These spices will keep you healthy in winter

You don't need to drastically change what you eat, though, just raid your kitchen and check out the spice counter. We have listed some common spices which act as superfoods and keep you healthy as the temperature dips.

Cardamom improves your digestive system by stimulating the secretion of bile acid in the stomach. It boosts metabolism and has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps stop gastrointestinal diseases such as acid reflux, heartburn, diarrhea, etc and is good for your heart.The vitamin C in cardamom boosts your immunity and protects you against common cold.

Saffron comes with a host of health benefits. It can protect you against cancer, due to the presence of the carotene crocin that triggers programmed cell death in different types of cancer cells, and save you from a cold too. It promotes learning, helps in memory retention and is also a sexual stimulant.

It's not without reason that you will find this spice in pretty much every Indian recipe. Curcumin, the primary compound found in turmeric, makes it an effective anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It gives you relief from arthritic pain, prevents cancer and improves digestion. It can also reduce bloating.

This common spice is not just a great addition to your beauty routine, it's good for your health too. It reduces cholesterol levels, helps cure flu and cold and prevents arthritis. Cinnamon also helps you digest your food properly by breaking down fats. It also reduces insulin resistance and can help you lose weight by reducing the blood sugar levels and prevents you from getting hunger pangs.

This spice is full of antioxidants and vitamins A and C. They help fight free radicals and prevent diabetes. It also has compounds such as thymol, terpineol and anethole, which helps treats colds and flu. Star anise also helps improve digestion and reduces nausea.Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial abilities prevent flu and other viral infections.