
India is the leading producer of spices in the world. Not only do we produce spices, our Indian cuisine is incomplete without them. Apart from providing flavour to the food, herbs and spices have numerous proven health benefits. Having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, some spices are also good for losing weight. Herbs and spices contain no extra calories, sodium, sugar or any junk- which is essential to shed fat.
Here are 9 common spices found in every Indian kitchen that can aid weight loss

The common spice found in every household is obtained from the dried fruit of piper nigrum. A substance called piperine found in this spice gives it its flavour, which also blocks the formation of fat cells.

This aromatic spice is obtained from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus. Rich in anti-oxidants, cinnamon offers numerous health benefits. This spice not only helps to reduce appetite but also reduces hunger. Sprinkle some cinnamon in oatmeal or cottage cheese or can even add it with plain yogurt.

Ginger is a superfood that is effective in all sort of health-related issues. With anti-inflammatory properties, ginger soothes and relaxes your intestinal tract. This spice significantly decreases both body weight and belly fat.

Cardamon is obtained from the seeds of a plant in the ginger family. The aromatic and spicy-sweet flavor of this spice helps to boost metabolism and also support weight loss. You can add this spice in coffee, tea or curry.

This spice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Ginseng is effective in boosting energy levels and speeding the metabolism. A number of studies have suggested that this plant could aid weight loss, yet some large-scale studies are needed to prove its effectiveness.

Popularly used to make food spicy, cayenne pepper gets its heat from a compound called capsaicin. This compound is also known for its numerous health benefits. This spice not only boosts metabolism but also increases the number of calories you burn in a day. Moreover, capsaicin may control the craving for food to promote weight loss.

This is the most common spice used in Indian food. The vibrant yellow colour spice improves brain function, promotes the health of joints and blood vessels. Turmeric also reduces the formation of fat tissue, which contributes to lower body fat and weight gain.

Apart from adding flavour to the food, cumin also helps in the digestion process. It may also improve glycemic control in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. As per a study, women who consumed yogurt with 3 grams of cumin two times in a day, lost more weight and body fat.

Many studies have found that fenugreek may control the appetite and reduce the desire to eat food to support weight loss. Daily 8 grams intake of this spice increases the feeling of fullness and also controls the daily intake of fiber.