Vol. 12, Issue 3 (2023)

Author(s):
Dr. Neelam Kumari, Dr. Gitanjali Chaudhary, Dr. Usha Singh and Sidharth Kaushik

Abstract:
The rich culinary tradition of India has always viewed the role of food as therapeutic. Role of food is not restricted to providing nutrition but food is seen as one of the most important components of overall well-being. The science behind traditional Indian food has been passed on orally over generations and thus has preserved its authenticity. Various herbs and spices have been a prominent component of Indian traditional food since time immemorial. While these herbs and spices definitely act as taste enhancers, the role played by such herbs and spices is nothing short of medicinal. They provide added health benefits or remedy from certain diseased condition and provide the body with beneficial ingredients. This is an overlap of the definition of functional food and properties of herbs and spices used in traditional Indian food.