“Life isn’t very appetizing without a little spice thrown in now and then,” said writer Dean Koontz. Herbs stand out for their multiple medicinal properties, as all ancient cultures have well learned over the millennia: they help you cough up mucus as well as burn fat, provide antioxidants or improve metabolic response.
If what you are looking for are the most digestive spiceshere are 7 fabulous condiments that will help you prevent stomach discomfort, make digestions lighter, prevent acidity and gastric reflux, combat problems such as diarrhea and constipation or even improve the absorption of nutrients.
1. Turmeric
The turmeric It is one of the queen spices of Indian cuisine, much studied in recent years for its anti-inflammatory properties from its active ingredient, the curcumin. Its potential benefits range from stimulating the brain to helping with anxiety.
Putting the focus on the gut health, turmeric has been associated with reduced inflammation and improvement in irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. A 2022 study found that curcumin and turmeric can reduce the severity of symptoms such as abdominal pain.
Of course, there is a star trick to better absorb the active compound of turmeric: if you combine the yellow spice with black pepper, the bioavailability of curcumin will increase by 2,000%.
2. Ginger
Infusions of ginger with lemon are very famous, but the fresh spice is also key in many dishes of oriental cuisine. Ginger is one of the best spices for digestion.being especially useful to relieve swelling.
A 2019 study confirms that ginger is also potent enough to help reduce cramps, prevent flatulence, speed gastric emptying, and relieve nauseaas collected Well and Good.
In addition to his healthy properties for digestionGinger activates blood circulation, improves skin tone and health, prevents cardiovascular problems, stimulates the absorption of nutrients, alleviates menstrual pain, strengthens the immune system and facilitates mucous secretion. It also helps with colic, rheumatic problems and joint pain.
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3. Coriander
Iconic in cuisines such as Mexican, Canarian, Vietnamese or Indian, cilantro is that spice hated and loved in equal measure. Your body appreciates its regular consumption, since it works as digestive balm and stomach tonicl, among many other properties —antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory or fungicidal.
Coriander stimulates your bowel movement and reduces abdominal bloating. It’s also a great spice for relieving many digestive complaints: a 2022 review concluded that it can improve flatulence, diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea “by stimulating the liver to increase the secretion of bile and other digestive enzymes that escalate the action of the digestive system.”
4. Fennel
Related to cumin, dill and anise, fennel is popular in Mediterranean gastronomy, where it can be consumed in roasts, barbecues, raw, in salads or boiled like asparagus. Its flavor is similar to licorice and is fantastic for promoting good digestion, relieving symptoms of inflammatory bowel syndrome, and reducing bloating.
In fact, fennel appears as an ingredient in numerous infusions for its diuretic, antispasmodic, carminative and detoxifying effects. If you consume it regularly, it will help you avoid fluid retention, avoid gas and colic, dispel nausea and dizziness during pregnancy, avoid urinary tract infections and combat constipation.
5. Cinnamon
Lovers of sweets and contrasts of flavors cannot live without cinnamon, a spice that works as a natural sweetener and is present in rice pudding, sweet wine or African couscous. Several investigations have highlighted its benefits for improving digestion and reducing bloating.
Nevertheless, the benefits of cinnamon go much further: The seasoning is used to support heart health, prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, fuel your cognitive ability, control weight, fight infections or improve your mood.
6. Black pepper
A flavorful and deliciously hot spice, black pepper benefits include its high nutritional density, its ability to loosen mucus and remove mucus, its anti-cancer compounds, and its anti-aging antioxidant functions.
In the digestive health section, black pepper helps prevent diarrhea, constipation and colic, since it increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, favoring the digestive process. A published study Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition explain what its main compound, piperine, helps release digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
7. Cumin
He cumin —which gives that characteristic flavor to tripe, lentils, potatoes with spicy mojo or hummus— stands out for its fabulous properties such as fighting infections, weight control or improving blood glucose. It also prevents anemia, improves blood cholesterol levels and fights against free radicals, responsible for aging.
And why is cumin good for the digestive system? Various investigations have confirmed that this seasoning speeds up digestion, increases enzyme activity, stimulates the release of bile from the liver, and helps digest nutrients such as fats.
