Herbs are the key ingredients for many delicious and healthy food dishes. They are one of the most overlooked nutrition sources with strong health benefits. Many doctors say that herbs help in preventing and fighting diseases. Besides culinary use, herbs are also used for medicinal purposes. Fresh herbs carry a variety of antioxidants and show anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. Several studies have shown that herbs may help in controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and insulin activity. So let’s look at some of these delicious herbs with powerful health benefits worth adding to your diet:
Sage
Also known as garden sage, it’s a green herb with numerous health benefits. This herb is loaded with several nutrients like calories, proteins, carbs, vitamin K, iron, calcium, vitamin B6, manganese, and fat. Its health benefits are significant for middle-aged people. It helps in improving brain function, memory, and especially Alzheimer’s disease. It’s used in various cuisines around the world. Some common dishes that sage is added to include soups, roasted dishes, sage butter, tomato sauce, etc.
Peppermint
Peppermint has been used for ages in folk medicine and aromatherapy. The oily component of this herb is responsible for the health benefits. It’s used widely to treat digestive issues as well as aches and pains. This is due to its main component menthol which has a great relaxation effect that acts as an anaesthetic and helps in relieving sore muscles and body aches. It also helps in controlling the pain of irritable bowel syndrome by relaxing the smooth muscles in the colon. It’s used in aromatherapy for its anti-nausea effect and great aroma as well.
Parsley
Along with a delicious taste, parsley is a rich source of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. It contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, iron, and extremely high vitamin K. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help during bloating as well. Furthermore, it can fight DNA damage and for that reason, it’s considered a Chemo protective herb. Parsley can act as a natural diuretic and treat fluid retention and oedema. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties and its oil is good for your skin as it can fight bacteria and help with blemishes.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb widely used in culinary dishes and for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, it’s used to reduce muscle pain, increase hair growth, boost immune and circulatory systems, and improve memory. It’s a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate, thiamine, and fibre. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s a great agent to help with gut health and digestion. Rosemary oil is also an essential oil that is good for hair, skin, and sore spots. It helps in reducing dryness, dandruff, and healing cuts and bruises. Adding it to your diet will provide a little extra brainpower, focus, and mental clarity.
Basil
Basil is a significant part of many cuisines all over the world, especially Italian cuisine. It’s a herb rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Traditionally, it’s used for treating snake bites, inflammation, and colds. Orientin and vicenin in basils help in protecting white blood cells. The antioxidants in basils have also been shown to fight damages caused by free radicals. It can also be used to control high blood pressure. Additionally, the phytochemicals in basils help in preventing cancer.
Thyme
Thyme is among biocides that are known to destroy harmful organisms and infectious bacteria. It has an amount of vitamin C in it and also contains vitamin A, copper, fibre, iron, and manganese. Thyme boosts your immune system and its essential oil has fungicidal properties and can be used as a disinfectant. It’s a significant element in France, Italy, and Mediterranean cuisines.
Oregano
Used widely in Mexican and Mediterranean dishes around the world, its flavour brings warmth and subtle sweetness to dishes. It’s a rich source of phytochemicals, vitamin K and vitamin E. Its antioxidant properties help in recovering the damage from free radicals and reduce inflammation. The components of oregano hold antibacterial properties and oregano essential oil can help in containing the growth of some strains of bacteria.
