Fresh seasoning is a vital part of cooking and wellbeing. However, for some, seasoning may come second to the macronutrient balance in our meals.
When we are honed in on the macronutrient value of what we are eating, often planning in great detail our protein and carbohydrate intake to best suit our goals, seasoning can be overlooked. We might choose to forgo the packets of sauces or dips because they are laden with sugar and unnecessary additives, but this doesn’t mean all seasoning is bad for you. In fact, seasoning food with fresh herbs can help you get the minerals, vitamins and plant-derived complexes which, alongside macro-nutrients, are also fundamental to great health. Not to mention leaving your food without seasoning can be incredibly boring.
In this post, we will cover some of our favourite herbs which pack a flavourful kick as well as boosting natural energy and helping you feel fighting fit.
Fresh herbs in cooking have been used for millennia and are integral to many global cooking cultures. Use of seasoning defines the rich diversity of flavours across cuisine types, from lemongrass, coriander, and kaffir lime leaves in Thai dishes, to parsley and dill in Middle Eastern cooking. The list of possibilities is endless and variety really is the spice of life! So, let’s dive in.
Firstly, eat your greens!
The bountiful benefits of green herbs lie in their mineral density as well as their unique propensity to support the immune system, nervous system and energy production, helping to prevent mental and physical fatigue and improve our sleep.
- Parsley
Parsley leaves are a potent health boost because they’re high in antioxidants like vitamins C, A, and E, which can help soothe inflammation. This herb can also help digestion, help to reduce bloating and freshen your breath (especially after eating garlic or onion). The vitamin A content also supports our eye health, which can be important if your daily routine involves a lot of blue screen exposure.
- Coriander
Coriander is a herb that is known to have various benefits, including antioxidant action which can help support our bodies through immune function, as well as brain power. It also aids in great digestion and gut health.
- Basil
Basil is a wonderfully versatile and fragrant herb. A nutrient powerhouse, being a rich source of various essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, iron, magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Some say the basil leaf could even be propelled into superfood territory with its benefits for the liver as well as soothing effects on stomach upsets.
- Watercress
Watercress is a bitter leaf that helps to stimulate digestion and may help reduce feelings of bloating and sluggishness occurring after a meal.
Herbs don’t need to be green to be healthy. There are many other great tasting herbs that pack a punch, such as:
- Wild Garlic
Wild garlic is related to onions and chives as part of the Allium family. It’s incredible for renewing energy levels by calming inflammation in the body, which can occur when the body is tired, stressed and overworked.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice most famously used in Indian cuisine. It is known to be a super powerful tool for boosting health by strengthening the immune system and preventing inflammation. Tumeric can come in both fresh and dried forms, but fresh turmeric is said to be most potent due to the essential oils it contains.
- Feel the heat – circulation boosting herbs
Improving circulation can boost cognitive function and improve overall brain power. Spices such as cayenne, black pepper, cinnamon and ginger, can warm our core body temperature and increase blood flow, as well as being great options for seasoning.
The takeaways
There is a world to explore when using fresh herbs in food and it is key to remember that the variety of colours and plant compounds available in fresh seasoning all have different benefits that we can harness for our own wellbeing. Linking colours to plant benefits is an amazing and incredibly simple way to consume more health boosting foods. Each colour and texture has a different indication for its health-giving properties. You can read more in our other posts, including: ‘Why we should eat the rainbow’.
