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October 22, 2025
A Virtual Seminar Organized by the Southern California Local Sec:on of the American Chemical Society (SCALACS) and funded by an LSAC Grant.
Health Benefits of Spices: From Traditional Use to Modern Science
Date: October 22, 2025 • Time: 4:00-5:00 pm
Presented by:
Dr. Zhaoping Li
Director of Center for Human Nutrition
Division Chief of Clinical Nutrition
Professor of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Presentation Abstract:
Spices are dried plant parts, including seeds, fruits, bark, roots, and buds, used to flavor and color food for thousands of years. It contains high levels of polyphenols and other bioac;ve compounds. These compounds offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that may help prevent chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes. While scientific research continues, studies show consistent consumption of spices can contribute to health, functional capability and longevity.
Speaker Biography:
Zhaoping Li, MD, PhD is Professor of Medicine, Director of Center for Human Nutrition and Chief of the Division of Clinical Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Li completed her MD and PhD in Physiology at Beijing University. Her residency training was completed at the UCLA-VA Internal Medicine program in 1996 where she also served as Chief Medical resident. Dr. Li has been a faculty member at UCLA and VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System since 1997. Dr. Li is board certified in Internal Medicine, and Physician Nutrition Specialist. She has published hundreds of studies on the effect of diet and nutrition on obesity and a host of other body conditions and ailments. Her group also made extensive studies on the prebiotic effects and chemical composition of several well-known spices.
Registration Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/mee;ng/register/5Cc-Q38VSbWc809cNvhHBQ
Download flyer HERE.