The Things You Always Wanted To Know About Herbal Foods

By Angel Dudley


When talking about herbal foods, maybe you get confused about what plants are considered as vegetables, and what plants are considered as herbs. The main difference is actually the fact herbs have much stronger aroma and flavor. That's why people use herbs in small quantities, to enrich their food's taste. The term herbs is usually used when talking about leafy parts, and the term spices is mainly used for other parts of these plants, for example seeds and berries.

Although people use some of these herbs occasionally, they should be included in their diet more often. Basil is very popular annual herb, while some other herbs, such as parsley, are biennials. Rosemary, Thyme and other perennials are easy to grow, and all have very good impact on your well-being. In addition, you won't need to add so much salt to your dishes, if you put enough herbs in there.

There are many herbs that actually have antibiotic properties. Some of the most popular are Rosemary, Thyme, Mints, Parsley, Ginger, Basil, Tarragon, Cloves, Oregano, Cumin and many others. They slow down and reduce inflammation and have numerous benefits on human well-being. Consuming them on regular basis can significantly improve your health and help you stay young and preserve your vitality.

Many of these herbs have surprising effects on your nervous system and brain functions. Rosemary is especially useful for improving learning abilities and general energy levels. Ginkgo is well known for its numerous beneficial properties considering nerve transmission and brain functions, especially when it comes to memory loss and dementia. Popular licorice root can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Sweet and strongly aromatic Basil is rich in vitamins A, B6, B12 and C, and full of iron, Magnesium and Calcium. You can keep it in a pot, on a sunny windowsill. Can be used freeze-dried, dried or preserved in olive oil, but it is best to use it freshly picked. Add it to all meals containing tomatoes and chop it in your salads. Mediterranean food cannot be imagined without it, and it is widely known it is the healthiest diet.

Widely appreciated cinnamon is used in different sweet foods and beverages, but in some other parts of the world people use it in salty dishes as well, especially with meat. You can sprinkle it over buns and fruit salads, or use it as an ingredient of your cakes and cookies. It is full of antioxidants and fights bacteria as well.

Garlic regulates blood pressure, different seeds and berries, for example Acai Berries and grape seeds fight stress and slow down aging processes. Vitamin B17 fights cancer, and you can find it in apricot kernels. Chili is just great for your blood vessels, and has great impact on your heart condition as well. Powerful herbal food supplements contain balanced mixtures of valuable substances.

All in all, you cannot go wrong if you include fresh or dried herbs in your diet. You have to be careful about the total amount of herbs consumed, because some of them contain strong compounds that should be used wisely. Herbal foods such as basil, thyme, and rosemary can enrich and flavor your fresh salads, and the best way of consuming them is chopping their leaves on top of your prepared meals.




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