Genovese Basil
Basil packs one of the biggest antioxidant punches of any plant, boasting levels of phytochemicals much greater than found in most other herbs or even spinach and broccoli. Because of its powerful antioxidant activity, basil exhibits antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. Some studies also suggest that basil extract significantly reduces blood pressure and inflammation. Basil grown in soil with higher nitrogen concentration has lower antioxidant potential, indicating that any health benefits may be greater for basil grown organically, which does not rely on synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.Basil is a popular herb in Italian cooking, particularly in pesto. This fragrant and flavorful herb, a relative of peppermint, is an excellent, nutritious addition to your pasta sauce, soup, or salad.
An array of flavonoids exist in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. Studies have shown that two of these flavonoids in particular, orientin and vicenin, are useful in protecting cell structures and chromosomes from damage by radiation and oxygen.
Essential oil of basil has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics. This essential oil has been found to inhibit growth of the widespread staphylococcus, enterococcus, pseudomonas, and e. coli bacteria, among others. Adding basil to your vinaigrette will both enhance the flavor, and ensure that the fresh salad greens are safe to eat.
Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme. So, basil can have healing benefits, and provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory problems, like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Vitamin A also prevents free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels.
Magnesium is also present in basil. This essential mineral helps the heart and blood vessels to relax, improving blood flow. Other nutrients found in basil include iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.
The fresh, spicy flavor and scent of basil will wake up any boring salad or soup. Use fresh basil whole, or shredded to add a burst of flavor to your dinner. If you are using fresh basil in a cooked dish, add it towards the end of cooking, so that the volatile oils will not be dissipated by the heat.
Mint Leaves – What are Health Benefits Of Mint Leaves? | Nutrition
and Vitamins Values Of Mint | Mint Health and Medicinal Information
Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively perennial, rarely annual,
herbs. They have wide-spreading underground rhizomes and erect, square,
branched stems. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, from simple
oblong to lanceolate, often downy, and with a serrated margin. Leaf
colors range from dark green and gray green to purple, blue, and
sometimes pale yellow.The flowers are produced in clusters on an erect
spike, white to purple, the corolla two lipped with four subequal lobes,
the upper lobe usually the largest. The fruit is a small, dry capsule
containing one to four seeds.For centuries, mint has been enjoyed for
its wonderful aroma, its great taste, and its healing power. Long known
for its ability to settle a nervous stomach, mint has a great many other
health benefits as well. Whether as a soothing mint tea or part of a
recipe, mint has long been part of both the cuisine and the medicinal
cultures of societies as diverse as the Middle East, India and Europe.
Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains,
and it is commonly used in the form of tea as a home remedy to help
alleviate stomach pain. During the Middle Ages, powdered mint leaves
were used to whiten teeth. Mint
tea is a strong diuretic. Mint also aids digestion, in a way that it
breaks down the fats. In recent years, it has been often recommended for
treating obesity.Menthol from mint essential oil is an ingredient of
many cosmetics and some perfumes. Menthol and mint essential oil are
also much used in medicine as a
component of many drugs, and are very popular in aromatherapy. Mint is
also used in some shampoo products.A common use is as an antipruritic,
especially in insect bite treatments.
Menthol is also used in cigarettes as an additive, because it blocks
out the bitter taste of tobacco and soothes the throat.Mint is well
known for its ability to sooth the digestive tract and reduce the
severity and length of stomach aches. In addition, mint teas and other
herbal preparations have shown great promise at easing the discomfort
associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and even at slowing the growth of many of the most harmful bacteria and fungi. The well documented antifungal properties of mint are thought to play a role in the treatment of asthma and many allergy conditions as well.
The one problem with garden mints is that they are prone to take over
and its a good idea to grow them in pots, either free standing or
sunken into the ground to prevent this. Mints will become woody after a
number of years but as they grow so rapidly it is easy to remove older
plants and just replace them with fresh blood, as it were. Most mints
have common qualities and so the information contained here is
applicable to all varieties. Variations on a theme include Watermint, a
purple flowered plant that as its name suggests grows in wet ground,
Gingermint a golden variegated variety with a pungent ginger aroma, and
the list is almost endless.
Mint contains a number of vitamins and minerals, which are vital to maintain a healthy body. Mint is rich in Vitamins A
and C and also contains smaller amounts of Vitamin B2. Vitamin C is an
important antioxidant and may help to decrease the risk of certain
cancers such as colon and rectal cancer. Although mint may be consumed
in small quantities, the vital nutrients obtained are still beneficial
to one’s health.Mint also contains a wide range of essential minerals
such as manganese, copper, iron, potassium and calcium.
Health Benefits Of Mint:
1.Various researches indicate mint as having anti-cancer properties.
The phytonutrient, called perillyl alcohol, in mint is believed to
prevent colon, skin and lung cancer.
2.Mint has antipruritic or anti-itch properties. When added with camphor, it helps to cure insect stings and bites.
3.Mint finds extensive usage in the field of aromatherapy.
4.Menthol present in mint makes it an important component of many medicines and drugs.
5.Inhaling essential oil of mint provides a sense of calm and thus, helps one relax the mind.
6.Due to the presence of essential oil called menthol, mint finds its usage in preparing a variety of cosmetics and perfumes.
7.Inhaling mint gives relief from congestion problems, like sinus infections and common cold.
8.Mint helps in getting rid of headaches and migraines.
9.Crushed mint leaves helps in whitening teeth.
10.The antifungal properties associated with mint help in curing asthma and other allergic conditions.
11.When included in the diet on a regular basis, mint reduces the growth of bacteria and fungus in the body.
12.Mint is a strong diuretic and therefore, helps in eliminating toxins from the body.
13.Drinking herbal mint tea reduces irritated bowel syndromes and cleanses the stomach.
14.Dried mint leaves, boiled in water, form a strong concoction that
helps in soothing the digestive tract and easing the severity of
stomachaches.
Coriander – What aer Coriander Health Benefits? | Vitamin C in Coriander Leafs | Health Benefits Of Coriander
However, it is also a powerful herb which has many health benefits.
Commonly known as cilantro, the leafy herb used in most cuisines, the
seeds taken from these leaves are known as coriander. Let’s review why
coriander is truly an herb for the ages.Traditionally, coriander is a
perennial herb. Its sweet-smelling aroma is transmitted by its tender
green fruits, and when ripe, turn a brownish yellow. Originating in the
Mediterranean region, it is an herb that thrives in black soil and arid
regions. Considered to be rich in various food elements, the coriander
leaves contain protein, fat, minerals, fiber, carbohydrates, and water. The minerals and vitamins include: vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, sodium, potassium, and oxalic acid.
Coriander is a magic wand for all those people who are suffering from
the problem of blood pressure.Corainder juice if taken on regular basis
helps in lowering down the blood sugar count of the patients. Isn’t
that wonderful? Coriander not only checks your sugar count, but also
tremendously helps in lowering bad cholesterol in your body. At the same time, it enhances the good cholesterol
in your body.Coriander is known to be a great brain tonic. So if you
think that your memory is getting shorter day by day, just start
drinking coriander juice. It will certainly boost your emory.Coriander
is a great cooling agent, prevents sunstrokes and burning sensations in
the body.
Coriander, commonly known as Dhania in the Indian Subcontinent or
Cilantro in the Americas and some part of Europe, is an herb which is
extensively used around the world as a condiment or as a garnish or as a
decoration on the dishes. Its scientific name is Coriandrum Sativum L.
Its leaves and fruits have typical aroma and are used raw or dried in
culinary.
Coriander has long had a reputation for helping digestion and getting
rid of gas, and there is some evidence that this may be true. For this
treatment, you can simply prepare a kind of coriander tea boil some
crushed coriander seeds in water for a few minutes, and then drink this
water. Some recent research also shows that coriander may help to
control cholesterol and diabetes. However, remember that no single herb or drug can control such health conditions an all round change to one’s diet and lifestyle is needed, and sometimes medication is also essential.Finally, coriander also seems to have antiseptic and anti inflammatory
properties. It seems to help prevent infection of wounds, and can also
be ground into a paste to treat rashes. However, note that some people
are allergic to coriander, so this may only make things worse.
Coriander fruits contain volatile oil, lipids, starch, pectins and
mineral substances. In fact, coriander’s flavor comes from the etheric
oil contained in proportion of 1,5% to 2,0% . This oil contains
linalool, pinene, dipentene. The fruits contain fatty acids like
petroselinic acid, proteic substances, amino-acids, sitosterols,
tocopherols, cumarins, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. The aromatic
contained substance coriandrol – is a very good adjuvant in the
treatment of liver cancer. At the same time, coriander leaves represent a
powerful source of vitamin A, C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin K, folic
acid, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. In small quantities it contains also niacin, vitamin B6, phosphor and zinc.
Coriander Health Benefits:
1.Blood Sugar: Due the stimulating effect of cumin
on the endocrine glands, the secretion of insulin is increased from
pancreas which increases the insulin level in the blood, thereby helping
proper assimilation and absorption of sugar and resultant fall in the
sugar level in the blood. This property is very beneficial for the diabetes patients and others too.
2.Skin Disorders:The disinfectant, detoxifying,
anti-septic, anti-fungal and anti oxidant properties of cumin are ideal
for curing skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal
infections.
3.Conjunctivitis:As discussed earlier, coriander is a
very good disinfectant and has anti microbial properties which protect
the eyes from contagious diseases like conjunctivitis.
4.Eye Care:Coriander has lots of anti oxidants,
vitamin-A, vitamin-C and minerals like phosphorus in the essential oils
in it which prevents aging of eye, macular degeneration and soothes eyes
against stress.
5.Menstrual Disorders:Being stimulating in nature
and helping proper secretion from the endocrine glands, it also helps
proper secretion of the hormones and thereby inducing proper menstrual
cycles and reducing pains etc. during periods.
6.Small Pox:The essential oils in coriander are rich in anti microbial, anti oxidant, anti infectious and detoxifying
components and acids. The presence of vitamin C and iron strengthen the
immune system too. These properties help prevent and cure small pox.
They also reduce the pain and have a soothing effect on pox patients.
7.Digestion: Coriander, due to its rich aroma
because of its essential oils, apart from being an excellent appetizer,
helps in proper secretion of enzymes and digestive juices in the
stomach, stimulates digestion and peristaltic motion. It is helpful in
treating problems like anorexia.
8.Anemia:Coriander is good in iron content which directly helps curing anemia.
9.Mouth Ulcers:Citronelol, a component of
essential oils in coriander, is an excellent antiseptic. In addition,
other components have anti microbial and healing effects which do not
let wounds and ulcers in the mouth go worse. They aid healing up of
ulcers and freshen up the breath.
10.Diarrhea:Some of the components of essential
oils in coriander such as Borneol and Linalool, aid digestion, proper
functioning of liver and bonding of bowels, helping cure diarrhea. It is
also helpful in diarrhea caused by microbial and fungal action, since
components like Cineole, Borneol, Limonene, Alpha-pinene &
beta-phelandrene have anti bacterial effects. In addition, the fresh
coriander leaves are excellent appetizers.
11.High Cholesterol Levels: Some
of the acids present in coriander viz. linoleic acid, oleic acid,
palmitic acid, stearic acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin-C) are very
effective in reducing the cholesterol level in the blood. They also
reduce the cholesterol deposition along the inner walls of the arteries
and veins.
12.Swellings: Cineole, one of the 11 components of
the essential oils, and linoleic acid, present in coriander, possess
anti rheumatic and anti arthritic properties, which are very beneficial
for swelling caused due to these two reasons. For others, such as
swelling due to malfunctioning of kidney or anemia, it is seen to be
effective to some extent, as some of the components help excretion of
extra water from the body while.
Stinging Nettle – What are Stinging Nettle Health Benefits? |
Medicinal Values Of Stinging Nettle | Stinging Nettle Good For Health|
Health Benefits Of Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle has a flavour similar to spinach when cooked and is rich in vitamins A,
C, D, iron, potassium, manganese, and calcium. Young plants were
harvested by Native Americans and used as a cooked plant in spring when
other food plants were scarce.Soaking nettles in water or cooking will
remove the stinging chemicals from the plant, which allows them to be
handled and eaten without incidence of stinging.Nettle has astringent,
expectorant, galactagogue, tonic, anti inflammatory, hemostatic, and diuretic properties. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat rheumatism, eczema , arthritis, gout, and anemia. Stinging nettle is very effective in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, and urinary tract infections.
An infusion of the nettle leaves may be used for inflammatory
diseases of the lower urinary tract. Nettle may also be effective for
treating certain individuals with allergic rhinitis. Its diuretic action
helps the body to eliminate urea and other waste products and prevents
fluid retention. Nettle’s expectorant properties have been beneficial
for coughs and have been used to expel phlegm from the lungs and
stomach.Nettle has a strong astringent action which helps to draw body
tissues together and control bleeding. Nettle leaf is used in a simple
infusion as a tonic decoction to cleanse the blood. Nettle is also used
as a specific for treating cases of childhood eczema; it’s especially
useful for nervous eczema. Nettle leaves contain iron and vitamin C,
being used for treating anemia and poor circulation.
People have made a good use of nettle. Its tough fibers from the stem have been used to
make cloth and its leaves were eaten as vegetables. People also believe that it may have
health benefits on various conditions such as coughs, tuberculosis and arthritis. With
limited or no scientific support, some manufacturers market it as a stimulant for hair
growth.It contains lectins and certain types of complex sugars. Lectins and these complex
sugars are probably the major components contributing nettle?s benefits. In vitro studies
demonstrate that its leaf has anti-inflammatory actions, in which
preventing prostaglandin formation. Nettle’s root helps benign prostatic
hyperplasia by affecting hormones and proteins
that carry sex hormones in the body. It was also found that its
freeze-dried leaves reduced sneezing and itching in people with hay
fever.
The homeland of nettle is Brazil and other South American countries.
It is also abundant in Northern Europe and Asia. Nettle has a well-known
reputation for giving a sting when the skin touches the hairs and
bristles on the leaves and stems. It grows 2 to 4 meters.It has
white,green and yellow leaves. When someone feels being stung by nettle,
this is actually because of the irritants in the nettle. Some of those
irritants are formic acid,histamine and acetylcholine. After this little introduction about stinging nettle, let’s talk about our main topic, that is, the health benefits of it.