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Healthy herbs nutrition facts

Healthy herbs have long held an important place in our wellness. Prized since ancient times, and today we even more depend on them to purify our body, mind and soul!

Of course...we all use herbal parts in our daily lives one way or the other whether for their fragrane, for their healing power, or in lovely recipes.

Herbal benefits are many;  be it for spiritual reasons or to spice up your taste buds, or as a home remedy for your sore throat... they are there for your every needs!  Although they have been in use in our diet since antiquity, only recently have taken the center-stage of nutrition scientific world for their potential health benefiting and detoxification properties.

Mediterranean sweet basil	Aloe vera plant

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Photo courtesy: NatalieMaynor

Why herbs in our diet...?  Health benefits of herbs

• Herbs contain unique anti-oxidants, essential oils, vitamins, phyto-sterols and many other plants derived nutrient substances which help equip our body to fight against germs, toxins and to boost immunity level. Herbs are, in fact, medicines in smaller dosages.

• Essential oils in herbs have been found to have anti-inflammatory function by inhibiting the enzyme cycloxygenase (COX), which mediates inflammatory cascade reactions in the body. This enzyme-inhibiting effect of essential oils in herbs makes it an important remedy for symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis.

• Many unique compounds in the herbs have been found to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics.

• Controlled epidemiological studies have shown that certain compounds like thiosulfinates (allicin) found in garlic can bring significant reduction in total cholesterol and in blood pressure; helps prevent coronary artery disease and stroke risk.

• Curcumin, along with other antioxidants in the turmeric, has been found to have anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus; is effective in preventing or at least delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

• The volatile oils, vitamins and antioxidants in the herbs have cytotoxicity action against prostate, pancreatic, colon, endometrial...etc cancer cells.

• The ingredients in the herbs have been found to be anti-spasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, analgesic, aphrodisiac, deodorant, digestive, antiseptic, lipolytic (weight loss action), stimulant and stomachic actions when taken in appropriate dosage.

Here is the complete list of healthy herbs with their
health benefits, nutrition value, culinary and medicinal uses:

Basil herb	Celery
Cilantro (Coriander)	Dandelion
Dill weed	Ginger
Garlic	Lemongrass
Oregano	Parsley
Peppermint	Rosemary herb
Sage	Savory
Spearmint	Tarragon
Thyme herb	Turmeric

Culinary herbs

Herbs are a great addition to food, not just because they add special flavor and spicy taste to our food, but also they contain many anti-microbial substances that help keep our food protected from these agents. Healthy herbs are used in small amounts while preparing recipes; actually they provide flavor rather than substance to food.

• Fresh leaves are being used in the preparation of soups and herbal sauces.

• Chopped fresh herb leaves can impart richness to vegetable as well as fruit salads.

• Along with other spicy items, selective healthy herbs are being used to enhance the flavor and taste of vegetable, chicken, fish and lean meat dishes.

• Some herbal leaves and plant parts are increasingly been used as popular flavor drinks.

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