Masale/spices are an integral part of Indian cooking. These spices have medicinal and therapeutic effects. They help in maintaining the normal functioning of the body. Spices contain flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that helps prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The most common masale used in Indian cooking are garam masala, chole masala, and panch phoran. These spice blends are readily available in the market, but making them in the home ensures you eat a fresh, flavorsome, and pure form of masala that gives your food the most authentic taste and maximum health benefits. Full-Color Print Edition