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Which is why we’ve compiled a list of herbs you should have stocked up on, all in one place! From basil, to thyme, to sage—this list has it all. Whether you’re looking for a new spice to try out or just want more information about herbs and how they can benefit you and your health, this is the post for you.
Here are 13 herbs that will help add flavor nutrients to your meals without breaking the bank:
The importance of herbs in your daily diet
While herbs may not be the most exciting part of your meal, they should be an important component.
Herbs are great for adding flavor, and many of them have additional health benefits! For example, mint contains compounds that can soothe nausea and stomach irritation, as well as help reduce headaches. All of this makes it a great addition to a meal—it’ll help keep your stomach happy!
What’s more? Herbs can also be used to aid in digestion. This is due in large part to their high fiber content—basil for example contains 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I grow herbs in my own backyard?
If you want to get into cooking with herbs, growing your own is a great place to start! There are several herbs that are easy to grow indoors. Some of our favorites include mint, parsley, thyme and dill.
What’s more? You can even grow some in your backyard (with the right conditions of course!). Basil, chives and oregano are just a few herbs that can flourish when planted in soil. If you are unable to grow your own herbs, that is fine as well because you can purchase them easily from your nearest grocery store without breaking the bank.
If you are new to gardening, our Gardening For Preppers (The Mega Guide) article is an amazing place to start.
1. Basil
Basil is known for its oregano flavor and colorful leaves. It’s great when used in dishes like pesto or on top of pasta dishes. Basil’s vitamins include: Vitamin A: Great for your eyesight, skin, and liver. It’s also known to help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Vitamin K: This helps with blood clotting, which is important for preventing bleeding from cuts and bruises. Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): A major antioxidant that helps with collagen production in the body.
2. Thyme
Thyme goes great with soups, roasted vegetables, and pretty much anything you can think of! It has a stronger flavor compared to other herbs like sage and rosemary . It’s also great for detoxifying the skin due its antibacterial properties . Thyme contains Vitamin A and C , as well as iron! This can help you with your immune system and speed up the healing process of cuts and bruises.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary has a strong flavor, so you need to use it sparingly in most dishes. It’s great for adding flavor to meats like chicken, lamb, or turkey, as well as vegetables like green beans . Great for the skin too—it’s known to have antioxidant properties that can help with wrinkles.
Vitamin A and C : This can help you build collagen in your body and boost your metabolism . Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) : This mineral is good for treating cold sores , as it helps prevent them from coming back.
4. Sage
Sage has been connected with health benefits for over 2,000 years. It packs a fair amount of vitamins A and C . About the antioxidants, sage can help reduce inflammation in the body. When it comes to the health benefits of sage, there are lots of things to be thankful for! It can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and with weight loss , too.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is most often used for coughs and sore throats. It has a cooling effect when consumed in tea or when rubbed on the chest or back . It’s also known as nature’s all-star pain reliever! Peppermint has anti-bacterial, antiseptic, sedative, and antispasmodic properties that can help you get rid of the symptoms of a cold or the flu . It also has mood elevating effects that can help improve your mental health!
6. Oregano
Oregano is a great herb to add flavor to dishes with tomato-based sauces . It has a stronger flavor compared to basil and thyme. This herb can help minimize the risk of infections in the body, as it’s able to reduce harmful bacteria . Oregano also contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are good for protecting your cells from damage by free radicals!
7. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are an essential ingredient in Mediterranean cooking! They are used in many dishes including baked fish, poultry or lamb , and soups . They’re filled with vitamins A and C , calcium , iron, protein, zinc, and more!
Bay leaves also contain small amounts of phenolic compounds called tannins that are known to reduce inflammation in the body. This herb can also treat cholesterol disorders by cleansing your blood of phytosterols (these ingredients join cholesterol together so it doesn’t stick to your arteries).
8. Lemon Balm
This herb is commonly used in tea , baked goods, and salads . Lemon balm can also help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, which is a condition that causes cramping and abdominal discomfort . It can also treat anxiety , as it can act as an antidepressant . Where’s lemon balm used? It’s good for flavoring things like seasoned fish, chicken, pork, beef, lamb , and vegetables.
9. Cilantro
This herb comes from the Coriandrum sativum plant. Cilantro is actually the leaf of this plant, not unlike parsley which is also a leafy green herb . The main difference is that cilantro has a citrus, leafy flavor that’s typically not present in parsley .
“Cilantro” is a Latin American term and comes from the Nahuatl word for mint. It’s been used as both an herb and as a food ingredient since Aztec times ! Cilantro can be used in dishes like guacamole , salsa , and salads.
Cilantro’s vitamins include : Vitamin A : This is great for your eye health and your skin, as it helps with collagen production and new cell growth. Vitamin K : A vitamin that’s essential for blood clotting and the prevention of internal bleeding.
Vitamin C : An antioxidant that gives you glowing skin through collagen production . It also helps fight off the common cold!
10. Parsley
Parsley is a great addition to many dishes, especially those where you want to add more flavor without having loads of calories . For example, it tastes good with chicken , lamb , vegetables, and fish . It’s also great as a garnish on other foods like pizza or pasta meals.
Parsley’s vitamins include. Parsley’s vitamins include : Vitamin A, which helps with healthy skin and eye health . It also helps with blood clotting, as well as the prevention of internal bleeding. Vitamin K: a vitamin that’s essential for blood clotting and the prevention of internal bleeding.
11. Dill Weed
Dill is a very popular herb in most cuisines, especially Scandinavian, Middle Eastern, and Roman cuisine. Dill has a strong flavor that pairs well with other flavors like butter and garlic . It’s also good for digestion due to its antibacterial properties . It’s used mostly in gravy , but it can be used in savory soups as well.
12. Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular spice with a bright yellow color. Its bright color comes from curcumin, which is what makes turmeric so healthy! Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
It can also treat prostate cancer and breast cancer ! It’s known to increase cognitive function , which means you can think more clearly. This herb is used in dishes like Indian curries , soups, rice dishes, and baked chicken.
13. Ginger
Ginger is probably most well known for its anti-nausea properties . It’s great for helping with morning sickness during pregnancy, gas and bloating. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease the aches of headaches . Ginger is also known to be great at reducing arthritis symptoms , like joint pain and swelling. It’s popular in stir-fries, baked goods, and breads.
Conclusion:
When you make your next meal, or even when you’re looking to snack , be sure to think about the health benefits of these herbs and spices. The next time you’re having a bad day, try eating some rosemary — it can boost your memory and help improve your mood! Also be sure to try the other herbs in our list in order to lead a much healthier lifestyle!
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