Healthy Living

Yesterday, I had the privilege of giving a talk at a Designs for Healthy Living conference here in Southern California. The theme of the speech was the health benefits of Indian spices.

According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every three women in the United States risks developing some form of cancer or the other in their lifetime. For men, the number is one in two. 

In recent years, Western scientists have been raving about the health benefits of Indian spices, especially turmeric, for reducing inflammation, promoting healthy DNA, and most of all, its role as an anti-cancer agent. Scientific research indicates that curcumin, the compound found in turmeric, is known to cure various elements that can go wrong with the human body such as ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer’s disease. There are 240 published studies about turmeric appearing in the global scientific literature in the year 2010 alone. Since Alzeimer’s has no cure, prevention is the best method. Or shall I say prevention is the only method.You can read more about turmeric here.

Ginger is known as the universal medicine in India's ancient ayurvedic medicine. You can read more about ginger here.

I talked about spices like saffron being an anti-depressant and legumes and lentils being not only a near perfect choice for protein but also a good source of fiber. I also talked about blueberries and pomegranates being anti-oxidant power houses.

In general, following an anti-inflammatory diet which means eating food rich in antioxidants such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, saffron, blueberries and pomegranates is the best thing to do for our body’s immune system.

Almost every curry in Indian cuisine uses a moderate amount of the spice turmeric. The base for many Indian curries is ginger-garlic paste. With Indian food, the flavor comes from spices rather than from the fat. Indian spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, green chilies, cinnamon, cardamom all have medicinal and healing properties. The next time you want to eat healthy, how about reaching out for some spicy Indian food?

I like to dine with fine china, beautiful flowers and candles, and linens. These all make up the signature style of Komali Nunna. Yes, I like to live beautifully. At the same time, I like to eat healthy, lead an active life and grow old gracefully.

 For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including gluten free recipes), please check out my book, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen, at my website komalinunna.com.

I am joining Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday, Patty's weekend wrap-up, Cindy for Show,Tell  and Foodie Friday .