Heeng- also known as “Asafoedita” is a spice very commonly used in your Indian cuisine.
Good source of antioxidants from tannins and flavonoids, this helps protect the cells against damage from free radicals and help prevent chronic inflammation and their diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes.
It helps with digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes. Studies have shown that people consuming heeng in concentrated forms has helped in the relief of bloating, indigestion and overall gut state. However, limited studies are available.
It also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial effects.
Some studies which have used concentrated forms of heeng have shown benefits in regulating blood pressure, protect against nerve damage, relieve asthma symptoms and regulate blood sugar levels. However, studies are limited; and the use of heeng for culinary purposes is in very small quantities which may exert minimal benefits.
Excessive doses in an extract form can cause gas, diarrhea, headache and mouth swellings but since it is typically used as a condiment in small amounts, side effects are rare.
Animal studies with Heeng extract have shown hypotensive and anticoagulant effects
It may not be gluten free, since when heeng has to be used as a spice, it is often mixed with either wheat flour or rice flour. Hence people with gluten intolerance must be careful while reading the ingredient list.