Got Food? - the Scientia Review
Got Food? - the Scientia Review
Got Food? - the Scientia Review
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Different regions in <strong>the</strong> world have distinct ethnic food, but <strong>the</strong>re is overlap in <strong>the</strong> types of spices<br />
used in <strong>the</strong> 36 different countries that were studied. The difficulty in measuring <strong>the</strong>ir benefits arises from<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir small amounts of daily intake. The concentration of <strong>the</strong>se spices also depends on personal preference<br />
(Kaefer & Milner, 2007).<br />
Herbs known as sages belong to <strong>the</strong> genus Salvia which includes more than 900 different species. The<br />
commonly used sage is a culinary herb that contains many health benefits. There is evidence supporting<br />
that is was used as a tonic for treatment in <strong>the</strong> sixteenth century. To support this finding, many poets have<br />
even referred to this herb as medicine in <strong>the</strong>ir poetry. The monoterpenoids are responsible for <strong>the</strong><br />
aromatic scent and are <strong>the</strong> essential oils that provide <strong>the</strong> beneficial factors. Sage also possesses medical<br />
properties and produces chemicals that are used in <strong>the</strong> perfumery industry.<br />
Some species of Salvia are used as a hallucinogens, and for this reason <strong>the</strong>se species have been<br />
deemed illegal in some parts of <strong>the</strong> world. The hallucinogenic effect of this herb is obtained from dried<br />
leaves that are chewed to produce this effect for up to an hour. This short-lasting effect is <strong>the</strong> reason for<br />
why sage is used in many religious rituals (Hanson, 2010).<br />
Various spices and herbs.<br />
There are many different species of sage which are used in different products such as perfumes<br />
and cosmetics. The most commonly used kind is garden sage which is grown in warm, sunny areas. Sage<br />
is usually harvested before its flowering because of <strong>the</strong> quality of essential oil is at its highest <strong>the</strong>n. This<br />
oil is <strong>the</strong>n used for its antioxidant properties in cheeses, pickles, processed foods, and bitters. The variety<br />
of antioxidants ranges from volatile oils to phenolic acids and contains anti-inflammatory agents which<br />
can fight against rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, and a<strong>the</strong>rosclerosis. Sage is highly known for its<br />
aromatic fragrant and bitter taste. This herb also proves to be an effective cure for symptoms of<br />
menopause, night sweats, and hot flashes and could possibly prove to be a cure for people with diabetes<br />
(Kirby, 2008).<br />
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