7 Spices to Heat Up Your Meals Fast

Love your food hot? Use these 7 spices to make everyday meals sizzle.

Cinnamon

This beautiful spice that's both sweet and hot at once is known to create internal heat, improve blood circulation and lower blood sugar levels.
Cumin Seeds

Naturally high in Vitamin C, this earthy aromatic spice has been long used to help ward off colds and coughs. Cumin seeds are also high in iron they'll boost your energy level.
Cardamom

Use this spice in savoury and sweet dishes. It's excellent as a digestive aid, and opens the respiratory channels. Add crushed pods to rice or grind seeds for desserts, fruit salads, and nut butters.
Red Chili

Chili raises body heat but also helps with increasing metabolism and acts as an antibacterial agent. Chilis are also naturally high in Vitamin A and C so are especially important in winter.
Cloves

Cloves improve blood circulation and ease digestion too. Great to steep in a tea or infuse into a rice or dessert dish. Make sure the heads are intact and that they float vertically in hot water.
Nutmeg

Nutmeg is extremely warming but needs to be used in small quantities. It should be tested for aflatoxin and ochratoxin at source if possible.
Nigella Seeds

Nigella seeds (aka Kalonji seeds) are universally versatile. Add to salad dressings, yogurt dishes, rice, roasted veggies or onto lean meats and into stews and curries and dips.

Cinnamon