Garam masala side effects: Garam masala in Indian kitchen is used to enhance the taste and aroma of food. This spice makes any dish special. But excessive intake of this can cause stomach problems like acidity, gas and irritation. Experts believe that hot spices should be used in balanced quantity so that the taste is also maintained and health is also safe.
The hot spices include spicy and hot tendency spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, nutmeg and dry ginger. These spices intensify digestive fire but also work to increase bile. If it is eaten on an empty stomach, excessive amounts or without frying well, it can be heavy on the stomach and can cause acidity, gas or irritation problems. For people whose digestion is already weak, it can cause even more problems.
The taste of hot spices comes in very small amounts. Putting excessively can be harmful to the stomach.
Packaged spices found in the market can sometimes be more sharp or adulterated. Garam masala made of fresh and balanced spices at home is more secure and healthy.
Raw spices are overshadowed in digestion. Frying in oil or ghee reduces their intensity and heat, due to which the effect on the stomach is lightened.
Digestion is slow at night. Therefore, food with hot spices is more beneficial.
Taking fennel water, mint tea or 1 teaspoon of ghee after meals helps in reducing acidity and irritation.
Late night food, stress and low physical activity can also increase acidity. Regular and balanced lifestyle is necessary for stomach health.
According to Ayurveda, if garam masala causes repeated acidity problems, then some home remedies can be adopted to improve digestion-
1. Triphala powder with lukewarm water before going to bed at night
2. 1 pinch of ginger powder + rock salt before meals
3. 1 glass of lukewarm lemon-shadow water in the morning on an empty stomach.