Posts Tagged ‘Spice’

What are the health benefits of Asafoetida ?

Asafoetida (generally referred to as Hing in Hindi – since it is an integral part of the cuisine of India) belongs to the family of Apiaceae. Other plants that belong to this family are celery, carrots, parsley, etc. Asafoetida is a very beneficial plant (with a very strong smell) due to which it is used in most of the Indian cuisines. Basically, the origin of Asafoetida is in Afghanistan and Iran, but it is also present in the Mediterranean and Central Asia. It is also used for various other purposes throughout the world. It is a perennial plant and is about six feet. Asafoetida is used all over the world because of its medicinal values as well as a spice for culinary purposes. The plant bears clusters of yellow flowers.
Asafoetida contains fats, carbohydrates, proteins, moisture, minerals fibers, etc. The minerals and vitamins present in asafoetida consist of calcium, iron, carotene, riboflavin, niacin. Resin, gums, ash and volatile oil also form the content of asafoetida. The resin is made up of asaresinotennol. This can be in the free state or can be combined with an acid called Ferulic Acid.
Asafoetida is a very effective herb which can be used as a remedy for nervous disorders. The strong and pungent smell of Asafoetida proves to be very helpful for Hysteria patients. In order to make Hysteria patients get back their consciousness, 3 grams of the Asafoetida gum mixed with 130 ml of water should be inhaled by the patient. In order to get quick relief, this activity can be repeated two to three times a day. Asafoetida also cures many respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis and it is also helpful in curing problems like an upset stomach and enhances your digestive power. It is used for the purpose of curing constipation by many people.
Many of us are unaware of the properties of Asafoetida, such as acting as an effective insect repellant. Its strong smell prevents insects from coming near it. For ladies suffering from painful menstruation, Asafoetida is a quick and effective remedy. Asafoetida powder taken with meals followed by at least two glasses of water will ensure less painful menses. Also, women are prescribed to take it after the delivery of the baby. This helps in curing problems caused in post delivery periods. It is a very useful herb for women who face the problems like infertility, pre-mature labors.
People having low blood pressure should include Asafoetida as a medicine. It is used as an antidote to a narcotic drug called opium, and there can be a great many addicts to opium. In order to reduce the effect of opium on body, Asafoetida is given to the patient in the same quantity as that of the consumed opium. Also it has properties, which can help a person suffering from toothache. A heated mixture of a pinch of Asafoetida and lemon juice applied on the affected area can give relief from toothache. Asafoetida is also used to cure stomach ache in kids as well as adults. To cure the stomach ache Asafoetida can be taken along with some curd in case of adults and for children it can be massaged around their naval.
One of the very important and rare benefits of Asafoetida is that it has properties with which it can cure swine flu. Its roots produce an antiviral drug with the help of which flu can be cured. Apart from all these medicinal properties Asafoetida can also be used for enhancing the taste and aroma of the food. It is commonly used as a flavoring agent. It is also mixed with other spices to add up taste in the food. Most of the Indian cuisines are not considered complete without the use of asafoetida. It is used by cooks to flavor food like curries, pickles, meatballs, etc.

| More

If you found this post informative, why not sign up to receive new posts ?
It's simple, and free, and you can even opt to receive by email:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to Good Health Tips by Email

What are different health benefits of whole peppercorns?

Peppercorns, scientifically known as Piper nigrum, is a very popular seasoning used throughout the world. It is indispensable from our kitchen and the dinning table. Since ancient times, pepper has been used to add that extra bit of taste to food not just because of its taste but also because of it innumerable health benefits.

Peppercorn is rich in proteins and minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc. Pepper is also rich in Vitamin A, B, C, E and K. Pepper also contains some amount of fats and dietary fiber. All of these components of pepper make it invaluable for maintaining good health. Some of the important reasons why pepper is a must in our diets are discussed below.

Anti inflammatory
Peppercorns have been used since ages as anti inflammatory agent. One of the commonly known health benefit of whole peppercorns is that it helps in reducing pains and is a popular medication given to cure throat infection and cough. Due to its strong and spicy taste it helps immensely in treating colds and flu.

Digestion
The presence of pepper in the food allows easy digestion and absorption of nutrients. It has been observed that pepper increases the absorption of selenium and Vitamin B and Vitamin A from food, these are essential nutrients required by the body. Moreover, easy absorption of food allows easy motility in the gastro intestinal tract. Pepper is also know for its carminative property and helps in avoiding gas or flatulence.

Cardiovascular heath
Pepper is rich in potassium, one of the various minerals found in pepper. Potassium is an essential mineral required by the body to maintain the fluid levels. Potassium helps in maintaining blood pressure and also helps in controlling the heart rate.

Blood
Pepper is also a rich source of iron which is an important mineral required to maintain hemoglobin level in blood Deficiency of iron may lead to anemia causing breathlessness and weakness. Hemoglobin is that part of the blood which carries oxygen to different parts in the body.

Antioxidant
Pepper is a rich source of Manganese. Manganese is an essential cofactor required by the enzyme superoxide dimutase which helps in removing free radicals. Apart from manganese, peppercorns are also rich source of vitamin A and C which are again active antioxidants which in getting rid of the harmful free radicals from the body which may otherwise lead to the formation of cancer cells in the body.

Anti microbial
The pepper corns are popularly used for their antimicrobial properties. They are anti bacterial in nature which helps in getting rid of any bacterial infection in the body .Pepper also helps in removing intestinal parasites. Due to the anti inflammatory and antiseptic nature of pepper corns it is also used in dental treatment for tooth decay and gum swellings or ulcers.

Sinusitis
Pepper corns are also used in the relieving sinusitis. Peppercorns help by drying the mucus membranes and stopping the further build up of mucus thus reliving of blocked sinuses.

There are various other heath benefits of whole peppercorns which through the ages have helped in keeping health disorders at bay. Although research is being conducted to understand it further, many health claims are baser on clinical experiences rather than scientific data.