The Anti-Aging and Health Benefits of Herbs

Herbs are essential for cooking delicious meals, but many of them also contain powerful anti-aging properties that can help maintain a healthy glow and may even help protect against disease. They are easy to buy fresh most of the time, but that can get expensive quickly. You may find it cheaper (and fun) to grow your own. Herbs are easy to grow in a garden, container, or window box. If you have a friend who is also interested in growing herbs, you can each choose 2-3 different herbs to grow and share your harvest.

Many herbs are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body protect itself against free radicals that we are exposed to every day in the environment through pollution, stress, and even processed foods. Free radicals cause damage to cells and tissues, which is believed to be one of the main causes of cancer, aging, autoimmune diseases, and a variety of other diseases. Antioxidants are necessary for good health and to prevent premature aging, however no studies have shown that taking specific antioxidant supplements in pill form is safe. There are recommended daily amounts, but there are issues in determining what the proper amount of antioxidants to take to prevent harmful interactions or toxicity really is. For example, high doses of beta carotene gold Vitamin C or even Vitamin D it can be very harmful. Because of this, we prefer to supplement with antioxidants found naturally by eating fruits, whole grains, beans, vegetables, and herbs. By varying your diet to include a wide variety of natural foods, you also eliminate the need to supplement with pills.

Here are some easy-to-grow herbs that provide the most anti-aging and health benefits:

Dill – this is a relatively easy herb to grow, sow after the last frost in spring and it will be ready for harvest in four to six weeks. Dill is rich in phytonutrients quercetin. Quercetin acts as a natural enhancer to your sunscreen because it helps protect skin from ultraviolet rays. Adding dill to your soups, salads, and eggs will make these foods more delicious, but that doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen.

Basil – another easy herb to grow from seed or small plants, needs at least six hours of sun and well-draining soil. Basil has anti-inflammatory compounds. beta-caryophyllene and eugenol which can help relieve symptoms caused by inflammation (ie cramps, headaches, arthritis). These effects are also anti-aging, as many studies suggest that aging is a direct result of inflammation. Basil also has antioxidant properties that can help protect against premature aging. Another benefit is that basil has strong antibacterial properties; historically, the leaves were used directly on wounds to prevent infection. Add generous amounts of basil to your salads, sandwiches, dips, and of course, tomato dishes.

Rosemary – easy to grow, especially from a small plant or cutting, needs plenty of sun and well-drained soil. Rosemary is loaded with antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals. It is often used in anti-aging skin creams and products because it helps tone the skin and build collagen. It can also help with respiratory congestion, next time your lungs are congested try boiling fresh rosemary in a pot of water and standing over the pot with a towel over your head, inhale deeply the steam (this same treatment is also said to relieve migraines). Add rosemary to soups, sauces, chicken and meat dishes.

Oregano – an easy herb to grow from seed or small plants, similar to rosemary and basil. A US Department of Agriculture study found that oregano has the highest amount of antioxidant activity of all fresh herbs tested. Oregano also has strong antimicrobial properties that help kill the growth of bacteria. Add oregano to soups, sauces, salads, meat and poultry dishes.

The above is just a small sample of the wonderful herbs and spices you can try, tarragon, turmeric, garlic, aloe, coriander, mint, fennel and many more herbs and spices have wonderful compound flavors and effects. beneficial. Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes and to enhance the flavors of food throughout human history. I hope this encourages you to try different herbs to enhance your dishes and add variety to your meals. It will also provide your body with a much-needed natural source of antioxidants and other phytonutrients to keep you looking and feeling young and healthy.