Sunday, January 6, 2013

The Benefits Of Healthy Herbs

By Maryellen Lamb


Healthy herbs have been an important component of our diet for a long period of time. Their usefulness has been known since ancient times and has promoted our wellbeing. Herbal parts such as roots, leaves and barks are known for their fragrance, aromatic effect on dishes and their healing power. They are commonly known for their medicinal uses, health benefits, nutritional value and culinary uses.

These herbal plants have been in use since ancient times and their impact has caused researchers to invest their resources to establish their real value to our health. These studies have revealed additional health benefits and detoxification ability. The numerous uses have been exploited to cure diseases and improve the quality of dishes. They contain vital oils, vitamins, unique antioxidants and other essential nutrients. These compounds boost the level of immunity by fighting harmful germs and toxins

Essential oils from herbal plants have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation leads to attack by chronic illnesses like Alzheimer, allergy and heart disease. They hinder the action of cyclooxygenase enzyme that causes inflammatory reactions in the body. These essential oils provide an effective cure for inflammatory health disorders like rheumatoid arthritis asteo-arthritis and ulcerative conditions of the bowel.

These plants contain numerous unique compounds that are useful to individuals suffering from diabetes in lowering the quantities of blood sugar. Control studies in epidemiology have led to the discovery of compounds like allicin found in garlic which monitor the levels of cholesterol and blood pressure and prevent risks of diseases such as stroke and coronary artery disorders. Compounds such as curcumin are effective antioxidants.

The volatile oils, antioxidants and vitamins in herbal plants have been found to have cytotoxicity properties against cancer cells in the various body organs such as the colon, prostrate, pancreas and many others. Antioxidants protect the body cells against damage by free radicals produced during digestion and arising due to exposure to radiation and tobacco in the environment. . Antioxidants provide protection against cancer, heart disease and other diseases.

Nutritionists recommend the use of culinary herbs as spices in the preparation of dishes. They add a special flavor to food and contain multiple anti-microbial elements which fights against any bacteria present in the food consumed hence provide protection against any form of infection. Healthy herbs play a major role in the preparation of recipes and are commonly used in soups, vegetables, fruit salads, herbal sauces and are also to flavor drinks.

They are very useful the weight loss procedure. Healthy herbs are effective stimulators of metabolism, help in weight control, promote satiety and improve the quality of the diet. Spices derived these type of plants are the major stimulators of metabolic processes. An example of these spices is the peppers that contain capsaicin. They also have the advantage of low calorie content and pose fewer risks to the body system.

Healthy herbs are effective substitutes to pharmaceutical drugs. The side effects associated with them are very few since they work gradually in the body allowing the body enough time to adjust any changes. Some of the compounds contained in these herbs are aphrodisiac, deodorants, lypolytic, antiseptic and analgesic. When taken in proper dosages they stimulate these processes in the body. Pharmaceutical drugs also lack essential ingredients like dietary vitamins which are important for the body.




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