LIFE SCIENCE FOR GENERAL UNDERSTANDING: PLANTS --VII

 

LIFE SCIENCE FOR GENERAL UNDERSTANDING:      PLANTS --VII

 ASAFOETIDA -- A MAJOR RESINOUS SPICE IN VEGETARIAN RECIPE

ASAFOETIDA=TAMIL-பெருங்காயம்,  HINDI=HING, MALAYALAM=പെരുങ്കായം, TELUGU= ఇంగువ,,   KANNADA= ಇಂಗು

In our dietary prescription [at least in Tamil Nadu, many do not employ asafetida and they hold a weird outlook to the commodity, just as some sections are not inclined to accept Onion/ Garlic in diet supplements on grounds of traditional culture. The two distinct groups indicated above find it ‘difficult’ to have a session of peaceful meal if they suspect asafetida in the recipe [ the first group] or Onion/ Garlic in the recipe [ the second group].  Otherwise they are congenial vegetarian friends.

A detailed survey of literature reveals that both contentions are not wrong in the sense that the items [Onion/ Garlic] and [Asafoetida] are functional equivalents by way of their roles as ‘spices’ of near identical value in a dietary prescription. Several other cultures in our country use both the categories [O/ G] as well as [Asa ] and perhaps they gather the best of both worlds. Leaving aside these ‘lighter vein’ perceptions, we would focus on the advantages or benefits of using Asafoetida.

ASAFOETIDA is a gum like exudates derived from the root region of the plant Ferula. By nativity, the plant is suggested to be from Iran / Afghanistan. How our ancestors caught hold of this item for use in food supplement? Probably barter traders inducted the item to our markets which later entered our food culture. Be that as it may – let us consider the key features of significance to our pursuit.

The strong smell of asafetida is ascribed to sulphur content which pervades the kitchen air during cooking.  But upon cooking, the stuff gets to have  a palatable aroma that if in right quantity can elevate the delight of the diner.

Ayurvedic practitioners consider asafetida [AF for convenience] as capable of alleviating effects of kidney stones, even as it can rectify digestive disorders.

A variety of health benefits is ascribed to AF’s role as a spice.

AS ANTIOXIDANT

AF can function as an antioxidant warding off the scope of release of free –radicals that can trigger cancerous tendency in cells. Phenolics [Tannins] and flavanoids in AF  confer on to the resin the ability for antioxidant activity.

ROLE IN DIGESTION

AF is known to help digestion , especially of fatty substances by promoting the secretion of ‘ bile fluids’.

ROLE IN REGULATION OF BOWEL MOVEMENT / IBS

IBS [IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME] is a disorderly state associated with ageing. IBS may be associated with ‘constipation’ or Diarrhoea’ or both . It is related to improper digestion and consequent erratic  bowel movement. Its rectification requires appropriate control of digestion, supported by useful bacteria [ pre/ pro biotics] in the digestive system. AF can be of good help in such situations.  

AF AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ONION/ GARLIC

Studies have shown that [O/G] contain Fructosans , not easy to digest by those with IBS state. AF offers the sane biochemical advantages of O/G without the problem from fructosans, though AF does help in ways similar to those by O/G.

ANTIMICROBIAL  ROLE

Several strains of Streptococcus bacteria are inhibited by AF in laboratory studies .

ANTI BP ROLE

Laboratory studies on AF have shown regulation of BP by relaxing the blood vessels.

ROLE ON BLOOD SUGAR

In high concentration,  AF  is known to lower fasting sugar levels in blood.

So many advantages can be had from Asafetida.

Prof .K. Raman