Mood without food is similar to food without herbs and spices. Well, there is a very strong connection between mood, food, herbs, and spices. For instance, you might feel it (the changing mood swings) when you don’t find anything to eat, especially when you are craving. Simultaneously, let’s suppose you find something, but that is not as tasty and colorful as you wanted it to be. What would happen next? It will directly affect your mood. Right? Well, you know the answer!
See how all these things are related to each and other. Therefore, you can’t neglect the importance of greeny, grassy, fresh herbs that enhance the taste of your food when they are added.
Other than taste, these herbs play a significant role in the well-being of the person. Once you know the health benefits that these herbs contain, you might want to grow a kitchen garden in your home.
So, let’s move forward and check what miracles are hidden here:
Different Herbs With Their Health Benefits
Here, we will elucidate different herbs and their powerful health benefits, that would take your life and fitness goals to the next level. Read more:
1. Parsley
Parsley belongs to the flowering plant in the family of Apiaceae, a botanical name (Petroselinum crispum). Indeed, it is one of the famous herbs that is must to include in almost every delectable recipe. Parsley is eminent for various things:
It treats fluid retention, edema and contains anti-inflammatory property. Also, the use of Parsley in foods makes your breath fresh as it is enriched with chlorophyll and provides Vitamin C, K. Moreover, Parsley is recommended for treating infections in urinary tracts, kidneys, bladders, and is used to cure ailments related to the liver, lungs, and improves indigestion. Parsley is rich in myricetin, which is known to protect you against cancer, and the presence of calcium and boron helps to prevent osteoporosis.
According to Sharon Zarabi (Lenox Hill Hospital): “Parsley is known to increase urine output without affecting electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.”
Note: Parsley and Cilantro, both look extremely similar to each other, but still, they are not the same herbs.
2. Thyme
Thyme is a herb, a dried part of the genus Thymus of perennial evergreen herbs in the mint family Lamiaceae. Also, its small leaves grow on thin stems and profoundly used to season the dishes. Let’s find more:
Thyme is enriched with manganese, vitamin A, and C that are tremendously good for your health. More to that, it is a powerful ingredient that works well to reduce the risks of colon cancer and breast cancer. Thyme contains flavonoids that increase the antioxidant capacity of your body. The antimicrobial components can control food spoilage and bacterial infections in the human body. Undeniably, Thyme lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Also, you can feel its aroma that helps to relax the mind. Interestingly, Thyme aids in improving immunity system as well as stops the cough.
3. Cilantro (or Coriander plant leaves)
Cilantro is the name of the plant leaves and stems, whereas the coriander is the dried seeds of the same plant. Some people say it dhania or Chinese Parsley while others say it cilantro (according to their localities). Also, it comes from the plant species Coriandrum sativum. Below, check some of its benefits:
Cilantro is loaded with antioxidants and enriched with Vitamin C, A, K, and E. With this, the Coriander plant leaves (Cilantro) are always added in food after getting prepared as they induce the great aroma and taste in the meal. Also, it may help you to fight against infections and reduce inflammation. It heals cholesterol in patients and lowers their blood sugar level. Plus, the cilantro contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. So, yes, you would opt for it several thousand times.
4. Basil
The Great Basil herb is a member of the family Lamiaceae. Basil herbs are mostly used in worldwide cuisines and native to regions like Asia and Africa. Here, we have some health benefits to share:
Basil is extremely good in antioxidants and fights against free radical damage. The leaves contain water-soluble flavonoids that protect your white blood cells and hold phytochemicals to aid in preventing cancer. With this, the Basil provides antimicrobial and cholesterol-lowering benefits. Its extraordinary leaves help to relieve inflammation and are good for digestion. The leaves detoxify the body, its oil is used to cleanse your skin, and the massage helps to eliminate depression. Also, Basil is a culinary herb that supports liver function and manages diabetes. Even its seeds are extremely useful in controlling many health issues.
5. Oregano
Oregano is a herb composed of both dried and fresh leaves of the oregano plant, and also it belongs to the family of mint. Importantly, it is used in different Chinese and Italian cuisine because of its herby, fresh inhaling smell. Oregano is best for many other reasons, like:
The herb leaves act as the best antioxidants supplier that gives your body the power to combat different medical situations. Additionally, the greatest power of oregano is that it can fight with infections and reduces the risk of cholesterol and cancer. A study confirms that oregano worked best against 23 types of bacterias. Indeed, the oregano is the must-have kitchen herb that eliminates indigestion, diarrhea, high blood sugar level, asthma, and inflammation. You can’t ignore the importance of oregano in your kitchen as its Kahwa soothes the traditional cold, flu, and fever.
6. Tarragon
You might not know that Tarragon, also known as estragon, a perennial herb, belongs to the sunflower family. Tarragon is considered as one of the rarely used herbs, and the taste it comes up with is beyond the words. Therefore, you can use it for both culinary and medical purposes. With this, you can find great options for tarragon substitutes as well that may help you to achieve good health goals. Let’s dig a bit more:
The bowl of Tarragon contains zinc, iron, and magnesium. Tarragon helps to treat nausea, and the oil of fresh herb helps to maintain your digestive system, thanks to the presence of carotenoids in the tarragon leaves. Also, it recovers your appetite by reducing the leptin level. People with sleep disorders use this herb in their hot beverages to revive their sleeping habits. Lastly, Tarragon encompasses the antibacterial properties, lessens pains, and controls blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint is a hybrid herb, a cross between spearmint and watermint. No doubt, the drinks and the food recipes you try, including this herb, give an exceptional taste and smell. Not only this, but the herb also has various healthy and useful compounds that you can’t ignore, scroll down to know them:
The most prominent feature of Peppermint is that it treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Many companies produce mint-flavored toothpaste, which gives your mouth a refreshing feeling. Moreover, its main component Menthol treats stomach woes and other distressing pains or sore muscles. Indeed, Peppermint fights with nausea that patients feel after surgeries. Other than this, the mint is significantly used in aromatherapies to relax stressful lines of your forehead.
8. Dill
Another underrated fresh herb is Dill, the taste is sweet and sour, and it is mostly used in pickles and sauces like tzatziki sauce. Dill is a herb related to the celery family Apiaceae, and dill seeds are used as spices. Check some health benefits here:
Dill is a great source of iron and calcium (that gives strength to the bones). Dill holds a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C, that resists all the infections. With this, it enjoys some fibers like folate, which helps in the production of DNA. Also, the Dill leaves help to detoxify the body and is immensely used by the patients of blood sugar. Some of the plant compounds provide aid in fighting with cancer, heart diseases, inflammation, and work as antibacterials as well.
9. Rosemary
Salvia Rosemarinus, commonly known as Rosemary, comes from the family of Lamiaceae and is a perennial herb whose leaves look like needles, taste woody. It can be beneficial in many ways, such as:
Rosemary is a good source of Vitamin B6, calcium, and iron. One of the active compounds of Rosemary is called rosmarinic acid that can surpass nasal congestion and allergic responses. More to that, it gives relief from headaches and prevents food poisoning. You can have Rosemary brew to treat nausea and an upset stomach. Undoubtedly, Rosemary essential oil helps to reduce stress, dandruff and is a cure for unhealthy skin.
Also, Malina Malkani, creator at Wholitarian Lifestyle, said: “The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits in Rosemary may support a wide range of health benefits that include improved digestion and increased circulation.”
Note: The taste of Rosemary and Thyme resembles a lot, but Rosemary’s taste is woodier than Thyme
10. Dandelion
Dandelion (Botanical name: Taraxacum), is a species of the flowering plant in the family of Asteraceae. Dandelion is amazingly used in various cooking and medical purposes, especially in the production of medicines and essential oils. Now, get a wing to some of its benefits:
Food involving dandelions helps in weight loss, and controls, sugar level, cholesterol, cancer, and blood pressure. It builds up your liver performance and treats constipation. With this, the dandelion leaves when added in the meal, can reduce inflammation, supports skin, and makes bones strong.
Other than this, Sage, Chamomile, Stinging Nettle, and Chives are also mandatory herbs to include in your meal as they not only taste good but keep you active and healthy, too.
Conclusion
Start adding herbs in your food; feel a change in your body in days of the usage. Moreover, the herbs let you enjoy food and drinks with mind soothing aromas that you first inhale and then devour.
Enjoy a herby Life!
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