Fresh Herbs for the Health Win

We all use herbs in cooking, but they are often the bottled and dried type that have lost their freshness after spending years on a shelf in your kitchen.

While dried herbs (if not beyond their freshness dates) do have some health benefits and can be useful for adding flavor to your cooking, there are a lot more health “wins” to be had by using fresh herbs.

Why? Well fresh herbs, like other plants, contain higher levels of the antioxidants we need to protect our cells from damage and support our overall good health. In addition, each individual herb has powerful health benefits of its own, and some may be especially beneficial to you if you’re living with CF. Here are some facts you may not know about some of the most common fresh herbs:

Dill

Like many herbs, dill has been used medicinally for centuries and rightly so. Dill can support healthy digestion by helping the body expel excess gas. Its plant compounds also have a sedative effect, aiding with sleep and relaxation. Dill contains calcium to helps support healthy bones, and may help manage blood sugar. One animal study showed reduced blood glucose and insulin levels after eating dill for 22 days. The chemical constituents of dill essential oil may also have the ability to help clear congestion. Finally, dill has anti-microbial properties that may help reduce infections in the body.

Cilantro

Cilantro, the leaves of the coriander plant, is high in antioxidants, Vitamins A, C and K, to support both immune and bone health. Cilantro has also been shown in studies to be effective at reducing blood sugar and preventing nerve cell damage. With regard to mood, one animal study showed cilantro to be effective at reducing anxiety. Cilantro is also an effective heavy metal chelator that can bind to and remove toxins from the body. Cilantro is a great addition to any dish, especially Mexican inspired meals.

Thyme

Thyme has many benefits that might support those living with CF. With its antimicrobial properties, thyme may help reduce anxiety, stimulate appetite, and manage intestinal infections. Thyme has also been used historically as a home remedy for coughs and chest congestion as it is an effective expectorant. Consider making some thyme tea by pouring a cup of water over 2 or 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves and steeping for 5 minutes before drinking.

Oregano

Oregano is also high in antioxidants and may help fight infection, reduce inflammation, soothe digestion and balance blood sugar. Studies have actually shown oregano to be an effective anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory herb. Positive effects on mood and blood sugar have also been found. Definitely add some free oregano to your pizza or Italian dishes to take advantage of these health benefits.

Parsley

How many times have you seen that little green decoration on your plate in a restaurant and ignored it? Well, that little piece of parsley has some amazing benefits! High in Vitamins A, C, E and K, parley can help reduce inflammation in your body and strengthen immunity and bone health. Eating that little garnish with your meal can help reduce bloating and indigestion. Similar to cilantro, parsley contains compounds that help expel gas from your body making digestion more comfortable. Next time you go to a restaurant, eat that parsley garnish before your meal, especially if you have a lot of tummy troubles.

These are just some of the fresh herbs available out there and a few of their many benefits. All herbs, including basil, rosemary, sage, and others, are a convenient way to add flavor while making your meals healthier, so aim to cook with them more often. It is best to add them at the end of cooking to preserve their health benefits.

Growing your own herbs is a fun and convenient way to make sure you always have these fresh plants on hand to boost the power of your food. Even if you live in a small space, you can still grow a few herbs in containers, so consider looking into a home herb garden if you are so inclined.

One delicious way to use a few fresh herbs is found in this recipe for Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Avocado Chimichurri. Yum!

Stay Well!