Q: Can you tell me whether spices have any role in our diets ? Do they have any benefits and add to our nutrition in any way?

RG, Calcutta

Spices are aromatic compounds that add colour and flavour to our food, besides making the food palatable. Apart from adding variety and enhancing taste, spices have other functions as well. They stimulate our taste buds, thereby increasing saliva secretion which aids in the easy digestion of carbs.

Spices also help digestion in the stomach by increasing the secretion of gastric enzymes. Besides aiding digestion, different spices have their own specific functions.

They may have anti-inflammatory, antibiotic or anti-carcinogenic properties,or help to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels,thus helping diabetic and cardiac patients. Some spices have anti-mutagenic properties and most are rich in antioxidants.Some of our commonly used spices and their important characteristics are noted below

TURMERIC: Acts as a blood purifier and antiseptic.

CUMIN: Used to prevent diarrhoea and dyspepsia.

FENUGREEK: Helps to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.Also prevents indigestion, stimulates the liver and spleen and corrects chronic cough.

CHILLIES: Capsaicin in chillies is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, lowers cholesterol and treats bronchial-tract disorders. Chillies also contain vitamins A and C.

CORIANDER: It is carminative, prevents flatulence and intestinal disorders.

CLOVE: It aids digestion, has antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-mutagenic effects.

CARDAMOM: Helps check nausea, cures sore throat and strengthens our nerves.

ONION AND GARLIC: They contain allyl sulphides and help prevent digestive disorders. They also possess antibacterial properties and decrease cholesterol, thereby preventing heart disease. Garlic also has anti-platelet activity.

MUSTARD: Helps combat cancer.

NUTMEG: It has anti-microbial properties.

ASAFOETIDA: Used for treating whooping cough and bronchitis.

GINGER: It is said to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints.It also has potent prophylactic use in treating headaches.

A glance at the list above clearly shows that although spices are mostly associated with ulcers and gastric irritations, they do contribute to our health and nourishment apart from improviung taste.