Superb herbs! 4 key nutritional benefits

Herbs are superb! 4 key nutritional benefits

I love herbs! They’re fun to grow and delicious to eat. We use herbs to flavor our cooking, but beyond flavor, they also contain important nutritional ingredients. And even though I’ve only listed four benefits below, there are countless herbs for cooking, each with its own specific strengths.

1. A Healthier Way To Flavor Up Your Food

ScienceDirect.com points out one obvious yet overlooked health benefit of herbs: They enhance the flavor of food. When food is too bland, we’re likely to load it up with things like fatty, sugary dressings, or unhealthy salt. Next time you’re making a meal, add herbs and spices before you end up flavoring it at the table with less healthy alternatives.

2. Nutritional Antioxidants

According to an article published by the National Institute of Health, many herbs and spices are full of natural antioxidants. While most people associate antioxidants with cancer prevention – and there is some clinical evidence that using herbs in cooking can help ward off cancer – the NIH points out that herbs may be an even better source of antioxidants than fruit, grains, or vegetables.

3. A Source Of Flavonoids

While cancer and heart disease are pretty big topics in health, Jo Lewin, a nutritionist writing for the BBC, points out that many herbs are full of flavonoids.
Flavonoids found in garlic, onions, rosemary, thyme, sage, and other kitchen favorites are anti-inflammatory chemicals that help the immune system fight off everyday illnesses and can play an important role in our overall health. Flavonoid compounds are also found in teas made with chamomile, ginger, and echinacea.

4. A Rich Source Of Vitamins And Minerals

Many herbs contain minerals that we might not expect. Antioxidantsforhealthandlongevity.com points out that cumin, a spice common in Indian food, is a good source of iron. Turmeric, another spice common in Indian cuisine, is also full of antioxidants and flavonoids.

Enjoy your herbs

Herbs offer so many nutritional benefits. The next time you’re adding herbs to make your food taste better, remember, you’re also making your food better for you!

This post is presented as informational entertainment and not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or disease. Always consult your medical professional before adding new routines or anything new to your diet or regimen.

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