Herb it up!

Homegrown Garlic in my Garden

Herb it up!

I just love herbs! They are relatively easy to grow, they taste great and add amazing flavors to my cooking, and (even better) there are a number of different health benefits that are said to be associated with the consumption of herbs. It has long been said (at least in my family) that herbs will help with fighting off germs and other toxins while helping boost the immune system.

So what are some of the health benefits associated with the consumption of herbs?

Herbs are great because they taste amazing and have a variety of all natural and unique anti-oxidants, essential oils, vitamins, and phyto-sterols (just to list a few of the known natural elements derived from herbs). Some of the health benefits associated with the consumption of herbs include (but aren’t limited to) (Healthy Herbs Nutrition Facts, 2009):

• Anti-inflammatory functions (thus providing symptomatic relief of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ulcerative colitis)
• Reducing blood sugar levels
• Reducing total cholesterol levels
• Lowering blood pressure
• Preventing certain cancers (like prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancers)

Here is a list of some of my favorite herbs and the health benefits that are associated with each:

• Rosemary – promotes good cardio health and aids in preventing damage to blood vessels, also said to help with indigestion, memory, and reducing joint pain. Some studies also say the active ingredients in Rosemary help prevent the spread of cancer (Gilbert, 2012, p. 1). 

• Parsley – promotes good heart health by lowering high blood pressure and many studies (Gilbert, 2012, p. 2) say parsley inhibits the growth of cancer because its packed full of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and the chemical apigenin

• Ginger – an effective anti-inflammatory that helps relieve joint pain. Also said to be good for treating gastrointestinal disturbances, especially for relieving diarrhea and nausea

• Garlic – most commonly known for its healing abilities, potential to help prevent cancer, and for helping slow down some diseases (such as hypertension and the common cold)

• Chives – a great antioxidant that is packed with vitamins A and C, also helps reduce gastric cancer risks (Gilbert, 2012, p. 7)

• Coriander – helps lower bad cholesterol while rising good cholesterol and also helps lower blood sugar levels. Is also said to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties

• Bay Leaves – excellent at providing sinus relief! Also helps prevent heart disease, treat arthritis, and strengthen the immune system (Gilbert, 2012, p. 9)

• Also good to know… cinnamon is believed to help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol, and is also thought to have some antibiotic and  anti-inflammatory properties (Gilbert, 2012, p. 4)

• Although I think it’s a weed and not an herb, Dandelion Root is said to great for helping with digestion, liver disorders, and high blood pressure (Gilbert, 2012, p. 10) 

Go get cooking with herbs! Not only does adding herbs to your food provide amazing flavors, but it also provides a variety of health benefits.

Resources:

Gilbert, B. (2012, September 27). 10 Healthy Herbs And How To Use Them. (P. F. Bass, Ed.) Retrieved June 25, 2013, from Huffpost Healthy Living: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/27/healthy-herbs-cooking_n_1865033.html

Healthy Herbs Nutrition Facts. (2009). Retrieved June 24, 2013, from Nutrition and You: Your Guide tp Healthier Nutrition: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/healthy-herbs.html