Herbs are super nutritious and packed with essential nutrients for your diet. When compared to the equivalent amount of lettuce raw parsley can provide three times the amount of vitamin A and four times the amount of calcium and five times more iron, 17 times as much vitamin K and 44 times the amount of Vitamin C. Herbs are a rich source of flavor and nutrition. Herbs can be classified as woody or herbaceous such as rosemary and Thyme, or soft herbs such as parsley, coriander, and basil. These herbs are more brittle and are usually too potent to be consumed raw. They’re typically cooked along with the food they’re supposed to flavor and are usually taken out prior to serving.
6 Herbs you can eat raw
- Basil
- Mint
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Cilantro
- Parsley
Basil
The most sought-after fresh herb (probably due to its use as a pizza topping), It is sweet, fragrant, and slightly peppery. As with other herbs that are fresh, it’s a great source of polyphenols found in plants, which are believed to fight off chronic diseases. It’s not surprising that basil goes perfectly with Mediterranean flavors and is best when it’s added at the conclusion of cooking. It’s also a great compliment to salads made with fresh ingredients, like the one below. Spring Strawberry Salad.
- Basil contains flavonoids that are substances. The flavonoids that are found in basil are believed to protect cells from damage by radiation.
- The volatile oils in basil possess antibacterial properties that aid in protecting the body from pathogens.
- Basil is a rich source of iron that helps prevent anemia. A quick tip: If you consume iron-rich foods like basil and vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers, oranges or to increase your body’s capacity to absorb iron.
- Basil is believed to aid in stabilizing the blood sugar level.
- Basil can have a general calm effect on your body and mind.
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Mint
- Mint is the term used given to more than a dozen species of plants that include spearmint and peppermint belonging to the Genus Mentha.
- These plants are well-known for the cooling effect they give. They are able to be added to food both in dried and fresh varieties.
- Mint is an ingredient that is used in many drinks and food items that range from beverages and teas to salad dressings, sauces and desserts.
- Even though eating the plant has certain health benefits, research has shown that many of the benefits of mint’s health are derived from applying it to your skin and inhaling its scent or taking it in capsules.
- Mint is a fantastic herb that aids digestion. Mint is a stimulant for salivary glands, which can lead to an excellent beginning to the digestion process and also aid in relaxing and soothing your digestive tract.
- Mint is a source of essential oils that are believed to reduce nausea.
- Mint can be utilized as an excellent remedy for headaches.
- Mint is a great herb to help clear congestion from the respiratory tract, including the throat, the nose and the bronchial tubes.
- Mint can soothe and soothe throat pain by cooling the throat’s tissues.
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Tarragon
Tarragon has a vibrant spicy, peppery, and sweet anise-like flavor,” says Jackie Newgent, RDN, a culinary nutritionist who is the writer of “The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook” and spokesperson for the American Pecan Council. “Frankly, I think it’s one of the most underutilized fresh herbs,” she says. Tarragon is a source of iron, magnesium, and zinc. However, the amount that is used for cooking is generally minimal. Newgent suggests adding tarragon towards the end of the cooking process or by making use of fresh leaves. “One of my favorite recipes to serve at picnics is a tarragon chicken salad with pecans since tarragon is a perfect pairing for chicken and the pecans provide delicious texture and filling dietary fiber to the creamy salad.” If you’re looking for a meal recipe, you can try the following recipe: Mushroom with White Bean Pasta that is topped with the addition of tarragon.
- It is rich in beneficial nutrients but has few calories and carbs.
- It could help reduce blood sugar by enhancing insulin sensitivity.
- Can Improve Sleep and Regulate Sleep Patterns.
- Could increase appetite through reducing Leptin Levels.
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Thyme
According to Haas that Thyme is known for its fresh earthy, lemony taste with the hint of pine. The oil from Thyme might have antimicrobial qualities as well as being an excellent source of Vitamin C. “Thyme is great for adding flavor to soups, stocks and stews, roasted veggies, as well as cooking beans from scratch,” Haas says. Haas. Thyme is usually used to finish recipes such as this Sauteed Mushrooms made with Thyme along with Bulgur. Thyme helps fight off
- Acne
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Bad breath
- Bronchitis
- Colds
Thyme is believed to possess insecticidal, antibacterial, and even antifungal properties.
Thyme was used throughout the ages for embalming and protection against the Black Death.
The forms of Thyme are dried and fresh herbs, as well as essential oils.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a controversial ingredient because people either like it or hate it. “Cilantro tastes a bit citrusy and pungent; though, some think it has an unusual soapiness,” states Newgent. “Cilantro is actually the Spanish translation for the leaves of the coriander plant,” she says. Newgent also suggests the use of cilantro during cold preparation and cooking, but not in cooking. “It pairs with Mexican, Asian and Indian dishes, like this Coconut Cauliflower ‘Couscous’,” notes Newgent.
- Cilantro is a heavy metal chelator which means that it assists in removing heavy metals from your body.
- Cilantro helps reduce LDL which is also known as “bad” cholesterol levels.
- The stems as well as leaves can be eaten and are high in antioxidants (the substances that help defend your body against the damage caused by free radicals).
- Cilantro is a fantastic source of potassium which is a mineral that can help maintain the balance of fluids in your body.
- Cilantro is a great source of Vitamin C, an important nutritional component for immune function. A serving of 100g of cilantro gives you 30% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C.
Parsley
Although parsley is very similar to cilantro, its taste is milder. “Parsley has a fresh taste that’s earthy and mildly sweet,” according to Sara Haas, RDN, from Chicago, and creator of Taco! Taco! Taco!. Parsley and cilantro appear very alike, so be sure you choose the one with the sharp leaves. A tablespoon of chopped cilantro will provide more than 1,000 percent of your daily dose of vitamin K. Additionally. It’s a good source of myricetin flavonoid which may possess anti-cancer properties. Haas recommends using parsley as a garnish at the end of cooking to finish off dishes. “It’s great in tabbouleh, roasted potatoes, pasta dishes and grain dishes,” and is a great accompanying ingredient to sandwiches and salads such as this spiced chickpea
- Parsley is a fantastic breath freshener. Try chewing a bit of parsley after having eaten a meal heavy on onion or garlic.
- Parsley is a great source in vitamin C. This helps boost your immune system and help to fight off harmful pathogens.
- Parsley is excellent for cleansing and clearing kidneys. It is a great way to eliminate and break down any stones that might be in the body.
- Parsley can also aid in cleaning up the urinary tract, assisting with urinary tract infections.
- Parsley is great for detoxing as well as cleansing your colon. It helps digestion and helps move debris through the intestines.
