7 Nutritious Herbs You Should Add To Your Diet Now
The majority of people around the globe use herbs as just another topping or seasoning ingredient to enhance the flavor and aroma of the meal. However, herbs also have many health benefits. Here, we share 7 of the best herbs for health and healing that you should add to your meals regularly.
Because of the plant-based nature of herbs, they have similar nutritional, biochemical, and physical structures to leafy green veggies like kale, spinach, and lettuce. Whereas one cannot eat herbs even in their fresh form, like vegetables. Some soft-stemmed herbs like dill, basil, and parsel are used in greater quantities but only in sandwiches and salads. Furthermore, fresh herbs like rosemary, lavender, and mint can only be used as toppings and drinks in smaller quantities. Most importantly, herbs contain as many nutrients as vegetables contain.
1. Basil
Most people still see basil as one of the topping ingredients of pizza and pesto. Basil contains about 100 distinct species. Holy basil and sweet basil are one of the best species of basils. According to various studies, sweet basil helps in controlling blood pressure. Moreover, its fragrance and sweet aroma relieve anxiety and ease stress. Whereas clinical experience shows that holy basil helps in easing anxiety, stress, depression, and sexual issues. Both studies are done at laboratories, so the benefits may vary at home.
How to Use:
- Add fresh basil leaves to salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
- Use as a topping for pizza or pasta dishes.
- Blend into pesto sauce for a delicious and healthy condiment.
2. Ginger
Ginger is sometimes referred to as an herb and sometimes as a spice. Yet it does not matter what and how you name it; it still gives a ton of health benefits. Many studies have shown that ginger proves helpful in relieving knee pains due to osteoarthritis. Moreover, it removes the nausea of seasickness, and motion sickness, decreases high cholesterol, and enhances the recovery of muscles after a workout. Furthermore, ginger powder acts as ibuprofen. As it helps in relieving the pain of post-surgery of molar removal.
How to Use:
- Add freshly grated ginger to teas and smoothies.
- Use in stir-fries, soups, and marinades.
- Incorporate into baked goods for a spicy kick.
3. Lavender
Lavender serves as an edible shrub, but the majority of studies on lavender illustrate its fragrance and aroma. It also belongs to the Mint family. Although various studies have shown that it helps in relieving anxiety, drives off stress and irritability, and improves the sleep cycle. However, if you are facing difficulty in sleeping, then put a small pack of lavender flowers under the pillow during the night. It lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, which calms down the brain and helps you fall asleep better and faster.
How to Use:
- Infuse in teas or lemonade for a relaxing drink.
- Add dried lavender to baked goods such as cookies and cakes.
- Use in marinades and salad dressings for a unique flavor.
4. Sage
Sage refers to an evergreen herb. It belongs to a mint family. Its velvety leaves give a cool and minty aroma. Studies have proven that sage tea offers various health benefits. Moreover, it is used to treat asthma, cough, bronchitis, and much more.
How to Use:
- Add to stuffing, sausages, and meat dishes.
- Use in savory breads and crackers.
- Brew sage tea for a comforting beverage.
5. Oregano
Oregano gives off a mint taste and aroma. This makes it an ideal choice for flavoring any kind of meal, from potatoes to tomatoes. Other than seasoning the food, oregano also comes with various health benefits. Oregano leaves contain carvacrol in abundance. This compound has an efficient ability to fight norovirus. Norovirus is considered a very highly contagious virus of the stomach. Moreover, oregano tea also helps in enhancing immunity to fight infections in the body.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle over pizza, pasta, and salads.
- Use in marinades and dressings.
- Add to soups and stews for a robust flavor.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in a rich amount. It helps in improving circulation and boosting the immunity of the body. However, it comes in piney form, which contains natural chemicals. These chemicals help the body to keep diabetes in control by maintaining the blood sugar level. Rosemary has carnosic acid in abundance. This antioxidant compound aids the brain cells to protect from aging changes. These changes include difficulty in understanding new things and breaking verbal skills.
How to Use:
- Use in marinades for meats and vegetables.
- Add to bread dough or focaccia for a fragrant twist.
- Infuse in olive oil for a flavorful cooking oil.
7. Thyme
Since the medieval ages, thyme, one of the family members of mint, has been used as an herbal med and kitchen staple. It not only gives an earthy taste to the food but also relieves bronchitis and coughs. According to various research, thyme still has its healing abilities. The majority of people still use thyme for relieving coughs and inflamed bronchitis.
How to Use:
- Add to roasted vegetables, meats, and stews.
- Infuse in oils or vinegar for a flavorful dressing.
- Use in marinades for a savory depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Adding these nutritious herbs into your diet can significantly enhance your meals’ flavor and health benefits. Whether you’re adding them fresh, dried, or as part of a sauce or dressing, these herbs offer a variety of essential nutrients that can support overall well-being. Start experimenting with these herbs in your cooking today and enjoy the delicious and healthful results!
