The Health Benefits Of Garam Masala
Garam masala is a blend of spices originating from India, and has a long and prolific history as being a quintessential force in the culinary world. It is a tasty seasoning that can be used for many purposes, and as an added benefit it helps to promote overall health. It is often found in soups, stews, curries, and casseroles. Garam masala is usually composed of the following ingredients: black and white peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, cumin, coriander, cardamom, fennel, and nutmeg. These ingredients have properties that are very beneficial to the body.
Fights Off Diseases
Garam masala helps to fight off diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. This spice blend is rich in antioxidants, and as such, lowers the chances of getting a stroke or heart attack. The antioxidants found in the spices help to fortify the heart. Garam masala contains black pepper, which is known to fight off the growth of cancer-inducing radicals. Black pepper is especially effective in staving off colon cancer because it cleanses the intestines and reduces the chance for toxins to fester. Garam masala also has nutmeg and clove, which help to prevent type 2 diabetes. Nutmeg works to increase insulin sensitivity and cloves help regulate blood sugar levels.
Relieves Pain And Inflammation
The cinnamon in garam masala is beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation in the body. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory aspects that are useful in treating conditions like arthritis. Arthritis is when the body's joints become inflamed and irritated. Cinnamon helps block specific pathways from damaging the joints and bones. Another ingredient in garam masala that acts as a natural analgesic is clove, which has an active component called eugenol.
Eugenol has an antidepressant effect and releases neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin. These feel-good neurotransmitters help lessen pain. Clove oil has prominent anti-inflammatory properties as well. Cloves contain beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a pain relief compound. BCP shields cells and tissue in the body from further damage.
