LAURA HEDRICK MS, RD, LD AT NORMAN REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
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Healthy Moore: HERBS AND SPICES
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id you know there is one week every year that is dedicated to herbs and spices? This year, it is May 3-9. There are many ways you can celebrate, especially with Cinco de Mayo falling within that week! Go ahead and add some cilantro to your guacamole, or some mint to your water. Herbs and spices bring out the best in even the blandest foods. Herbs are also prized for their scent, medicinal benefits, and can be used for spiritual purposes.
be dried or fresh and come from the leafy part of a plant. Spices are nearly always dry and are from seeds, roots, fruit, or bark. It is also possible for a plant to contain both an herb and a spice; for example, the coriander plant’s leaves are the herb otherwise known as “cilantro,” while coriander seeds are their own unique spice.
In most recent years, the American appetite for herbs and spices has skyrocketed. According to the USDA, in 1995, total consumpIn 1991, the International Herb Association established National tion of spices in the U.S was nearly 800 million pounds. By 2000, it Herb Week to be celebrated every week during the week prior to increased to over 950 million pounds. In 2005, total spice consumpMother’s day, and the purpose of this week is to develop and coordi- tion in America had reached over 1.6 billion pounds. nate national attention on herbs, herbal uses, herb businesses, and So, what are some benefits and ways to use these herbs? Spicy the IHA. Every year since 1995, the IHA has chosen an Herb of the Year to highlight. This year (2021), the herb of the year is Parsley. herbs treat cold and respiratory problems and can improve blood circulation, while sweet herbs improve the functioning of the spleen, can Some (but not all) ingredients and health benefits of parsley include: relieve pain, and boost immunity. Bitter herbs can aid the cardiovascular system while treating constipation and asthma. Sour herbs treat • High vitamin C and iron to help with iron absorption, helps with liver disorders and help in the digestion process, while salty herbs bladder/kidney/urinary tract infections as it contains myristicin can promote the health of kidneys. Herbs are also known to help and apiole which helps increase urination and relieves bloating/ reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol, reduce risk of cancer and water retention, stimulates hair growth, can fight against can- Alzheimer’s, helps maintain healthy skin and hair, dental care, and cer as it contains anti-oxidants that help neutralize carcinogens more. Spice up your life, and grab some fresh herbs/spices at your (cancer-causing agents) and free radicals (cancer-causing com- nearest grocery store today! pounds), folate for heart health, immunity booster (contains higher vitamin C than oranges), high carotenoids for vision health, Resources and is an excellent source of histidine which is an essential ami• http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/nutri/matter/2007-05-organno acid necessary for growth and repair of tissues. ic-spices.asp • TIP: It is said that juicing your parley (recommended a 1 oz por• https://iherb.org/herb-of-the-year/ tion; add to smoothies, juices, dressings) will give you the most benefits! It is very potent by itself and not recommended to • https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices be taken alone. What are the differences between herbs and spices? Herbs may 36 | MOORE MONTHLY | MAY 2021
• https://juicing-for-health.com/health-benefits-of-parsley
