Asafoetida
This traditional spice has been used in Africa, the Middle East, India, and South Asia. In this section, we will review some of the science and properties behind this spice.
Asafoetida is derived from Ferula asafoetida Linn, a resin with a sulfurous smell and various medicinal properties. The plant is native to Afghanistan and Iran.
Some of its effects
Anticarcinogenic effects:
In experimental lab animals exposed to cancer-causing agents, asafoetida extracts help prevent skin cancers. They seem to do this by enhancing the antioxidant levels in the lab animals—the antioxidants fight free radical medicated damage that can cause cancer. Tumor progression was stalled by pre-treatment with asafoetida.
Antihyerglycemic effects:
The presence of phenolics and tannins in extracts of asafoetida seems to help decrease the glucose levels in laboratory animals that have been treated with streptozotocin—a popular diabetes-inducing agent used in experimental studies of lab animals.
Hypotensive and antispasmodic effects:
Extracts of asafoetida were found to decrease blood pressure and also act as an effective antispasmodic in the intestine.
Antiobesity effects:
Asafoetida extracts were also shown to decrease body weight, adipocyte size, and leptin levels when administered to experimental animals. Liver steatosis, or fatty liver, was also decreased with its administration.
Effects on spermatogenesis
Asafoetida extracts in experimental animals were shown to increase the number of sperms as well as their viability. The spermatogenesis and leydig cells were increased with administration of this spice.
Toxic effects in pregnancy
Pregnanat women and babies should not consume asafoetida secondary to toxic effects. Though commonly used in various culinary cuisines, there have been associations between asafoaetida consumption and toxicity in pregnant women and babies, therefore it should be avoided.
As you can see in the above discussion, many of the spices we use in our cooking can have far-reaching effects on our health. As always, I wish that you keep your health and nutrition in center focus and live long and strong!
