28.06.2014 Views

Got Food? - the Scientia Review

Got Food? - the Scientia Review

Got Food? - the Scientia Review

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

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 />

151

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!