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Heart attack is becoming a growing concern in today’s date. It might seem like a sudden accident, but in reality, the underlying risks of heart-related diseases grow gradually without any symptoms. In such cases, it is paramount to build a healthy lifestyle that keeps the heart strong and resilient.
Dieticians and health experts suggest that the secret to good health lies in the gut. And it all comes down to the daily diet and food consumption. Along with the nutritional content of vegetables and meats, spices play a huge role in redefining the nutritional characteristics of every dish.
When consumed in moderation, spices can become your key to optimal heart health. You might be wondering how spices will help enhance heart health anyway, but after realising the health benefits that each spice can add to your meals, it is surprising to see how easily one can make daily meals flavourful and healthy.
Ancient Ayurvedic medicinal sciences and modern clinical studies have proven spices to be effective in supplying the body with powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that support cardiovascular health. In a study published by NIH, these six Indian spices have been proven as a powerful superfood that aids in preventing diseases related to cardiovascular health.
Add These Six Indian Spices To Your Diet And Maintain A Healthy Heart
1) Garlic
Garlic is revered for the iconic pungent taste that makes it one of the most popular condiments in kitchens around the world. Several dishes like garlic bread, garlic confit, garlic pickle, and garlic spread celebrate the warmth of garlic like nothing else. Beyond its taste, garlic offers therapeutic benefits, which aid heart health and treat various ailments. Research conducted by NIH also backs its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure and prevent clotting.
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2) Curcumin
Curcumin is a common compound found in turmeric. Turmeric is being used in ancient ayurvedic medicines whose history dates back to over 5000 years. This spice was either applied as an ointment or consumed in different forms for treating numerous diseases and symptoms such as inflammation, gas, toothaches, wounds, and more. Among all the benefits, its most magical aid works for heart-related diseases, as its excellent antioxidant properties protect against cardiovascular complications and lower cholesterol.
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3) Ginger
Ginger has been used in several medicinal applications in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Tibb-Unani herbal practices. Its potential health benefits are still revered to this day and is recommended by health experts all over the world. Ginger contains an active compound called gingerol which is known for relaxing blood vessels that in turn improve blood flow and reduce pain in the muscles. More than this, ginger contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Clinical trials and various research have shown that ginger actively reduces platelet aggregation and cholesterol levels which potentially reduces underlying risks of heart diseases.
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4) Black Pepper
Black Pepper is called “black gold” for a very valid reason. Due to its iconic taste and several potential health benefits, black pepper is held in high esteem in both Western and Eastern cuisines. Apart from having an unmatched taste, black pepper is a host of various antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. Hailed as the king of spices, black pepper is infused with piperine which effectively protects against oxidative damage and lowers lipid peroxidation. This in turn helps in reducing cholesterol levels and promotes heart health.
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5) Cinnamon
Coming from the Cinnamomum genus, Cinnamon is a widely used spice across many countries around the world and is most specially produced in India. Its leaves, bark, and essential oils are recognized for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiarrheal properties. Beyond this, cinnamon also exhibits cardiovascular effects that increase coronary blood flow and reduce peripheral vascular resistance. Cinnamon’s remarkable ability to improve lipid profiles, manage hyperlipidemia, and activate insulin receptors makes it a beneficial remedy for enhancing cardiovascular health.
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6) Coriander
In India, almost every dish is incomplete without the addition of coriander. Being one of the fundamental spices in Indian cuisine, coriander is not only revered for its flavour but also for its unassuming health benefits. Traditionally, coriander is used as a treatment for cholesterol and diabetes. The seeds of coriander exhibit a strong hypolipidemic effect which is known for reducing LDL + VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol. Furthermore, coriander leaves suppress platelet aggregation which is crucial in reducing risks related to cardiovascular diseases.
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Add these six spices to your diet and deliciously enhance heart health. More than just being a flavouring agent, these spices can be your key to unlocking a better lifestyle and support the wellbeing of your heart.
