When you think about spices, you’ll recall how they may boost the flavor of your dish. Spices give food flavor and texture, and they may turn something dull and average into something absolutely delicious. What’s more, guess what? Spices are known to have several health advantages in addition to their flavor. But did you know that some spices should be avoided throughout the summer? It’s because spices are often spicy in nature and may cause the body to heat up.
In most places of India, the summer season is incredibly tough to go through. Due to the hot weather, most individuals experience lack of appetite, indigestion, dehydration, sunburns, irritability, weariness, perspiration, heatstroke, and rashes. The blazing heat may deplete your energy levels, but including or avoiding specific spices into your diet might help you combat it.
Irritation, exhaustion, perspiration, heat stroke, and rashes are among symptoms of the summer heat. Adding spices to your everyday diet may help keep your system cool and minimize the negative effects of the blazing heat throughout the summer. Spices are more than simply flavor enhancers in the kitchen. They include a number of bioactive chemicals and antioxidants that aid in controlling your internal body temperature when the outside environment gets too hot.
The summer heat is notorious for causing stomach and respiratory problems. Some of the most frequent negative effects of the mercury increase are poor digestion, nausea, and heartburn. Do you know that during the hot months, you can manage all of these issues by managing your diet and making a few modifications to your regular meals? Take a look at some of the spices and herbs that should be consumed throughout the summer to keep calm and healthy.
Summers are scorching in most regions of India, and we’re rushing for shelter in air-conditioned rooms to avoid the scorching heat. I could go on and on about summer woes: lack of appetite, indigestion owing to the heat, dehydration, sunburns, prickly heat, and so on. While much has been said and advised about ‘hydrating ourselves in the heat,’ I am opting for the spice way to remain cool.
Summer, according to Ayurveda, is the ‘Pitta’ or fire season, and particular spices may help alleviate the pain that comes with it. I’ve included a couple below with some suggestions, but the best way to learn about these spices is to try them in as many dishes and drinks as possible. These spices aren’t only for Ayurveda; they’re utilized in regular cooking across the board.
The hot summers take a toll on everyone, so start eating cold meals or items that have a cooling impact, such as cold beverages, ice creams, and watermelon. Summers may be excruciatingly hot, causing your body to overheat. You also perspire a lot and must keep hydrated as a consequence. Inflammation, acne, and burning feelings in the heart are all symptoms of heat in the body. Spices are an important culinary component that may help you combat the heat. They are natural coolants that may aid in the reduction of body heat.
Because they are readily accessible, you may include them into your diet by soaking them in water and drinking the resulting liquid. You may also eat the spice right away. These spices aid with digestion as well as cooling your body. While you may be acquainted with some of the spices mentioned below, others may surprise you. Also, keep the soaked herbs/spices water fresh by storing it in a flask or an insulated water bottle. Here are some herbs and spices that might help you combat the summer heat.
Seeds of coriander
Coriander seeds may aid in the cleansing of the digestive system as well as the prevention of irritation during the summer months. It has the capacity to reduce your body temperature, which aids in keeping you cool. Coriander seeds have diaphoretic characteristics and may be used to treat fever. The seeds are high in antioxidants and dietary fibre, both of which help the liver operate better by boosting the generation of digestive hormones.
Seeds of Fennel
Fennel seeds are a good source of vitamin C and may aid to reduce heat-related inflammation in the body. Heartburn and indigestion are caused by heat in the body, and fennel seeds may assist your body battle them. Because it stimulates the digestive fluids and helps to reduce acidity, it facilitates normal digestion. You may consume these seeds right after a meal or soak them overnight in water and drink the filtered water. For optimal impact, add black salt or lemon to the water and drink it every day.
Seeds of Fenugreek
Blisters, nausea, rashes, and pain are all common side effects of heat. Fenugreek seeds may help. These seeds may help you cool down by lowering your body temperature. You may also cook them in water and let them cool overnight before adding them to your dish. The following morning, filter the water and consume it. Fenugreek seeds may also aid in the treatment of gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and bloating.
Seeds of Cumin
Cumin seeds are one of the most often used spices in Indian cuisine, and they have several health advantages. One of the advantages is that it aids in the detoxification of the body and the elimination of acidity and gas issues. Cumin seeds may be eaten whole, added to meals, or powdered cumin powder used to summer coolers like lemon soda and lassi to help you keep hydrated and avoid heatstroke. When you have indigestion or bloating, it makes you feel more at ease.
Amchur
Amchur is a town in the state of Uttar Pradesh (dry mango powder). Amchur is a sweet and sour powder that is created from uncooked dried mango. This spice is high in antioxidants and has cooling properties, as well as the capacity to clear acne caused by heat. It may improve the condition of your skin and aid in the removal of oil and perspiration from your face. Amchur may be used in chutneys, fruits, pickles, and refreshing beverages. This spice may be purchased on the market or prepared at home for a healthy outcome.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a miracle spice, without a doubt. Spices having a bitter flavor are recognized for their ability to calm you down. They help to minimize bodily discomfort and edema. It also filters the blood and cleanses the liver fluids. This spice also includes curcumin, a substance that has been linked to improved heart health.
Green cardamom
Cardamom is a delicious culinary spice that is often used in Indian cuisine. In humans, cardamom use has been demonstrated to lower triglyceride levels considerably. This suggests that cardamom may aid in the treatment of metabolic problems in an indirect manner. It’s also known as the ‘tridoshic,’ since it balances the body’s three energies. It neutralizes the stomach acids that aren’t needed. Cardamom seeds, ground, may also aid with stomach discomfort. Cardamom is used in a variety of dishes, including curries, stews, and biscuits, as well as in tea.
Black pepper
Black pepper is a spicy spice that raises the metabolic rate greatly. Excessive consumption, particularly during the summer, might cause heat flushes. Black pepper may also help to lessen the side effects of several drugs that are potentially dangerous to your health. It may cause allergies as a result of the pharmaceutical interaction. However, it isn’t wholly harmful. It is a spice that is proven to promote weight reduction by strengthening the immune system and increasing metabolic rate.
Ginger
It is a common notion that ginger should not be used during the summer, yet this could not be farther from the truth. Fresh ginger tea has a cooling effect in the heat due to a variety of reasons. The vulnerability to oxidative stress increases as the temperature of the environment rises. In order to sustain normal physiological activities, the body begins to create free radicals. As a result, your body need a cooling spice like ginger to prevent heat stress and oxidative stress. Ginger may be used to flavor teas, beverages, and smoothies. Dry ginger is also beneficial.
Mint
Mint is a common plant that is used in cough syrups, chutneys, lip balms, and even alcoholic cocktails like mojitos because of its cooling effect. Peppermint, spearmint, and pennyroyal are examples of mint variations. Mint is one of the few plants that can be used in so many different ways. It has a lot of menthol in it, which might help with chest aches and indigestion. It disperses the extra energy created during the digestion process by opening and stimulating the skin pores, calming the irritated pitta. Peppermint oil is also often used in herbal medicine to treat digestive issues.