Indian Curry Pot

Health Benefits of Indian Spices

Indian spices are known for their health benefits and taste. Here at Indian Curry Pot, we originate from the Kingdom of Spices. We combine our Keralan heritage with Sree’s knowledge and experience as an Ayurveda practitioner to skillfully blend and layer spices for their fullness of flavour and health benefits.

• Turmeric (curcuma longa)

  Turmeric (curcuma longa) is perhaps the best known of the spices we use in our spice packs. Highly prized for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice for taste and as a traditional medicinal herb. Turmeric’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties can play a role in health conditions and diseases like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative conditions. As a very strong antioxidant it can also protect your body from harmful free radicals which can cause aging and other diseases.

• Cinnamon (cinnamomum)

  Cinnamon (cinnamomum) is made from the inner bark of trees. Its use as an ingredient dates back to Ancient Egypt where it was a rare and precious gift for kings. Cinnamon also has powerful medicinal properties and positive effects on health and metabolism. Cinnamon is famed for its capacity to lower blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol. It is also a potent antioxidant and can protect the body from the aging damage of free radicals. Its anti-inflammatory properties are thought to lower the risk of disease and have been seen to have a beneficial effect on blood markers for people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon can reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels by decreasing the glucose that enters your bloodstream after a meal.

• Coriander (coriandrum sativum)

  Coriander (coriandrum sativum) is a herb we love to use in our home cooked authentic Indian curries and so it features in our spice mixes. Coriander seeds are used dried or ground and may help lower blood sugar which can be useful to those with type 2 diabetes. Because coriander acts as a diuretic it is cleansing to the body and may help with heart health flushing away excess sodium. This may be because it lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. In general a diet rich in spices is associated with a lower risk of heart disease compared to the high salt and high sugar diet of the Western world. Coriander seeds are thought to play a significant role in gut health, reducing abdominal pain, bloating and discomfort. Coriander is reported to reduce symptoms associated with IBS. Its role in digestive health also be associated with its antimicrobial qualities and as it may fight foodborne infections.

• Chilli Peppers

  Chilli Peppers are widely known for their distinctive flavour and ability to bring heat, taste and spice to any meal. Chilli is perhaps less well known for its health benefits which include improved digestion and metabolism. Rich in anti-oxidants, chilli can soothe an upset stomach, tummy cramps and digestive issues by stimulating gastric juices which work to counteract acidity in your digestive tract. Chilli is also thought to speed up your metabolism, increase the rate you burn fat and to curb food cravings. Another anti-inflammatory spice, chilli may be a potential treatment for sensory nerve disorders like arthritis and psoriasis. In addition, other pain relieving benefits have been found, such as helping to reduce symptoms of headaches and migraine, joint pain and even improving cognitive function by increasing blood flow and hemoglobin in the brain.

• Star Anise (chakra pool)

  Star Anise (chakra pool) has been used frequently for hundreds of year in Indian cooking and is well known for its strong aromatic fragrance and exotic flavour. Star Anise is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C which help to fight the damaging free radicals that contribute to diabetes and health issues around premature aging. This aromatic spice also helps to improve digestion ailments by relieving bloating, stomach cramps, indigestions and constipation. It is even said to be useful in improving libido!

• Fennel

  Fennel is another herbal powerhouse with health-giving properties when added to your diet. As such it has been used in Indian cuisine for hundreds of years. Fennel is highly valued in Ayurveda for its role in digestive health. It can stimulate your appetite and suppress hunger. It can strengthen digestion as well as freshen the breath and sooth a sore throat. Fennel is also said to help lessen menstrual pain in women and refresh your mind, eyes, respiration, keeping you mentally alert.

• Cloves

  Cloves are flowerbuds from the clove tree (syzygium aromaticum) and, like lots of the spices we use, are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants are closely associated with reduced risk in diabetes, some cancers and heart disease as they help the body to help itself by fighting free radicals which can cause cell damage. Cloves are used to season foods and in Western foods often found in baked goods like cookies, cakes or to flavour seasonal roasts. In Indian cuisine they are an everyday staple prized for their sweet and aromatic flavour also used in traditional medicine. Cloves are high in manganese which is essential for brain function and strong bones. As well as the antioxidant benefits mentioned, cloves have antimicrobial properties so they can kill bacteria and so may be found in herbal mouth wash to improve gum health.

• Cardamom

  Cardamom comes from the seeds of several different plants belonging to the same family as ginger. The distinctive aromatic flavour is used in Middle Eastern, Arabic and Indian cuisine complementing vegetarian curries, rice and meat dishes. As cardamom contains phytochemicals it is also taken for health benefits too like anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties killing bacteria and fungi. It is also valued in oral hygiene, balancing the pH in the mouth and helping to prevent bad breath. Some studies have shown Cardamom to be beneficial with some aspects of metabolic syndrome as well as heart health and diabetes. For us, we know from Ayurvedic medicine of Cardamom’s detoxifying properties and helpful effects on the liver.

• Pepper

  Pepper from the native Indian plant (piper negrum) is justifiably referred to as the king of spices used as both ground black pepper and whole peppercorns in many authentic Indian dishes. On top of the wonderful flavour that pepper unlocks in a dish, its health benefits are widely known. This includes improved absorption of nutrients, particularly relevant when layered with Turmeric as this helps the active anti-inflammatory ingredient to get into the bloodstream. It can also aid absorption of medicines like antihistamines for allergies. Pepper also helps with digestive health as it is believed to stimulate the release of enzymes in the pancreas which then helps digest fat and carbohydrates, preventing associated diseases.

• Fenugreek

  Fenugreek is best known for its aromatic seeds and dried leaves, widely used in both Indian cooking and herbal medicine. The seeds especially are used to flavour curries and dips. In terms of healthful properties, Fenugreek is known to be beneficial at easing digestion and wind so it can be useful for sufferers with IBS. In addition it is suggested that it can help with managing weight by controlling hunger. In general it is also thought to promote healing and help with skin conditions like eczema as well as helping to manage high blood pressure and fever.

Delivered to Door

At Indian Curry Pot we layer spices skillfully in our home cooked dishes to maximise the flavour and transform your meal into a memorable culinary experience. Now we have gifted all that expertise to you in our handy spice packs so you can enjoy the same natural health benefits at home, delivered quickly and affordably to your door without having to visit international supermarkets or specialist Indian stores.

Easy to Cook

Cooking your own authentic healthy, delicious Indian curries at home has never been easier. Each spice mix comes with written step by step instructions and access to an easy to follow video showing you how we cook at home.

Curry Night at Home

Make a night of it with Indian Curry Pot and invite all your friends and family around for a delicious home cooked authentic Indian curry. You could make Indian dishes once a week family meal or throw a party. The spice packs are super generous so you have plenty in one pack to make multiple meals.

Spice Club – Cook with Us

Keep up to date with us on our socials. We’d love you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel. We want you to share the curries you make and tag us so we can see your delicious results. We will also share news of any cook-along and special events we’re planning to share new techniques, recipes and different ways to use our spice mixes.

Talks & Demonstrations

We’d love to pop in and cook for you! If you run a community group, company or organisation that would be interested in hearing more about the benefits of cooking with spices please get in touch. We will always consider real world and virtual events to share our passion for healthy, tasty flavoursome Indian cooking.