So, what are herbs? Glad you asked because herbs are not only tasty and savory but play a beneficial role in our health! After reading this article, you will walk away with a wealth of knowledge regarding some of the most remarkable and underestimated plants.
According to the dictionary, an herb is defined as a flavorful plant used to season food in cooking or plants used as medicine. We generally see our herbs already diced into small pieces and placed in tiny containers for use to shake on to our food as we are cooking, but how well do you know your herbs? Maybe you only know one or two, or perhaps you don’t remember their benefits but realize they complement your meals! Herbs are also very convenient to grow in your home, which is a great way to save money! We will be going over the health benefits of the most popular herbs and tips on how to use them in cooking!
Let’s discuss the most common herbs that are used in day to day cooking! We will dive into their health properties and what makes them so magical! Aside from increasing flavor in our food or sipping on a nice cup of herbal tea, they have been widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. The healing properties of herbs are known as phytochemicals, which work synergistically with the cells in our body and ultimately make them great to add to your diet.
Basil
Did you know that Basil is a part of the mint family? The two herbs look very similar, but both have a very different distinct taste. I guess you can call them cousins! There are also different varieties of Basil such as Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, and lettuce basil. Sweet Basil is the Basil you will buy in the stores and do most of your cooking with. Basil a very beneficial herb and contains many health properties. One study shows that the intake of Basil significantly decreased hypertension levels in rats, thus reducing blood pressure. Basil is a heart-healthy herb and also improves triglyceride levels. Lastly, in regards to aromatherapy, Basil has been used to increase mental alertness and improve mental clarity.
Best Pairing Foods!
Italian food is best known to pair with basil! It goes well with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and cheese! Mint and basil also go very well together because they are a part of the same family, which is why you’ll always see a good basil pesto mixture with mint! Basil also adds a refreshing taste to salads! Use with green beans, peas, potatoes, and tomato salads. Only add at the end of the cooking time or on a prepared meal.
Chives
Chives provide just as much flavor as they do nutrient density! They are jam-packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals which our bodies utilize and generate healthy cells. One of the most significant benefits seen in research from chives is its effectiveness in preventing certain cancers related to the GI. Organosulfur compounds that occur naturally in this herb have been shown to have an anti-tumor effect. Chives also contain beneficial amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, choline, and folic acid.
Best Pairing Foods!
Chives go well as a garnish topping to add a kick of flavor! Because chives come from the same family as onions, you want to be conscious of how much you are using, especially if you are already using onions in your dish. Chives go well as a taco garnish, in cream cheese, burger garnish, or in soups!
Cilantro
Who would’ve thought a tiny green plant named cilantro would make us so happy! I don’t believe that Taco Tuesday would be the same without a little cilantro and lime! So how can cilantro benefit us biologically? Something that I have yet to mention is the cleansing effect cilantro has on lead levels within the body. Cilantro has been linked in suppressing lead accumulation within the body, which has lead many people to view it has a detoxification herb, and further research is being done on this property.
Best Pairing Foods!
Cilantro is a very refreshing herb and pairs well with food as a garnish topping. It’s best to use cilantro fresh and added at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor. You also want to remove the leaves from the stem but cutting them with a sharp knife because cilantro is delicate. Cilantro pairs very well with Latin dishes, garnish for soups and goes well with breakfast dishes.
Thyme
Best Pairing Foods!
Thyme is a powerful herb that has been around for a very long THYME (hopefully you got that joke!). It traces back to thousands of years and has been reportedly used apart of venom antidotes, fighting against the plague, and contains many health properties. In more recent years, Thyme has been researched for its anti-cancer properties in more specifically, colon cancer. In a separate study, Thyme was studied for its acne killing bacteria properties. Thyme was shown to beneficial kill the bacteria, which manifested into acne through a form of a liquid tincture.
Best Pairing Foods!
Thyme goes excellent with Greek, Caribbean, and Italian foods because of its summary taste! Thyme is also one of the most versatile herbs out there. Making its use good in any food you are making! It’s a delicate herb that has to be chopped from the stems before being used.
Parsley
Another fantastic herb, parsley! Parsley contains flavonoids which are compounds found in plants and have many medicinal properties that benefit and counter human disease. Another amazing compound found in parsley is myricetin, which has been shown to reduce the chances of skin cancer. Myricetin has also been shown to decrease insulin resistance and blood sugar levels in diabetes cases.
Best Pairing Foods!
Parsley has a delicately sweet and tangy taste to it and is rich in vitamin C, which makes it a great garnish. It can be best paired with salads, potatoes, and stews. Parsley also pairs well with any lentils or rice dish and pairs well with other herbs such as basil, chives, and rosemary.
Mint
You are probably familiar with mint and its refreshing taste, which is perfect for summertime! Peppermint has many excellent health properties that can benefit you as it refreshes you. A study was conducted to determine if peppermint can reduce Irritable Bowel Syndrome flare-ups. It was concluded that the peppermint oil used showed significant management in flare-ups. Peppermint has also been effective in reducing diarrhea in some participants. Peppermint, in these cases, works with the intestinal muscles to relax and reduce stress, which may initiation IBS or Diarrhea.
Best Pairing Foods!
Mint pairs very well with chocolate and sweets! Its refreshing taste complements bitter or sweet chocolate leaving a cooling effect! Mixing mint with a pesto sauce and noodles are a great way to offset and refresh a dish! Mint also goes well with summer fruit such as watermelon, lemons, and strawberries, which can be made into great cocktail drinks!
Rosemary
Not only is rosemary great to use in the kitchen, but it is also even better to use as aromatherapy! What makes rosemary so unique?? Glad you asked! It has been proven to reduce congestion! The allergic response rate increased in some participants who decreasing symptoms such as watery eyes, runny, and itchy noses.
Best Pairing Foods!
Rosemary goes well with potatoes, vegan chicken patty, soups, and plant-based butter! Because rosemary’s smell is overpowering, you want to be careful of how much you add to your dish because a little goes a long way. Rosemary does well with heat and is best to add during the cooking process.
Sage
Sage has been proven to improve brain function and memory according to a research article done on healthy young college volunteers. Cognitive function on Alzheimer’s Disease has also been the measure of study in more recent years due to sages anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Sages’ greatest health benefit is in enhancing memory and cognitive function! So, if you don’t have sage in your spice rack, making it a priority to add it!
Best Pairing Foods!
Sage pairs great with oil-based pasta and plant-based Italian sausage. Sage is also great paired with pineapple because of its earthy taste. It contrasts well with the sweetness of pineapple. It is also well known for its traditional use during Thanksgiving stuffing, sausage, and turkey.
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The content of this article should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. This website is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician, certified dietitian or other licensed professional. Always consult with your primary care provider before starting a new diet or introducing new foods.
