Garam masala is the quintessential Indian spice mix that is used in a number of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Garam masala contains a number of aromatic Indian spices, which are ground in specific quantities and stored in air-tight containers to be used while cooking. Indians have grown up consuming dishes flavoured with garam masala. You ask anyone what goes into making the spice mix, you’re very likely to get a range of different recipes in response. There is no fixed recipe to making the garam masala as every Indian household prepares the masala according to their own specific taste and liking. But there is one thing that every Indian seems to agree upon- homemade garam masala is better than store-bought garam masala. Whichever recipe you follow to make your own garam masala, the spice mix is one of the most loved ingredients in the Indian kitchen and it also has a number of health benefits. Some of the most common spices that feature in garam masala include cloves (laung), cinnamon (dalchini), cumin (jeera), nutmeg (jaiphal), peppercorn (kaali mirch), cardamom (elaichi) and bay leaves (tej pattey).
Here are some of the health benefits of garam masala that you should know about:
1. Boosts Digestion
The main benefit of adding garam masala to your food is that it stimulates appetite and boosts digestion by promoting release of gastric juices in the stomach. Cloves and cumin in the garam masala keep indigestion at bay and cloves also help in preventing acidity. Adding pepper and cardamom to your garam masala may also help in digestion.
2. Boosts Metabolism
Garam masala’s ingredients are rich in phytonutrients, which help in boosting metabolism. Pepper is especially good in giving a boost to the body’s metabolism. These ingredients are also rich in minerals, which help in improving the function of various body organs.
3. Full of Antioxidants
Garam masala is full of antioxidants which help in preventing skin problems and also help fight inflammation.
4. Fights Bloating and Flatulence
Garam masala has carminative properties and apart from boosting digestion, it also helps in fighting bloating, flatulence and even nausea. The ingredients in the spice-mix also help in keeping the gastrointestinal tract healthy.
5. Fights Bad Breath
The presence of cloves and cardamom in the garam masala also makes it great for fighting bad breath.
Consumption of garam masala is not something that we Indians do consciously, but it does help our bodies in small ways. However, curries with the spice mix have lately got a bad rapport, with many people believing that the spice mix might actually hinder digestion, instead of boosting it.
