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Health Benefits of Spices A.Muthumani and M.Jenslranl

A
spice is a 'seed, fruit, root, bark, bud or other treat the eye. Recent studies have revealed that cumin seeds
vegetable substance primarily used for flavouring, might also have anti-carcinogenic properties. In laboratory
colouri ng or preserving food. Spices are tests, this powerful little seed was shown to reduce th e risk
distinguished from herbs, which are part of leafy green of stomach ulcer.
plants used for flavouring or as a garnish. Many spices have The health benefits of cumin for digestive disorders are
antimicrobial properties. Spices have long been used to well known throughout history. It can help flatulence,
en hance the taste offood, to provide health benefits. indigestion, diarrhoea, nausea, morning sickness, and a
Traditionally, the Chinese have integrated food, nutrition tonic for dyspepsia. In this case, the seeds are boiled in
and health and include spices in specially prepared soups, water to make a tea of sorts - 1 teaspoon seeds to 1 glass
dishes or beverage fortheir health benefits. Many traditional water. Mix with salt and a teaspoon of coriander leaf juice.
diets around the world include considerable amounts of Cumin also helps to reli eve symptoms of the common cold
dueto its antiseptic properties.
added spices. Indian cooking uses spices to add distinctive
and richflavours and significant quantities can be consumed Black Pepper
inone meal
Black pepper is the fruit of the black pepper plant from the
As the ancient knowledge of spices encounters modern Piperaceae family and is used as both a spice and medicine.
science and technology, there will be new opportunities It is native to Kerala the Southern State of India. Since
developed thatr encourage the use of spices in cooki ng not ancient times black pepper is one of the most widely traded
only fortheir taste benefits but also for their health benefits. spices in the world. It is a rich source of Manganese, Iron,
Turmeric Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin A, C, K, Zinc, Chromium and
other nutrients.
Turmeric is called the "Queenof spices". It is a spicethat
comes from the root of the curcuma longa plant. It has been The health benefits of black pepper include relief from
used in Indiafor thou sands of years as a spice and medicinal respiratory disorders, coughs, th e com mon co ld,
herb. It is traditionally called Indian Saffron . constipation, indigestion, anemia, impotency, muscular
strains, dental disease, pyorrhea, diarrhea, and heart
According to the Journal of the American Chemical disease. It also increases the hydrochloric acid'secretion in
Society, turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, the stomach, thereby facilitating digestion and the out layer
antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-carcinogenic, anti- of peppercorn assists in the breakdownof fat cells.
I mutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help
prevent prostate cancer, relieves arthritis, controls diabetes, Garlic
reduces the cholesterol level and immunity booster. Garlic is widely used arou nd the world for its pungent
flavour as a seasoning or condiment. Garlic is a plant in the
Cumin Seeds
onion family. Originally the plant was nativeto Central Asia.
Cumin is the seed of a small umbelliforous plant. Cumin Garlic has been used as both an important dietary
is nativeto Egypt and has been cultivated in the Middle East, constituent and a medicine in different culture around the
India, China, and Mediterranean countries. Cumin has· world.
played an important role as a food and medicine and has
Garlic is great for boosting the immunesystem, obtaining
been acultural symbol with varied attributes. high levels of Vitamin Cand being identified as aserious anti-
Cumin seeds are used in cooking and the oil is used to cancer food. Because of its high potassium content, it can
flavour food. Components may have antioxi dant, aid in absorption of essential nutrients and help avoid
anticancer, antibacterial and larvicidal effects. Cumin may digestive problems and fatigue. Garlic can also help in lung
lower blood sugar, reduce seizures, strengthen bones and and throat problems dueto its pungent smell.

50 If KISAN W~RlD I JANUARY 2017

Ginger considered as a herb and was one of the ingredients in
Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.
Ginger the rhizomes of the plant zingiberofficinale
roscoe, is arguably one of the most widely used culinary It was believed to be a remedy for teeth and gum
agent and spice in the world. It was originated in Asia. infection, throat problems, congestion of the lungs,
Several compounds in ginger may be related to its health pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation of the eyelids,
benefits, including shogaol, zingerone and gingerols. gastrointestinal disorders, disintegrating kidney and gall
bladder stones. Other health benefits of cardamom include
Ginger as the universal medicine, in particular for
cholesterol control, control of cancer, relief from
relieving nausea, stomach aches, diarrhoea, asthma,
cardiovascular issues and improvement of blood circulation
respiratory disorders, toothache, gingivitis and arthritis.
The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve inthe body.
gastrointestinal irritation. Clove
Cardamom Clove is the dried bud of the flower from the tree
syzygiumaromaticum. It belongs to the plant family named
Cardamom is aspice made from the seeds ofthe several
plants in the genera elettaria and amomun in the family myrtacea. ltis native tothe Maluku Island in Indonesia.
zinglberaceae. Cardamom is aspice that originated in India, It offers many health benefits, some of which include
Nepal and Bhutan. In India cardamom was traditionally providing aid in digestion, having antimicrobial properties,

JANUARY 2017 1~HISANW~RLD 151

fighting against cancer, pr9tecting the live ~, boosting the spices on earth giving it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-
immune system, controlling diaQetes, preserving bone diabetic, anti-microbial, immunity boosting, cancer and
quality and containing anti-mutagenic properties as well as heart disease protecting abilities. .
fighting against oral diseases and headaches. . ,
Peppermint
Peppermint is also known as M.BalsameaWilld. It is a
Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the bark of the hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint.
Cinnamomum tree. It is native to Caribbean, South' America, Peppermint is native to Europe and the Middle East, now
and South est Asia. widespread in cultivation in many regions of the world.
, "
Cinnamon is a powerful spice that has been used Peppermint is popular as a traditional or folk remedy for
medicinally around the world for thousands of years. It several conditions and illnesses because of its calming
contains several sp~cial compounds which are responsible effects, including flatulence, menstrual pains, diarrhea,
for its many health promoting properties including nausea, depression related anxiety, muscle and nerve pain,
cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate. These the common cold, indigestion, headache, and irritable bowel
compounds make cinnamon one of the most beneficial syndrome.

52
I
t t' , KISANWI!:JRlD I
JANUARY 2017
 the deserts of Iran and the mountains of Afghanistan, and is
mainly cultivatedin nearby India.
Asafoetida is also known as the Devil's dung: From the
nutritional viewpoint, asafoetida offers protein, fiber,
carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous, iron, niacin,
carotene as well as riboflavin.
Asafoetida is a remedy for indigestion, menstrual,pain,
ear ache, body pains as well as tooth ache. However;
.individuals with high blood pressure levels should prevent
taking asafoetida separately. Pregnant women and people
struggling with blood clotting issues ought to practice
Anise cautionwhenevertaking asafoetida separately.
Anise is an annual important spice and medicinal plant Conclusion
belonging to the family of Apiaceae and native to the
Mediterranean region and southwest Asia. Today, anise To improve the health of our nation it is critical that the
seeds are an important natural raw material used in people are motivated to not only reduced their sodium intake
pharmaceutics, perfumery, food and cosmetic industries. but also consume less of the Western diet characterized as a
dietary pattern high in red and processed meats, reduced
Anise is an excellent remedy for asthma, bronchitis,
grains, sodium, sweets and fried foods. Using spices to add
cough, microbial infections and diseases, head lice, skin
falvour and variety to energy and Sodium-reduced meals
disease, regulating menstruation, pain relief as well as
may help motivate dietary change and reduced nutrition-
digestive disorders such as flatulence, bloating, colicky,
related disease risk. Spices such as turmeric, fenugreek,
stomach pain, nausea and indigestion.
mustard, ginger, onion and garlic have a wide variety of bio-
Asafoetida functions and their additive or synergistic actions are likely to
Asafoetida, a spice from the Indian P~ninsula and it is protect the human body against a variety of insults.
also commonly known as Food of the God. In Tamilnadu, Traditionally spices as part of the diet, having holistic effects
asafoetida is called "Perungaayam". The spice is native to on human health, Asslslanl Professor
Sri.S.Ramasamy Naldu Memorial College, Sattur. _

JANUARY 2017 1'KISAHW~lD 153