 Alamelu
Vairavan worked for many years in care facilities for older people
while at the same time pursuing her passion for healthful cooking.
Then, it dawned on her: perhaps there
is a connection between seniors’ health and the spices used in South
Indian recipes. "I go to India once a year, and I don’t hear of
Alzheimer’s there," she says. "I have a lot of elderly
family there and they seem to remember everything. It’s all in the
diet, I think."
Specifically, Vairavan and other
experts say, curry powder and other spice mixes containing turmeric
may provide protection against Alzheimer’s disease. According to
research at the University of Kentucky, turmeric’s antioxidant
qualities also may reduce the risk of colon cancer and childhood
leukemia and ward off heart disease as well.
Cumin, a key ingredient in curry
powder, has been touted since Biblical times and now is said to be
beneficial to the digestive system and may help defend against cancer.
"Cumin seeds are a good source of iron and keep the immune system
strong," says Vairavan.
Vairavan, who lives in Whitefish Bay,
will have her third cookbook published this spring. She also teaches
culinary classes and presents wellness programs throughout the area.
Another cooking instructor, May Huang
of Brookfield, also believes in the health benefits of spices. She
teaches Chinese cooking, which makes liberal use of ginger and garlic.
"Ginger helps your stomach if it’s upset," says Huang.
"Ginger tea can help if you have a cold, or if you are just
getting a cold, it can stop it."
As for garlic, research has linked it
with decreased blood cholesterol numbers. Huang says garlic can be
added to almost every type of stir-fry dish. With food-chain safety a
growing concern, there’s another benefit to garlic that Huang
mentions. "When we make Chinese salad, we add chopped garlic, and
it can kill some of the bacteria in the other fresh ingredients,"
she explains.
Among the most healthful spices is
oregano, according to the Kentucky research. Besides being a good
source of fiber, iron and manganese, oregano ranks far ahead of
apples, potatoes, oranges and blueberries in terms of antioxidant
activity. Other spices that pack an antioxidant punch include cinnamon
and black pepper.
Also noted for their health benefits
are parsley (a good anti-inflammatory), basil (may help relieve
inflammatory bowel disease), and cloves (may prevent digestive tract
cancers).
Waukesha County Technical College
offers a number of culinary classes to the public. Topics for classes
this spring include South Indian cooking, Chinese cooking, Cajun
cooking, Greek cooking, cooking with herbs and more. For information,
call (262) 695-6512 or go to: www.wctc.edu.
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