The inevitable aromatic herbs
Many ingredients are used in the kitchen, but if you notice, there are those basic ingredients that you can't do without. Among these are the plants and aromatic herbs : healthy and beneficial, they bring an extra touch to the dishes, enhancing the flavors of the dishes and enriching the taste.
The Mediterranean cuisine and diet is rich: a garden-pantry that can be said to be worthy of this definition ensures at least six essential plants and aromatic herbs throughout the year : sage, rosemary, mint, thyme, basil and oregano . Don't let them miss you, it means respecting the fundamental principles of a healthy diet, which maintains physical well-being and increases longevity.
That's why growing and cooking with aromatic herbs not only earns in taste, but also in health!
Cook with herbs to slow aging
Rosemary, oregano, mint and basil in particular are herbs that, according to various studies, would help slow down the action of free radicals . Studies published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information particularly highlight the action and therapeutic power of rosemary against the effects of Alzheimer 's disease . Even basil has a high capacity to protect the skin.
Minerals and vitamins added to the dishes
Some herbs, even if only slightly, increase the intake of vitamins and minerals. The Rosemary Officinalis, for example, contains vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin K, as well as calcium, potassium and magnesium . Thyme vitamin A and folate, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Sage also contains vitamin K, as well as vitamin A, calcium and potassium. Basil vitamin A, calcium and potassium. Therefore, let's not limit ourselves to considering them simple seasonings, their presence affects, albeit to a very small extent, the quantities of nutrients.
It improves metabolism, digests better and burns calories
The basil, a must in the Mediterranean diet that respects itself, is perfect not only on pizza and pasta sauce, but also to enhance the flavor of dishes and vegetables. Its digestive and relaxing properties throughout the body have been known for a long time, it is an excellent expectorant and balsamic if used in herbal teas. As an article in the Republic explains to us, some aromatics would have a thermogenic action, or fat-burning, on the body: this is the case of ginger.
No to salt and fats: cook with aromatic herbs to flavor and lose weight
Basil, mint and dill can help reduce the addition of fat and salt by enhancing the flavor and palatability of the dishes; also stimulating salivary and gastric production, herbs such as mint quell the nervous hunger . Dill is also a diuretic and detoxifying herb . Even the thyme can be effective for flavoring dishes and avoiding belly swellings.
How to consume aromatic herbs
> fresh : the herbs obviously give off the best when they are fresh, keeping their aroma for a long time;
> dried : they are the most widespread, easy to find and the most practical but also the fastest to lose the aroma. When buying, however, it is good to check that they do not contain lumps: it is a sign that they are old;
> in paste : even these last practices in use, keep the flavor for a long time but are rather perishable;
> extracted : convenient to dose but often reproduced synthetically; in the latter case the perfume is excessively penetrating or vaguely metallic.
Reference book: "Aromatic herbs for well-being and cooking" A. Mikolajski, D. Rooney.
