ICMR advises using whole spices instead of powdered ones, know why

Recently, (Indian Council of Medical Research) ICMR launched 17 health and dietary guidelines for Indians. One of them was about the usage of whole spices instead of powdered ones. The guideline said that powdered spices are more likely to be adulterated but whole spices are uniform in colour, size and shape.

Prefer whole spices for cooking

The body also said that natural toxins and various chemical residues, present beyond permissible levels, make packaged or powdered products unsafe. Hence, we should prefer whole spices for cooking and also buy certified products only.

ICMR has brought these guidelines amid the time when alot of packaged masala brands have been under scrutiny for adding adulterated chemicals and some health drinks like Bournvita and Horlicks have been accused of adding too much sugar in their products.

Among the 17 guidelines of ICMR, one also stated the right amount of sugar one should consume in a day. The regulatory body has stictly advised to not feed sugar to children below two years old.

Also watch: No sugar for kids, no protein supplements for adults: ICMR's new dietary guidelines after 13 years

Benefits of consuming whole spices

According to a report by The Indian Express, there are plenty of benefits of using whole spices in cooking:

1. Whole spices maintain their essential oils and nutrients, delivering superior flavor and health benefits.
2. Freshly grinding whole spices ensures they remain fresh and potent.
3. Whole spices contribute depth, complexity, and aroma to dishes, enriching the culinary experience.

Also watch: ICMR's new dietary guideline advises limiting consumption of tea-coffee and avoid alcohol, know here