically proven that the anti-inflammatory property of the spice may enhance memory and lower stress levels. So, whether you mix it in your curries or blend it in your dips, cumin intake should be a must for you.
#4. Red chillies
A good news for all the spice lovers. The red chilly powder that you sprinkle on the dishes is actually good for you. It actually helps you to trim down! Yes, that is correct. Chillies helps in suppressing your appetite for hours after you eat, as a result, you end up taking in less fat and calories in the later meals.
It is all due to the chemical compound that gives these pepper their heat, capsaicin. It also shrinks fat cells and helps in boosting metabolism. What's more? Red chillies are also known for their aphrodisiac effect, which gives you another exciting reason to become partial towards this "spicy" spice!
#5. Black pepper
Black pepper is one spice that can be found on every kitchen shelf. Piperine, the ingredient present in black pepper, inhibits the body from creating new fat cells.
In fact, when mixed with appetite suppressor, capsaicin or other spices, it was found that this pungent flavoured spice burned the same amount of calories as 20 minutes’ walk did! So, sprinkle it or mix it, use black pepper in your meals to shed those extra kilos.
#6. Mustard
Do you like mustard flavour on sandwiches and burgers? Then, also start adding mustard seeds and powder to your dishes. It will not only give a powerful punch to your metabolic rate, but will also help in burning calories faster.
Mustard seeds boost your body's fat burning process by 25 per cent. What's more? These small seeds are filled with nutrients, like selenium, protein, manganese, iron, and much more. So, they are low in calories, and high in benefits.
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