Indian spice makers MDH and Everest have come under scrutiny by health authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore after cancer-causing pesticide ethylene oxide was found in them. This has also prompted India’s top food regulator Food and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to take samples of these products. Ethylene oxide, which is commonly used to sterilize medical instruments, is used to reduce microbial contamination in spices. Exposure to this chemical causes various types of cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia.
While further investigation and research is underway to determine the potential side effects of using certain chemicals in store-bought spice blends, experts say it is best to either eat these spices in moderation or mix your own at home. It is important to create. (Also read: Indian spice maker Everest says products safe after health concerns)
Can canned spices cause cancer?
Eating excessively spicy food increases the risk of stomach cancer. However, the recent ban on Indian spice brands like MDH and Everest Group by the Hong Kong and Singapore governments highlights the presence of cancer-causing chemicals like ethylene oxide, a harmful pesticide that can pose a threat to human health when consumed in excess of permissible quantities. Could.
“In recent times, there has been discussion over whether Indian spices, which add flavor and aroma to countless dishes, could potentially cause cancer. There have been reports that eating food containing small amounts of ethylene oxide can immediately It is not harmful, but it can cause health problems over time. Therefore, some studies have shown that some spices, such as turmeric and chili, may cause health problems over time. “Potential anti-cancer properties. The actions include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting tumor proliferation, migration and invasion, and sensitizing tumors to radiotherapy and chemotherapy,” says Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, Head and Neck Cancer Institute of India, Says Dr Kanav Kumar, Mumbai-based surgical oncologist.
Homemade spices can protect against cancer
Spices and herbs have been used extensively since ancient times as food flavoring agents and in traditional medicine.
Spices have been part of various food recipes to provide aroma, color and flavor to food preparations and sometimes to mask undesirable odors. Spices refer to the dried part of a plant that contains volatile oils or aromatic flavors such as buds (cloves), bark (cinnamon), roots (ginger), berries (pepper), and seeds (cumin, coriander).
“It is believed that the use of herbs and spices in the diet may be protective due to its medicinal properties and protect against chronic diseases, including cancer. Additionally, they have been shown to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, , and some types of cancer. They have been shown to aid digestion by reducing bloating, gas and indigestion. Spices and herbs have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The main bioactive compounds in spices and herbs have anti-cancer properties. Anti-cancer properties are found in ginger, chilli, henna, turmeric and clove. Pritam Kataria, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.
5 reasons to consume homemade spice blends
G Sushma Clinical Dietitian Care Hospital Banjara Hills Hyderabad shares 5 compelling reasons to start making spice blends at home in an interview with HT Digital.
1. Quality Control: Making your own spice blends gives you complete control over the ingredients you use. This means you can hand-pick the freshest spices available, ensuring optimal flavor and potency. Unlike pre-packaged mixes, where you may not know how long the spices have been sitting on the shelf, homemade mixes guarantee freshness, resulting in a richer and more vibrant flavor to your dishes.
2. Customization: The most important benefit of homemade spice blends is the ability to customize them to suit your specific tastes and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a more spicy kick, a milder flavor, or a unique combination of herbs and spices, you have the freedom to experiment and adjust the proportions until you get the perfect blend. This customization allows you to create spice blends that perfectly complement your favorite dishes and meet any dietary restrictions or allergies.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Although the initial investment in purchasing individual spices may seem higher than purchasing pre-made blends, making your own spice blends can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. Buying spices in bulk is often cheaper per unit, and since you’re only using small amounts of each spice in your blends, you’ll be able to make multiple batches from a single purchase. Over time, this can result in significant savings compared to constantly purchasing pre-packaged spice blends.
4. Freshness: The freshness of the spices used in your blends can greatly affect the overall flavor of your dishes. By grinding your own spices as needed for each batch of seasoning, you ensure that they retain their essential oils and aromatic compounds, resulting in a more intense and stronger flavor profile. This freshness also means you can adjust the grind size to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a coarser texture for added texture or a finer powder for a more even distribution of flavor.
5. Healthier option: Many commercially available spice blends contain high levels of additives, preservatives, and sodium to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. By making your own spice blends at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid these unnecessary additives and create healthier spice choices for your food. You can also adjust the amount of salt as per your preference, making it easier to manage your sodium intake and create dishes that are not only delicious but also better for your overall health.
Making the mixture at home is also good for people suffering from high blood pressure and heart diseases. One can control the amount of salt and customize them as per their taste.
“Homemade spice blends provide a range of health benefits beyond just enhancing flavor. Preparing your own blends allows for customization, ensuring minimal additives and preservatives. Incorporating spices like turmeric, which has Known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and cumin, rich in antioxidants, strengthens immune function and aids digestion. Making the mixture at home reduces sodium intake compared to store-bought options. Preparing in powder form will enhance the taste of food. Grinding ginger, garlic and cumin together not only gives a beautiful color to the gravy but also gives a pleasant aroma when prepared at home. You buy whole turmeric and grind it at home, this avoids any chemical additives and pesticides, ensuring a healthy option,” says Suparna Mukherjee, clinical nutrition in-charge, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru.
