What are Spices and Condiments?
Spices and condiments are natural plant or vegetable product or mixtures in whole or ground form used for imparting flavor. According to International Organization For Standardization there is no clear cut difference between spices and condiments, However, there is slight difference in usage of the terms.
The term Spices is used for those natural plant or vegetable product or mixtures in whole or ground form which are used as individual ingredients while making the dish whereas Condiments are those natural plant or vegetable product or mixtures in whole or ground form which are used at the table for extra flavor like sauce, etc
What are the general functions of Spices?
- Spices in general stimulate salivation, acid secretion and the secretion of digestive enzymes in the body.
- Spices are used to make the food palatable and reduce flatulence in the body.
- Spices increase secretion of saliva containing more of ptyalin making it easier to digest carbohydrates.
- Some spices have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
- Some spices help in improving blood glucose levels and help in diabetes.
- Some spices reduce cholesterol levels and may be helpful in preventing heart diseases.
- Some spices are considered antimutagenous or anticarinogenous.
Some Specific Spices And Their Uses
1. Ajwain (omum)
Used in curries due to its aromatic smell and pungent taste, the essential oil present in Ajwain is a natural source of thymol. It is used in household remedies for indigestion, it has antispasmodic, carminative effects.
2. Aniseed (somfu)
Also known as sweet cumin and has the flavor of liquorice. It is chewed after meals as a mouth freshener. An infusion of Aniseeds can be used to counteract flatulence.
3. Asafoetida
It is an oleo gum resin and is an antimicrobial agent. It can be used to treat chronic bronchitus and whooping cough, and increases the level of detoxification enzymes in the body.
4. Chillies
Chillies contain a substance called capsaicin which increase the gastric secretion and stimulates the digestive system. It is carminative and antiflatulence agent. It also stimulates blood circulation. Studies have shown that capsaicin kills pancreatic cancerous cells and prevents prostate cancer.
5. Clove
Small reddish flower bud of the tropical evergreen syzygium aromaticum tree are used in households to aid in common ailments such as indigestion, flatulence and tooth ache. Clove oil is also a natural anaesthetic and has disinfecting properties.
6. Coriander Seeds
Corandrum Sativum or corriander seed infusion can be used to reduce flatulence, vomiting, intestinal disorders making it idea to used in ground form as a thickening agent for curries. Chewing of coriander seeds reduces foul breath. Coriander seeds contain thalides which increase the level of anticancer protective enzymes.
7. Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds contain bio-active pthalides which increase the levels of anticancer snzymes in the body. It also has carminative properties.
8. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds aid in maintaining the blood glucose levels in non-insulin dependent diabetes. It is also used with buttermilk for treating dysentery.
9. Mustard
Mustard seeds are rich in sulphur containing compounds which protect against the toxic effects of aflaxtoxin. Mustard is good for cold and acts as an decongestant.
10. Pepper
It is used along with hot milk for throat infections. Ancient Indian Home remedies prescribe pepper as an antidote for cough and congestion. Pepper has also been used effectively for the treatment of rheumatism and muscular pain, intestinal gas and headache.
11. Saffron
Crocus Sativas or saffron is used as a sedative and for treatment of eye infections. It imparts yellow color and a distinctive flavor. It is mainly used in sweets.
12. Turmeric
Turmeric helps in detoxifying harmful drugs or chemicals that are converted toxic metabolites in the body. Studies indicate that it can be a potent anticancer agent. It is an antioxidant and also has anticarcinogenic properties. It also has healing properties and it has inhibitory action on bacterial and arrests the growth of fungi. Recent studies have also shown it maybe a potential weapon against Alzhheimer’s disease.
Glossary
Carminative: A carminative, also known as carminativum (plural carminativa), is an herb or preparation intended to either prevent formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract or facilitate the expulsion of said gas, thereby combatting flatulence.
Antispasmodic: Used to relieve spasm of involuntary muscle.
Aflatoxin: Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, species of fungi. The name, aflatoxin, was created around 1960 after the discovery that the source of “Turkey ‘X’ disease” was Aspergillus flavus toxins.
Anticarcinogen: An anticarcinogen (also known as a carcinopreventive agent) is a substance that counteracts the effects of a carcinogen or inhibits the development of cancer .
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