SSH Top reasons to add fresh herbs to your diet.

Interestingly, herbs and spices are not just there to garnish your plate or look pretty (even though they do!) – they are also actually full of health benefits.

All herbs are obviously plants, but did you know that all spices too originate from plants? They come from the flowers, fruits, seeds, barks, leaves and roots. Herbs and spices not only improve the taste of food, but can also help preserve food for longer periods.  They often have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and even antiviral properties and many are high in B-vitamins and trace minerals.  ‘True’ sea salt can contain up to 93 trace minerals!  Most herbs and spices contain more disease-fighting antioxidants than fruit and vegetables.  So, they really are just power-packed little bunches of goodness!

While each herb has different benefits, here are some of the Health Benefits of the more common herbs:

Basil

Basil is an extremely versatile and fairly easy -to-grow herb that can be tossed in everything from eggs, to vegetables, dressings, sauces and soups. Basil has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, has been used for digestive disorders and is being studied for its anti-cancer properties. Read more here.

Garlic

Most households keep garlic.  Touted as one of the world’s healthiest foods, studies show that garlic can improve immune function, boost digestion, and just 2 cloves per week provide anti-cancer benefits among hosts of other benefits. Read more here.

Dill

Dill has antibacterial properties but is also known for its stomach settling ability.  It can lose its nutrients when heated so is best served with uncooked recipes or foods cooked at very low temperature – great in salads, dips, dressings, with eggs or poultry. More here.

Mint

Mint has traditionally been used to calm digestive issues and alleviate nausea. A delicious addition to salads, dressings, and with roasted lamb.  Mint is also enjoyed as a tea or essential oil.  This one has lots of applications, read more about them here.

Oregano

Very commonly used in both Greek and Italian cuisine – oregano has antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer and antibiotic properties.  It is very high in anti-oxidants.  Its oil and leaves are also used medicinally in treatment of cough, fever, congestion, body ache and illness. Read more here.

Rosemary

Rosemary has a high concentration of the antioxidant carnosol and research shows that it may be have benefits in vision protection, healthy skin and mucus membranes, and increased protection from some cancers.  Delicious with lamb  but equally yum in other meat dishes, in soups or with vegetables. Read more on Rosemary here.

Thyme

Interestingly, Thyme is a member of the mint family and has many applications.  It can be used to assist with oral health (e.g. healing from gum infections and teeth removal), Teas made with thyme can be used to treat fungal infections and can be used to speed recovery from illness.  Most often used in Provencal French cooking and Italian – add it early as it take time to realise its flavours.  More here.

Some other homegrown favourites of ours are coriander, continental parsley, and chives.

As with fruit and vegetables – fresh is generally best.  We love to have fresh herbs on hand and lots of herbs grow pretty easily in small pots without too much care (trust us – we are definitely not green thumbs!).  Plant some herbs in a pot and reap the benefits on both your tastebuds, but most importantly, your health!  As for dried herbs, first up, take a look at those bottles of herbs and spices on your pantry shelf – if you cannot recall when you bought them, chances are they are now devoid of nutritional benefit. The best bet here is to ditch them and start again.

Now combining some of our favourite soft herbs – try our Supergreen Powerhouse dressing.

This one is an incredible way to skyrocket your taste buds and is excellent on salad greens, roasted vegetables and even on meat. This dressing can take the most average dish to a zesty, tangy, delicious taste sensation –  Enjoy!

1/3 cup acid (apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, etc)

1 cup oil (olive oil works best, but also could use avocado or walnut oil)

1/2 cup soft herbs (basil, mint, oregano, parsely, chives, coriander, tarragon, dill, in any combination)

1 tsp salted capers

1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

1 clove garlic (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth or you reach the desired consistency.  Add a little water if needed and re-blend. Pour into an airtight container (we just use a screw top jar) and keep in fridge for up to 3 weeks (if it lasts that long!).

Anna & Em xo