Herbs are an easy addition to your current diet while increasing it’s nutrient profile tenfold.
Our Favorite Herbs
1. Stevia – a zero calorie sweetener with numerous health benefits. Stevia extracts, like rebaudioside-A, are found to be 300 times sweeter than sugar but does not raise insulin levels. So remember a little goes a long way. It also contains vitamins and minerals in small amounts. It’s safe to use in pregnancy and infants. Want to know the best type of stevia to buy? Read this. Like licorice, people either love it or hate it due it’s bitter aftertaste. If this is an issue for you, try monkfruit to naturally sweeten your food.
2. Parsley – this herb can be found year round and can provide much more than garnish for your plate. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C to support your immune system as well as Vitamin A for skin health. Also contains folic acid which is important for your cardiovascular system.
3. Fennel – This is one of the few vegetables that the entire plant is edible – the bulb, seeds, stalk, and leaves. It contains an abundance of minerals from zinc, manganese, copper, and phosphorous as well as vitamins E and K. In addition it is a natural source of estrogen. If you are suffering from digestive issues, this is an excellent addition to your diet. This fall make a soup and garnish with the fennel fronds.
4. Sorrel – This perennial herb is often forgotten. It’s tart flavor from Vitamin C is great for winter and immune support. It also may help reduce blood pressure due to high levels of potassium and reduce incidence of macular degeneration due to vitamin A. Caution: Eat in moderate amounts as it does contain oxalic acid which can contribute to kidney stones.
5. Basil – This fragrant herb contains omega fatty acids and antioxidants to fight free radical damage that are important for heart health. It is one of the few herbs that also contains relatively high amounts of magnesium which many adults are deficient in. Add it into your next stir-fry or cup of tomato soup.
Quick Tips
Create your own herb garden. You can start with just a few in a jar on your windowsill to easily grab while you are cooking.
Get inspired with this new cookbook to easily add herbs to your diet – Infuse.
