5 Nutritive Herbs for Better Food and Better Health

Written by - Reviewed by Consumer Health Digest Team

Published: May 4, 2018 | Last Updated: Aug 2, 2019

Five Nutrient Packed Herbs

Have you had it with Kale? Are you fed up (literally) with flax? Can you stomach even one more super detox beet and turmeric smoothie? Neither can I.

Superfoods Need to Take a Super Break.

I’m not suggesting we ditch avocado toast and go back to deli meat on Wonder Bread, but let’s face it, trying to pack every on trend food into one day’s worth of eating is not only time consuming, it’s costing us a small fortune. Americans spend approximately half of their household budget on food. Wouldn’t you like to have your meals work for you without having to work overtime to pay the bill? Behold, herbs.

The addition of a few herbs to your daily meals can mean big payoffs in the nutrition department and most of them are easy to grow right on your windowsill. Bonus: these five green health giants can take your cooking skills from bland and boring to’?hey, that’s not that bland or boring’?.

Sorry, they are Herbs, Not Magic Beans.

Whether you are looking to increase your intake of some important nutrients or just bring your foodie status us a notch, these five herbs will get you there with minimal cost and effort.

Your Herbs Info

1. Basil

Known as an easy growing herb with fragrant leaves, basil can provide more than just dimension to your Italian cuisine. Just A? c. of basil leaves can contain 31% DV of Vitamin K, which is an important component in blood clotting, bone health and cardiovascular health. Other vitamins and minerals found in basil include; Vitamin K at 6% DV, 10 mg Calcium, and 17.7 mg Potassium. Try this easy Chickpea Flatbread with Pesto or add fresh torn basil to your salads to bump up your intake.

2. Rosemary

The beautiful thing about Rosemary is not only it’s sturdy stalks that do well a moderate climate, but the strong antioxidant properties when used fresh. These antioxidants are also somewhat preserved in dried form as well. Use 1 tbsp of fresh Rosemary to boost B6, Magnesium and Potassium. Add A? oz to your diet and you’ll get the added bonus of 48 mg Calcium along with 16 mcg Folate. Rosemary pairs well with poultry or fish like salmon, or as an herb mixture for roasted red-skinned potatoes.

3. Sage

Sage can be an intimidating herb due to the unique texture of the leaves and an unparalleled flavor profile. Adding this powerhouse herb can contribute to a host of health benefits such as increased memory function, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant effects. A mere A? oz of sage can contain 116 mg Calcium and 244 mcg Beta Carotene along with 208 g Fiber. Pair this herb with garlic and olive oil to baste everything from roasted veggies to a French baguette.

4. Parsley

Parsley
Whether you are partial to curly leaf or flat, parsley’s nutrient profile doesn’t differ much between the two variations. The herb that is often thought of as an edible garnish can bring a hefty dose of Vitamin C, Potassium, and Folate to the dinner table. If that isn’t enough to sell you on a regular regimen of the green stuff, consider this: A? oz of parsley can act as a traditional remedy for fluid retention and menstrual disorders. Sold! Try this Falafel Waffle with a healthy portion of parsley and other medicinal herbs.

5.Mint

Mint is commonly known for its medicinal purposes and magical stomach calming properties, aka hangover cure, but the strong-smelling herb can also carry powerful antibacterial benefits that may prevent the proliferation of E. coli and salmonella in the gut. Steep the leaves in hot water and strain for a soothing tea or combine chopped mint and balsamic vinegar for an easy mint sauce.

Also Read: 5 Natural Medicines Straight From the Cradle of the Earth

Conclusion

With these five herbs in your cooking arsenal, you’ll no longer be a slave to the health food! Save money by starting a small herb garden or keeping potted herbs in your kitchen. Whether it is one herb or all of them, start experimenting with herbs for better food and better health.

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