Beyond its flavor-enhancing qualities in food, spices have been used as remedies in traditional healing systems of various countries and cultures since ages. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing system that utilizes many spices, carrying profound health benefits.
Recent medical research has proven many health promoting properties of the household spices and herbs. The new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommends using spices and herbs to help reduce sodium in our diet. Consumption of herbs and spices in appropriate quantities can help reduce the risk of disease by providing anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic benefits. To help raise awareness of the benefits of consuming various spices, BAPS Charities organized a health awareness lecture in Chicago, IL on March 10, 2019.
The health awareness lecture was presented by Dr. Dhruvil Pandya and highlighted various spices such as turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, cumin, bitter melon, holy basil, and many others, and their respective impact on health. Participants learned of the various properties of each of these spices, as well as de-bunking common myths, and the appropriate quantities of consumption for beneficial health. The detailed explanation from the presenter gave attendees actionable steps to help improve their health through thoughtful inclusion of various spices and herbs in their diet.
