Role of herbs and spices: In health and longevity and in disease

Srinivasan, Krishnapura (2015) Role of herbs and spices: In health and longevity and in disease. In: Antioxidants in Health and Disease. CRC Press, pp. 281-300. ISBN 978-146658011-4

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Abstract

Herbs and spices have a long history of both culinary and medicinal use. Ayurvedic traditional medicine evolved more than 5000 years ago, and uses herbs and spices for health, including tumeric, basil, mace, cinnamon, and ginger (Govindarajan et al. 2005). Traditionally, the Chinese have integrated food, nutrition, and health, including herbs and spices in specially prepared dishes for both sustenance and for purported health benefits (Bellamy and Pfister 1992). Ginseng and ginkgo biloba are reportedly used to improve stamina and cognitive performance, respectively. Herbs and spices can be regarded as among the first “functional foods.” Asian and Indian diets, which are high in vegetables and fruits, also generally include a large amount and considerable variety of herbs and spices (Sinha et al. 2003). The health-promoting effect of these foods are attributable not only to the general nutritional profile (high in dietary fiber; low in fat and salt; low energy density; and high in vitamins A, C, and folate) but also to a wide range of nonnutrient bioactives and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and other phenolics, which are found in herbs and spices. Herbs and spices add flavor to foods without salt, thus assisting to meet the reduced daily intake of sodium. Herbs and spices add flavor to foods without fat, thus assisting to meet healthy fat intake. Inclusion of herbs and spices in diets promotes intake of plant-based foods that increase the nutritional quality of the daily diet. Herbs and spices, while providing flavor and aroma to our diets, also contribute diverse bioactives that may have a role in improving human health. Herbs and spices are hence a desirable integral part of daily diet. © 2015 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	herbs, spices, health
Subjects:	600 Technology > 01 Medical sciences > 13 Nutrition-Human 600 Technology > 08 Food technology > 30 Spices/Condiments
Depositing User:	Somashekar K S
Date Deposited:	24 Sep 2025 06:29
Last Modified:	24 Sep 2025 06:29
URI:	http://ir.cftri.res.in/id/eprint/19843

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