Cooking with any of the seven healthiest fresh herbs will promote optimal health. Herbs are recognized for their antioxidant and nutritional qualities.
Looking to eat healthier without losing savory and rich flavors? Start with the nutritious foods mentioned in Super Foods.
Healthy Foods and add even more nutritional value and flavor when you add fresh herbs.
Herbs are usually the fresh leaves or dried leaves of certain aromatic plants that are used in cooking.
The 7 Healthiest Herbs
1.Basil
This aromatic herb is best used fresh. Basil plants are easy to maintain indoors and outdoors. Snip off a few nutritious basil leaves and add them to your favorite pasta dishes moments before serving.
Or mix fresh basil with fresh tomatoes and a bit of oil and vinegar for a simple and outrageous appetizer. The dried basil you are accustomed to using will soon disappear from your spice rack, as it barely resembles the deep flavor of fresh basil.
Basil is one of the 7 healthiest herbs because it provides, among other nutrients. A healthy dose of Vitamin K. The Vitamin K found in basil, and other sources, is essential for blood clotting.
Two tablespoons of basil provide 29 % of the daily value recommended for adults. Basil also include:
- iron,
- calcium,
- Vitamin A,
- manganese,
- magnesium,
- Vitamin C, and potassium.
Healthwise, basil contains DNA-protecting flavonoids. It has anti-bacterial properties, combats inflammation, and promotes cardiovascular health.
Read More: Basil Nutrition Facts and Calorie Information
2.Dill
If you think that dill is just for pickles, think again. Fresh dill is a refreshing ingredient in summer salads and is perfect with fish dishes, especially salmon.
Dill Weed is one of the 7 healthiest herbs not only because it is very low in cholesterol and in saturated fat. But because it also provides
- Calcium,
- Copper,
- Iron,
- Folate,
- Magnesium,
- Manganese,
- Niacin,
- Phosphorus,
- Potassium,
- Vitamin A,
- Vitamin B6,
- Riboflavin,
- Vitamin C, and Zinc.
Read More: Dill Weed Nutrition Facts and Calorie Information
Healthwise, dill is a natural food that protects against cancer-causing agents and free radicals. Dill is also anti-bacterial and protects against bone loss.
3.Oregano
Add Oregano to any Italian or Mediterranean dish for a savory flavor.
Oregano is one of the 7 healthiest herbs because it is very low in cholesterol and also very low in sodium. It also provides an array of nutritional vitamins and minerals including
- Calcium,
- Copper,
- Folate,
- Iron,
- Magnesium,
- Vitamin C,
- Vitamin E,
- Manganese,
- Vitamin A,
- Potassium,
- Vitamin B6,
- Vitamin K, and Folate.
Be good to your palate and your health by adding oregano. It is an anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant herb to your cooking.
4.Peppermint
Peppermint is best in beverages, especially in teas. While peppermint is not as high in nutritional qualities as the other herbs. Its medicinal effect on stomach conditions makes it one of the best herbs available.
Peppermint, one of the 7 healthiest herbs. It can help diminish irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Peppermint is an oil form that has anti-bacterial qualities and can ease breathing for those with asthmatic conditions.
Nutritionally, peppermint is very low in cholesterol. Peppermint is also low in both saturated fat and in sodium content.
Peppermint provides the following nutrients:
- Calcium,
- Copper,
- Folate,
- Iron,
- Niacin,
- Magnesium,
- Manganese,
- Phosphorus,
- Vitamin A,
- Potassium,
- Riboflavin,
- Vitamin C, and Zinc.
Read More: Peppermint Nutrition Facts and Calorie Information
5.Rosemary
Fresh rosemary is yet another herb that is incredibly more flavorful fresh than it is dried. Rosemary adds extra home-baked goodness to bread, increased the flavor of Shepard’s pie, and dresses up roasted potatoes. Rosemary is also used on white meats and in fish dishes.
Sprigs of rosemary appear delicate yet pack a powerful nutritional punch. Rosemary is one of the 7 healthiest herbs because it is very low in cholesterol. Rosemary is also low in sodium.
Nutritionally, rosemary adds the following minerals and vitamins to your foods:
- Calcium,
- Copper,
- Folate,
- Iron,
- Magnesium,
- Manganese,
- Vitamin B6,
- Potassium,
- Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
Read More: Rosemary Nutrition Facts and Calorie Information
6.Sage
Sage is one smart herb. Sage can actually improve brain function. It also has anti-oxidant qualities. There is a mixed opinion on whether sage is anti-inflammatory or not.
While sage does provide anti-inflammatory components including Beta Carotene, Folate, and Vitamin K. It also has nutrients that are known to trigger inflammation including saturated fat. The saturated fat level is high as far as herbs are concerned.
Sage is one of the 7 healthiest herbs with its low cholesterol and low sodium. It is also provides the these nutrients:
- Calcium,
- Copper,
- Folate,
- Vitamin B6,
- Magnesium,
- Vitamin E,
- Manganese,
- Vitamin C,
- Thiamin,
- Vitamin A, and Vitamin K.
Read More: Sage Nutrition Facts and Calorie Information
7.Thyme
Thyme is delicious and usually used dried and ground, although it can be used fresh as well. Thyme can be strong and a bit overwhelming. Use sparingly in chicken dishes, soups, stews, and vegetarian dishes.
Health benefits of thyme include anti-oxidant protection and antimicrobial activity.
Thyme is one of the 7 healthiest herbs. It contains the these nutrients:
- Calcium,
- Copper,
- Folate,
- Iron,
- Phosphorus,
- Potassium,
- Riboflavin,
- Magnesium,
- Vitamin A,
- Manganese,
- Vitamin B6,
- Vitamin C, and Zinc.
Read More: Fresh Thyme Nutrition Facts and Calorie Information
Cooking with fresh herbs is an easy way to make your recipes tastier and your cooking healthier for the entire family.