Abstract

Aim: This research was planned and conducted to evaluate the use of some spice types for health and beliefs about effects of spices on health of adults between the aged 18-64.

Materials and methods: Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire form by face to face interview in order to determine their general characteristics and use of spices with regard to their health.

Result: Totally, 95.6% (Male: 96.2%, Female: 95.3%, p>0,05) adds spice to their foods and 36.9%(Male: 37.5%, Female: 36.6%, p>0,05) to their beverages. While their reasons for using spice were evaluated, it was determined it was added, most commonly, to flavor (45.6%), to make it smell good (15.3%) and because it is healthy (12.2%). Moreover, 88.1% (Male: 86.0%, Female: 89.0%, p>0,05) of the individuals think that spices have positive effects on health. The health problems on which spices are thought to have positive effects in descending order, however, are flu/common cold (71.2%), cough (55.3%), digestive system diseases (41.0%) and obesity (20.8%). 79.2% of the individuals with a chronic disease diagnosed by a physician use spice. 70.8% and 82.9%, respectively, of male and female individuals with a chronic disease use spice. Totally, 93.2% of those without any chronic disease, 96.5% of males and 92.5% of females use spices. Statistically significant difference was determined between frequencies of spice use in individuals with or without a chronic disease among all individuals and both genders (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: Frequency of spice use among Turkish adult individuals is common and spices are thought to be used for health and to have positive effects. While gender is not an important determinant in spice use among Turkish adult individuals, it may be an important determinant of status of having a chronic disease.

Keywords:Spice; Health; Adults