Are you looking for ways to add flavor to your food without adding fat and calories? Why not try fresh and dried herbs to elevate the taste of the dishes you prepare and consume? Readily available in supermarkets and easy-to-grow at home, herbs like basil, mint, and oregano brighten meals by giving them depth and earthiness.
Here are some well-known herbs to use when preparing food:
- The oils in basil block enzymes that cause inflammation. It acts in a similar manner as ibuprofen and aspirin and is a rich source of calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
- Packed with antioxidants that fight cancer, chives belong to the same family as onions and garlic. It tastes great in Greek yogurt.
- The leaves and seeds are anti-bacterial. It’s a bright herb that
- Perfect for grilled food, this herb protects against free radicals and carcinogens found in grill smoke.
- Soothing to the digestive system, mint is perfect for helping gastrointestinal disorders. It is a great source of manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
- Containing the highest antioxidant content of herbs, oregano also contains 4 times the antioxidants found in blueberries. It’s a common herb used in Italian dishes as well as on fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Providing vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid, it, too, fights against carcinogens found in grill smoke.
- Studies show that it fights the pathogens that cause foodborne illness such as Listeria. It’s behind oregano with the highest amount of antioxidant activity.
- The oils reduce inflammation. Sage is also rich in vitamin K which is an important vitamin for bone health.
- Rich in antioxidants that protect cell membranes, it is antimicrobial. The oils prevent microbes on fresh food from causing illness. It’s also rich in iron, manganese, and vitamin K.
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