Herbs for Health Benefits and Tasty Cooking

Sauces can be fine when the ingredients are healthy and fresh. Most of my clients don't consider alternatives until I mention them. Herbs are incredibly low in calories and provide micro-nutrients. 

Oregano 

This beautiful scented herb provides antibacterial properties which have been proven to take on the most vicious of hospital superbugs. Many people don't know that oregano is used in medicine as well as in common Italian dishes. Oregano is also am anti-inflammatory and is linked to preventing osteoporosis.  

Try oregano with tomatoes, aubergines and lamb. 

Basil

Here is one rich herb. Packed with vitamins and minerals basil also provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Basil is also fantastic for cardiovascular health due to it's high vitamin A content. Vitamin A provides antioxidants which prevents free radical damage by lining body structures. Vitamin A also prevents the oxidation of cholesterol. 

Basil is best with Mediterranean or Asian food. It's particularly good with tomato slices or cottage cheese. 

Thyme

Thyme is a great partner for Basil so feel free to use them together in a dish. Thyme is linked with lowering blood pressure, boosting your mood and improving your immune system due to a high vitamin C content. 

Try this delicious herb with meat dishes and eggs. 

Rosemary

Rosemary boosts your immune system, improves your circulation and fights free radicals. Rosemary contains carnosic acid. Carnosic acid aids in so far as lowering the rate at which the brain ages. Carnosic acid is also important for your eye health. 

Rosemary is delicious with grilled vegetables. It's also a good addition to your BBQs skewers. 

Parsley

With its high vitamin A and C content parsley is a saint for preventing illness. A chemical in parsley named apigenin has been proven to prevent cancer cells from forming. 

Mix parsley into meals which contain pease, tomatoes and mushrooms. It's also good for fish and chicken dishes. 

Ginger

Here we have an anti-inflammatory that reduces joint pain. Ginger is also good for your digestive systems health. It is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disturbances. 

Ginger is the best herb for homemade baked goods such as flapjacks. 

Cinnamon

Here is my personal favourite! I just love the scent of cinnamon. It's has positive  properties such as being antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and being good for gastrointestinal health. 

Use cinnamon to porch fruit. It's pretty much brilliant for healthy desserts. 

Garlic 

Here's a vampires least favourite! Garlic is often praised for its cancer fighting effect. It helps to prevent the common cold and hypertension.

Winter is coming! Get a home made soup and stew together for a winter feast. 

Coriander

This is a must for those who have a weight problem. Coriander will lower bad cholesterol and lower your blood sugar. You should also take advantage of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial benefits. This is an around health herb. 

Use coriander for Thai food and Indian recipes. 

Chives

A final herb and one of the most popular. Like many of our for mentioned, chives contain vitamin A and C. Chives have been shown to reduce gastric cancer. 

Sprinkle chives on pasta, salads and starch based dishes such as potato salads.