It's no secret that we like their food full of flavour, but every bite if packed with powerful homeopathic benefits too.
Walk into any African's home and it'll only take you moments to notice a stockpile of spices on display. We love loading our food with fragrant flavours because it adds to the culinary experience. Though Africans don't just eat things because they taste nice. The hunter and gathers that hail from our continent (who predate modern medicine too) appreciated the healing qualities most of the herbs and spices we use contain.
I bet you didn't know that the spices I've listed below benefit muscles and organs other than your tongue:
Berbere and Turmeric
This fiery-looking Ethiopian spice definitely brings the heat. Because there are so many variations of this ancient blend, a universal flavour profile is difficult to identify. Rich in Vitamin A and C, and charged with antioxidants, berbere will combat flu and clear your sinuses with every spoonful you add to a curry. The spice is also a great source of iron and fiber.
What doesn't turmeric do? Naturally grown in Nigeria, this spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory, preventing blod clots and alleviating intestinal irritations associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and similar illnesses. You can add turmeric to your favourite curry or drink it as a tea if you just add boiling water. This canary-coloured spice reduces depression symptoms, boosts skin health and has proven to outperform many arthritis medication.
Masala Spice
Though the fountain of youth might not exist, the spice of youth certainly does. Garam Masala slows the aging process while simultaneously promoting weight loss. By lowering your glycemic index, you blood sugar levels are regulated too, making this spice ideal from people who have diabetes. The blend, made up of 32 different spices, also helps in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and proteins.
Masala made it's way to Africa through the Dutch-East-Indian trade route and regularly used in Cape Malay along South Africa's western cape.
Saffron and Cardamom
Considered a precious commodity in Morocco, this vibrant spice contains crocin which has proven to kill certain cancer cells in leukemia, ovarian carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, and soft tissue sarcoma. Saffron is extremely rich in manganese, which helps regulate blood sugar and aids the formation of bones, tissues, and sex hormones (it's an aphrodisiac). Add a bit of saffron to warm milk and drink daily to improve your skin and immune system.
Cardamom is a super spice that regulates cholesterol, cardiovascular health and cancer-forming cells. It is effective in curing urinary tract infections such as cystitis and gonorrhea. You can also say goodbye to your issues in the bedroom, as this Ugandan spice combats impotence, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. If that doesn't convince you, add a pinch to your morning oats to improve dental health and fight depression.
Birds Eye Chilli
Brace yourself because this one is going to be a mouthful. Ready?
One bud of birds eye chilli contains Provitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 and B2, calcium, phosphorus (helps strengthen bones and teeth), capsaicin (provides pain relief, treats psoriasis, manages diabetes and helps you lose weight), protein, iron and potassium. This Kenyan chilli is considered one of the hottest in the world and one bud added to entire dish is more than enough.
Like anything, eat moderately as too much of this hot spice will raise the acid levels in your body, irritating your digestive system and stomach lining
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Africa has an expansive pantry of herbs and spices that have healing properties. Check out which herbs you should be adding to salads, stews and curries here.
Pair your delicious meals with a glass or few of local vino from Africa's Wine Cellar.