You can fuel your body to perform at its best with a healthy diet that offers lean protein, nutrient-rich carbohydrates and low fats. Eating well can help you reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity while boosting energy levels.
Your brain needs glucose for energy, which it gets from the carbohydrates you eat. The healthiest sources are whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes (such as beans and peas) and nuts. Limit foods with added sugars, which provide a short boost of energy but also raise your blood pressure and increase your risk for tooth decay and obesity.
Carbohydrates are essential to your energy level, especially before and after exercise. Try eating a carbohydrate-rich food, such as a piece of fruit or a small bowl of cereal with skim milk, about an hour before exercise to provide the energy your muscles need for activity. If you don't eat enough carbs, you may feel tired or hungry during your workout, which can affect performance and mood.
Protein provides the body with the amino acids it needs for cellular energy and to build and repair tissues. Eating lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs and soy products is a good way to get enough protein. Vegetarians can get protein from a variety of plant-based foods, such as pinto, kidney, black and white beans, split peas, tofu and tempeh.
Stock your fridge and gym bag with snacks that combine protein with carbs to keep you fueled for hours. A sandwich made with two slices of bread and peanut butter, for example, or a smoothie made with a cup of low-fat yogurt and lots of ice and cut-up fruit is high in both protein and carbohydrates.
Pepper :
By 2000 BCE, large-scale trading networks had established themselves. These were initially maritime routes known as Spice Routes that later transitioned into land routes known as Silk Roads. Not just for shipping spices - which gave these routes their name - these routes also served to transport cotton goods, ivory figurines, porcelain porcelainware, metals, and stunning gemstones.
These exotic spices were costly and had to be transported long distances for sale; further compounded by their inability to grow anywhere outside the tropical East - from southern China through Indonesia and Sri Lanka, and across India.
Whole Black Pepper became particularly well-known, being shipped via ship from India's Malabar Coast directly to Europe. By the late Middle Ages, a newfound enthusiasm for spices had spread throughout Europe as they came to represent power and wealth.
Now, thanks to advances in science and technology, we no longer depend on specific regions for growing spices; thanks to global production capabilities, they can now be produced anywhere around the globe at scale. Thanks to this global expansion of spice cultivation capabilities, its history can live on in modern life while being celebrated across borders around the globe; to do this successfully we must keep alive the spirit of exploration that defined ancient trade routes like this one.
Cardamom:
Spice recipes were first recorded on cuneiform tablets dating back to 1700 BC, showing just how long humans have been using spices. At first, they were transported across from India via Arab traders via sea routes but, after discovering new routes during the late Middle Ages, Europeans began purchasing and importing directly from India.
The world's finest quality Green Cardamom Whole comes from the Western Ghats in south India's evergreen forests, where its seeds must be hand-harvested after they begin to split open and detach easily from their pods.
Cardamom trees typically take five years to mature enough to produce seeds, after which their seeds are soaked in water to remove any impurities before being dried and roasted to extract their oils, giving cardamom its distinct taste and scent.
Northern-eastern states boast ideal climate and soil conditions for growing large cardamom crops, making these regions the country's biggest producers. Cardamom contributes significantly to economic development and farmers in these regions make good money from it - they just need to pay attention to both climate and soil conditions in order to obtain maximum yield from this endeavor.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon production in India is closely connected with its climate. Tamil Nadu in southern India provides ideal conditions for its cultivation. Tamil Nadu also produces cardamom, red chillis, and turmeric which are enjoyed worldwide.
Demand for ever-more exotic spices surged during the late Middle Ages. But as prices for such exotic goods skyrocketed across Europe, it quickly became evident that cheaper sources for such products must be located.
Vasco da Gama of Portugal became the first sailor to successfully navigate this new route between Asia and Europe that bypassed Arab territory. His voyage was inspired by his desire to transport precious spices back from their countries of production to markets in Europe.
Legends and myths often surrounded the trade routes during their heyday, including stories about large creatures that fiercely protected these spices, including stories about "cinnamologus," an imaginary bird said to build its nest from cinnamon sticks before crashing to earth under its weight.
Cinnamon has long been used in cuisine as well as medicine, offering therapeutic properties beyond culinary use. It can help regulate blood sugar levels while supporting neurotransmitter activity in the brain, with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits as well. Furthermore, cinnamon may reduce heart disease risks by lowering triglycerides and cholesterol.
Nutmeg:
Nutmeg is an integral component of many Indian spice blends, providing warmth and depth. Nutmeg trees thrive in tropical environments such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in South India where there are numerous nutmeg farms.
Through the ancient Spice Trade, traders carried brown seeds from small trees adorned with scarlet mace and their spikey casing to market across seas, making nutmeg one of the world's most valuable spices. Carbonized nutmeg can be found as far back as 400-200 BCE; before refrigeration became widespread it served as an effective preservative and drove some of the first international trade routes that helped shape our world today.
Sabut Garam Masala soothing fragrance has long been associated with health, prosperity, and well-being. Used as an ancient medicinal remedy to ward off plague infections, its aroma was popularly featured in European confectionary as an aromatic note; additionally, it's an integral component of traditional Indian sweets such as carrot halwa and kheer.
When searching for an exporter of nutmeg, look for an established company with a proven record of providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. A reputable nutmeg exporter should employ stringent quality control measures as well as competitive prices that comply with all relevant food safety and shipping regulations.
Turmeric:
Turmeric, a spice with ancient roots, has journeyed from the fields of India to kitchens and medicine cabinets around the world. Its vibrant yellow color and distinct flavor have earned it a place in modern wellness trends, from beauty products to detox drinks.
Cultivated in sandy and clay soils across India, turmeric is known for its health benefits and cultural significance. Varieties like Madras and Alleppey turmeric highlight its regional origins. In South Asia, turmeric is used in traditional rituals, such as the haldi ceremony at Indian weddings, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
Turmeric or haldi healing properties are well-regarded; its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities aid in the faster healing of cuts and burns. Additionally, when combined with black pepper, its bioavailability can increase significantly, making it even more effective.
CONCLUSION:
Once prized commodities, spices like turmeric were transported over long distances via the Spice Routes, enriching meals and offering healing properties. India remains a top spice producer, with states known for specific crops: Kerala for nutmeg and black pepper, Maharashtra for chillis, Karnataka for ginger and saffron, and Uttar Pradesh for cumin.
The Indian spice market is thriving, with global demand rising. In 2020-21, India generated an estimated Rs 87.50 billion in revenue, exporting about 3 million tonnes of spices. Top exports include mustard, chilli pepper, coriander seeds, turmeric, and ground cumin.