DIGESTION: BENEFITS OF HERBS

Mint - Herb

The overall process of converting food into chemical substances that can be absorbed and assimilated into the blood stream is called digestion. This process begins in the mouth, as the food is chewed, it is mixed with the saliva, which moistens it, and supplies it with enzymes that breakes it down.

Many suffer from digestive disorders, which could vary from the onset of symptoms which reflect a normal response to an unusual meal, or some factors of their lifestyle, an improper diet or just dealing with the daily stresses of life. Whatever forms these disorders may take these symptoms can reflect a number of serious disorders.

This is where herbs become very important in our diet as it has the ability to bring healing; hence it is always a good thing to use herbs when cooking. Herbs are edible plant added to food to enhance its flavours. Many well known herbs are a good source of antioxidants, because of their Phenolic contents. The Oreganos were found with the highest antioxidant activities.

Benefits to be had from some of these herbs: 

Oreganos

Useful in cooking, also aid in the digestive process, widely used in pizzas, it also helps to relieve the symptoms of cold and flu when used as an infusion.

Ginger

Ginger helps troubled digestion; it is known to ease nausea. It also helps to improve the absorption as well as the assimilation of the essential nutrients of the body. It is also used in gastrointestinal problems.

Mint

Mint soothes the digestive tracts, a good blood purifier, also useful to combat bad breath. This can be brewed as well as eaten raw. The leaves of which are also used in savoury dishes, also in desserts

Dill

Food odours can be avoided by chewing a few dill seeds after a meal. Dill also aid digestion. This is also widely used in soups.

Parsley

The parsley is one of the most widely used herbs, also one of the most nutritious garnishes, this herb contains Vitamin C as well as iron.

Sage

Also useful in digestion, a popular stuffing, the sage is also recommended as a tea as it is very effective in the relieve of sore throat when used as a gargle, as well as for excessive sweating.

Other herbs such as Rosemary, thyme, Chervil, Borage, Bay, Basil and chives. The Chervil   the Chives and the Bay good herbs for stimulating the digestion, the Basil a natural tranquillizer and the Borage when used as tea helps respiratory infections   

The use of herbs helps to protect our health. Therefore herbs are beneficial not only to aid us in the digestion process; but also enhances the flavour of our food without the addition of extra fat or salt.
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