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7 herbs that will make food healthy
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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We clearly underestimate the importance of some herbs that we use to season our dishes, believing that they only enhance their taste. In fact, in addition to taste, herbal seasonings turn food into a gourmet treat and saturate it with antioxidants and minerals.
Thyme
One of the most commonly used medicinal herbs, thyme is used for everything from killing germs to treating colds. Two teaspoons of this herb can provide you with 20 percent of your daily iron needs, and thyme is also rich in manganese, a mineral that boosts brain function and promotes healthy bones, skin, and cartilage. It pairs well with poultry, fish, lamb, and pork.
Parsley
A small bunch of parsley will provide the daily requirement of vitamin K, which plays an important role in the process of proper bone formation, blood clotting and liver function. In ancient Greece, parsley was used as an aphrodisiac.
Oregano
This aromatic herb contains 20 times more cancer-fighting antioxidants than other herbs. A tablespoon of fresh oregano has the same antioxidant power as a whole apple. Pairs best with vinaigrettes, seafood, and poultry.
Rosemary
If you can't live without your favorite steaks and shashlik, then add this seasoning to your list of "must have" spices. Grilling meat or roasting it over a fire leads to the formation of heterocyclic amines. According to researchers from Iowa State University, cooking meat with rosemary can reduce the level of heterocyclic amines by 60-80 percent. Vegetables, potatoes, eggs, lamb, pork and chicken will make wonderful friends with a pinch of this fragrant seasoning.
Peppermint
Mint can do more than just freshen your breath and be a decoration. In terms of antioxidants, mint is second only to sage and oregano. Researchers at the Jesuit University of West Virginia found that people who sniffed mint every two hours for a week ate 2,800 fewer calories, so it can also be used as a weight-loss spice. Lamb, vegetables, and chicken are the best companions for peppermint.
Sage
A small amount of sage oil affects cognitive processes, improving mental activity. Sage is an ideal seasoning for meat dishes.
Lavender
Known as a cure for anxiety and an antibacterial agent, this herb's medicinal properties do not end there. Lavender is a source of vitamin A and C, iron and calcium. Lavender is used as a seasoning for soups (mushroom, fish and vegetable), salads and sauces.