Since there was no refrigerator in ancient times, food spoiled quickly. Plenty of spices were used to hide the taste of spoiled food. Today, spices are mostly used to enhance the flavor of foods. The country that uses spices the most in the world is India, and in our country, the use of spices is very common in the Southeastern Anatolia Region.
 
Although spices are used to increase the flavor of food or to prevent the formation of microbes on food, in recent years, some studies have shown that they have positive effects on health.
 
 
Here are the benefits of Spices:
 
• They have no calories, they can be used safely in weight control
• They accelerate metabolism
• They cut the appetite
• They reduce the need for sweets
• They accelerate bowel work
• They reduce blood fats
• Regulates the digestive system
 
 
Must-haves of Turkish Cuisine:
 
The most commonly used spices in our country are red pepper, black pepper, thyme, cinnamon, mustard, cloves and cumin.
 
 
Red Pepper: It is known that the substance called capsaicin in red pepper will accelerate metabolism and facilitate weight loss. It is also thought that red pepper is good for the excretory system and can be a good solution against constipation by increasing bowel movements, but those with active hemorrhoids problems should be careful.
 
Black pepper is one of the most consumed spices in our country for many years. Black pepper is known to increase body resistance in diseases such as flu and colds. It relaxes the body, especially when it is added to soups in abundance. When it is drunk as a tea with mint in sore throat, it affects local microbes in the throat and has a gargle effect on sore throat.
 
Thyme: Many things can be said about thyme, which has a very nice smell and is indispensable for meat dishes. It relaxes the stomach and prevents gas formation. However, it has a particularly low cholesterol-lowering effect. It is known that thyme, which is mostly produced as thyme juice in the Aegean region, facilitates digestion when consumed as a coffee cup after meals.
 
 
Cinnamon: Cinnamon, which is the crown jewel of desserts, also reduces the body's need for sugar. Especially in diabetics or those with insulin resistance, it has a positive effect on metabolism when added to the fruit as a dessert spoon. It blunts sugar cravings when boiled and drunk as cinnamon rolls with cloves, which is perfect for bad breath. Chewing cloves simply heals the wounds in the oral mucosa and contributes to oral health.
 
When we say cumin, many of us think of legumes. In fact, we are not wrong, because cumin is excellent in eliminating the gases that occur during the digestion of legumes. It goes well with all kinds of legumes. When the seeds of cumin, nettle and anise are brewed and drunk as tea in nursing mothers, they both increase milk secretion and prevent gas formation in the baby, allowing the baby to sleep more comfortably.
 
Rosemary: The components in the content of rosemary help to heal body inflammations and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Rosemary, which is also beneficial for heart health, also helps relieve headaches and increase concentration.
 
You can use rosemary to marinate your meat or tomato sauce, or add it to cakes or multigrain breads. For headaches, save a teaspoon of dried rosemary and infuse it in hot water for five minutes before drinking.
 
Turmeric: Studies show that turmeric is effective on brain health and cognitive health related to aging. It is also anti-inflammatory, strengthens the liver, protects against cancer and prevents heart diseases.
 
Peppermint: It helps to reduce indigestion, nausea and gas in the stomach. It also has a stress-relieving and comforting feature. It is good for colds and coughs. It relieves toothache and reduces bad breath.
 
You can use mint to add flavor to your meals or you can make tea. Steep five leaves for five minutes, strain and drink after meals. If you want to relieve your sore throat, let the strained liquid cool and gargle.
 
Ginger: The benefits of ginger are endless; It is good for colds, expectorant, relieves nausea, strengthens the immune system, is good for rheumatic pains and reduces joint pain.
 
To complement the hard and sugary taste of ginger, you can use it by sprinkling it on fresh fruit slices or mixing it with foods such as cold yogurt and ice cream. Mixing ginger with honey to get the most health benefits; You can add steamed carrots or grilled salmon to fillets.
 
 
Buy spices little by little
 
When purchasing spices, it is best to buy packaged and less. Spices kept in an open and humid environment can become moldy and lose their freshness. Purchased spices are either stored in a glass storage container or