Our Health Is Wealth blog series will explore the many health benefits that our menu boasts.

Three wellness buzzwords that have made their way into almost everyone’s minds are garlic, turmeric, and ginger. These have long been the backbones of our Indian cuisine at All India Cafe, and are certainly here to stay. They each lend their own incredible, rich flavors to each and every dish they meet, but their longstanding allure is truly due to the medicinal benefits they provide to those who enjoy them.

Our food would not be what it is without turmeric. This powerhouse ingredient is truly a shining star in terms of the health benefits that it offers. This potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant has long been celebrated as a vigorous, all-natural way to boost the immune system and help in the fight against infections and illnesses. Animal and test-tube studies shared on The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website have shown that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, possesses anti-viral properties and can help reduce the severity of influenza A virus.

Ginger and turmeric have so much in common. In addition to easing sicknesses like a cold or the flu, as well as reducing inflammation, one test-tube study shared on the NCBI site indicated that fresh ginger was effective against human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), which can cause respiratory tract infections in infants, children, and adults. In addition to its effectiveness as an antiviral, ginger is also known to be antibacterial.

Garlic is thought to be effective against bacteria, and is trusted by many to help avoid getting sick, reduce the amount of time spent sick, and in speeding up recovery times.

No matter the dish you order, you can be sure that there is either garlic, ginger, turmeric, or, most likely a mix of all three, present in your dish!