Cooking with herbs provides a great way to reap herbs' numerous health benefits while still enjoying delicious meals. This post will discuss the benefits of eating herbs and the popular herbs used in cooking. It’ll also provide five tasty and healthy recipes to start your heart-healthy eating journey. So let's get cooking with herbs and get your heart health on the fast track!
Benefits of Eating Herbs
Herbs are an excellent way to add flavor to your cooking without any added salt or fat. But herbs also include additional health benefits. Eating herbs offers numerous ways to help improve your heart health. Here you'll find some vital health benefits:
- Lower Blood Pressure - Herbs such as garlic, ginger, and celery seed have been known to help lower blood pressure.
- Lower Cholesterol - Herbs like parsley, sage, and rosemary can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Improved Circulation - Herbs like ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper can help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
5 Popular Herbs Used in Cooking
When you cook with herbs, you add flavor to your meals and get the heart health benefits that come along with them. Check out some of the most popular herbs used in cooking and their benefits:
- Basil - Basil has a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that is perfect for adding to pasta, pizzas, and salads. It is also rich in antioxidants and can help reduce cholesterol levels. You can find basil in most grocery stores or grow it quickly in your garden.
- Oregano - This popular herb features a bold, earthy flavor. Try using it in various dishes, including pasta sauces and marinades. Oregano is also known for being rich in antioxidants and can help to reduce inflammation. You can find oregano in any grocery store or grow it in your garden.
- Thyme - This fragrant and flavorful herb is very versatile. It is often used in soups, stews, and sauces and is an excellent addition to roasted meats. Thyme has many antioxidants and can help improve circulation. You can find it in most grocery stores or fresh from your local farmer's market.
- Rosemary - Rosemary's distinct flavor and aroma enhances soups, stews, and sauces. It also contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. You can buy rosemary in most grocery stores or grow it at home.
- Parsley - Parsley's mild flavor works well in salads and sauces. It is also rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which can help improve heart health. You'll find parsley in most grocery stores or grow it at home.
5 Recipes that Feature Healthy Herbs
Here are five delicious recipes ideal for getting started on your heart-healthy eating journey. Just click on the links for the full recipe:
- Basil Pesto - This delicious pesto is perfect for tossing with pasta or spreading on toast.
- Oregano-Lemon Chicken - This flavorful dish makes a perfect entree for lunch or dinner.
- Thyme-Roasted Vegetables - Roasting vegetables with herbs adds so much flavor. Try this easy but delicious recipe.
- Rosemary-Garlic Potatoes - This easy side dish adds delicious flavor to any meal.
- Mediterranean Parsley-Lemon Salad - Try this light, flavorful salad for a light, healthy lunch or dinner.
We're Here to Help
Adding herbs to the diet of your senior loved one will help improve their overall and especially heart health while adding flavor. If you live in South Bend, Elkhart, Goshen, or Mishawaka, IN, Senior Helpers South Bend wants to help you and your senior family member on your journey to better health. We provide in-home senior care services to give you the assistance you need in the comfort of your home. Contact us today to learn more!