1. Asafetida
Asafoetida is a resin from the rhizomes of the ferula plant. And its smell is really unique, vegetarians who do not consume onions and garlic for ethical reasons add it to all kinds of dishes instead of onions and garlic. Changes are indistinguishable! It can be successfully added to dishes containing legumes. This is because asafoetida has properties that soothe the gastrointestinal tract, eliminate indigestion and promote better digestion of legumes. Therefore, to anyone who does not eat legumes for this reason alone, we highly recommend seasoning them with asafoetida. This unique spice improves the intestinal microflora and increases the digestive fire, eliminates intestinal gas, spasms and pain. But the list of its advantages does not end there. By adding it to food, you can significantly improve the condition of all body systems and strengthen the immune system. Asafoetida powder is rarely sold in pure form, often mixed with rice flour.
2. Turmeric
A unique spice, it is also called “liquid gold” among all spices and seasonings. Turmeric is a powder from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It is very common in Vedic and Ayurvedic cooking. This spice helps with muscle pain, stomach and duodenal ulcers, bruises and bruises, arthritis, toothache, diabetes, cuts, coughs, wounds, burns, various skin diseases, reduces stress, strengthens the immune system and even has anti-cancer properties. Turmeric is also an excellent antiseptic. As you can see, it is really a storehouse of useful substances. Just be careful: turmeric is used as a natural dye, because it turns everything it comes into contact with yellow.
3. Black pepper
Perhaps this is the most common seasoning that we have been accustomed to since childhood. And he, like turmeric, is used not only for culinary purposes, but also for medicinal purposes. Black pepper contains many vitamins and minerals, namely vitamins C and K, iron, potassium, manganese. And its antibacterial properties help extend the shelf life of ready meals. Black pepper also speeds up the metabolism and promotes weight loss, however, for the purpose of weight loss, of course, it is better not to use it, since in large quantities it aggressively affects the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. “Smoked” paprika
It is quite rare on sale, but if you see it, be sure to take it, it is an absolutely natural spice that gives a smoked taste to your dishes without harm to health. And it also has a high content of vitamin C and carotene, just like in the usual one. Paprika has a positive effect on digestion and the flow of metabolic processes in the body.
5. Pink Himalayan salt
But what about sea salt, you say? Yes, it is certainly healthier than the table one, but Himalayan pink is beyond competition. It contains up to 90 trace elements, while table salt contains only 2. By the way, Himalayan salt owes its color to the iron content. It also contains calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iodine and many other useful substances. Pink salt is slightly less salty than regular salt and does not retain fluid in the body. In addition, it removes toxins, cleanses the body of toxins, strengthens the immune system, balances water-salt metabolism and promotes cell regeneration. In general, if you salt food, then only – to her!
6. Cover
The aroma of cinnamon is known even to those who are not familiar with spices, because it is very often used to stimulate appetite in cafes and shops. And it is also the smell of homemade Christmas gatherings, mulled wine and apple pie. Cinnamon improves appetite, stimulates brain activity, strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves mood and promotes weight loss.
7. Ginger
Ginger is a spice that helps fight a cold in a matter of hours. Ginger water (ginger infusion) speeds up metabolism, removes toxins from the body and puts water balance in order. Ginger contains protein, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, silicon, potassium, manganese, calcium, chromium, iron, vitamin C. And therefore, ginger has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, slows down the growth of tumors, strengthens the immune system, eliminates flatulence and indigestion, relieves pain in joints, treats atherosclerosis, improves heart function.
8. Dried herbs
Of course, you can’t do without dried herbs. You can dry them yourself in season or buy ready-made ones. Versatile herbal spices include parsley and dill. They will add a truly summer flavor to your dishes. Parsley and dill not only stimulate digestion and improve appetite, but also add a portion of vitamins.
Vegan Bonus:
9. Nutritional yeast
This is not the thermoactive yeast, the dangers of which are spoken and written everywhere. Nutritional yeast – deactivated, it does not contribute to the growth of fungal infections in the body and the deterioration of the intestinal microflora. Just the opposite. Nutritional yeast is high in protein – up to 90%, and a whole complex of B vitamins. And most importantly, what makes this spice especially desirable for strict vegans who do not consume dairy products: nutritional yeast is the only vegan product that contains vitamin B12. It is important that this spice has a pleasant pronounced cheesy taste.