Image Source: Pexels
A great variety of spices and condiments are a great way to make your meals more tasty, enjoyable and delicious. A variety of condiments are available all over the world but not all the condiments are available in your kitchen. Many of the condiments have huge health benefits while some are loaded with artificial ingredients, sugar, sodium, and calories. So it is important to look at the nutritional content of condiments. Some of the condiments provide excellent nutrient value in the form of antioxidants, probiotics, etc. The condiments that you consume should have low sodium, carbohydrates content, preservatives and No added sugar, artificial sweeteners, colors, hydrogenated oils.
Now let us look at some of the important condiments that provide great health benefits to your body.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
It is one of the popular and healthy ingredients among many healthy cooks. Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid that contains antibacterial properties. It helps to treat the digestive problem, supports weight loss and lowers blood pressure. It helps in boosting your health and balances the pH level of the body. You can try Apple cider vinegar in smoothies, salad dressing, sauces, etc. ( See also: Cure Acne Breakouts With Apple Cider Vinegar)
2. Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds are one of the popular condiments and used by many worldwide. Mustard seeds provide a delicious flavor to your homemade meals and have a lot of phytonutrients, volatile oils. They protect you from tumor growth and cell mutation. They boost your health and are an excellent source of B-complex vitamins that essential for the proper functioning of your body organs.
3. Raw Honey
It is a natural sweetener and known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They have some excellent health benefits that include reducing infection and allergies, helps in relieving cold and flu, improves digestion, etc. Use raw honey every day and you can include it in your fruit salad, dessert, and marinades. It just tastes great. Yummy! (See also: 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Honey)
4. Horseradish
A small touch of horseradish in soups, sauces, and dips just kick up the flavor. Horseradish has certain antioxidant compounds that help to stop tumor growth. It also helps in preventing cancer, boosts the immune system, and treats coughs and sore throats.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It provides essential nutrients like vitamin A, E and K. You can use olive oil in your salads and other healthy recipes. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and prevents you from strokes and heart diseases. They also help in preventing cancer and reduces type 2 diabetes risk.
6. Hot Sauce
If you love hot and spicy flavored foods then hot sauce is the best match with beans, eggs, and meat. Spicy peppers help to increase the fat- burning abilities due to the presence of a compound named capsaicin. Capsaicin helps in digestion, reduces type 2 diabetes, inflammation, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
7. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is actually fermented cabbage and during the fermentation process, beneficial probiotics are produced that makes the Sauerkraut healthy for intake. Sauerkraut contains rich vitamins, calcium, potassium and phosphorous. They are really helpful in appetite control, digestion, immune function, hormonal control, etc.
8. Salsa
Fresh salsa turns out to be the nutritional powerhouse. Salsa is made especially using ingredients like garlic, onions, Cilantro, tomato, jalapeno, lime, etc. It is used to add flavor to your food and also at the same time contributes essential nutrients. Intake of salsa helps in the absorption of vitamin C, Stabilize blood sugar, and prevents cancer. It also helps in burning bad fats and contains potassium, quercetin and citric acid.
9. Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds are used almost in many of the foods. These seeds provide many vitamins like pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamin, and niacin. They also provide minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, potassium, etc. Caraway Seeds really improves the digestion and reduces constipation issues. They prevent cancer, lowers blood pressure, reduce excess gas and also helps in eliminating atherosclerosis.
10. Kimchi
It is a popular condiment of Korea made from fermented vegetables. There are many types of Kimchi available but the main ingredient includes garlic, onion, cabbage, chili pepper, and salt. Kimchi is a probiotic-rich food and provides many health benefits. It improves the immune system, cholesterol levels, and skin health. It can be used in rice, noodles, sandwich wraps and stir-fry recipes.
11. Hummus
Hummus is a condiment made by blending chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, tahini, and salt. It is a plant-based protein with a great source of fiber and nutrients. It also provides magnesium and folate to your body. It provides feelings of fullness and helps in healthy digestion. You can have hummus as a spread, veggie dip and in salads.
Other Condiments
Basic spices like turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, garlic, ginger, oregano, and rosemary are almost found in every home kitchen and pantry. These spices are used in the preparation of many foods and they are filled with many health benefits. Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and detoxification property. It helps in reducing arthritis symptoms. Turmeric along with black pepper helps in improving immunity, liver and heart function. Cinnamon, ginger, and garlic are popular ingredients that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic improves heart health and prevents blood cloth. Blood sugar and joint pains are controlled by the intake of cinnamon. Oregano and rosemary are a rich source of antioxidants and are good for hormonal and digestive issues.
These are some of the condiments that are really helpful and has a lot of health benefits making you stay healthy and fit.
About The Author:
Gene Moore is a strategist and a passionate writer working for a Wholesale condiment supply store. He is a very adventurous and ambitious person having an interest in traveling, writing and reading blogs. His artistic background nurtures him in developing creative writing skill.
