Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Stress has many harmful effects on the body. The demands of modern life
have been shown to weaken our immune systems and to increase our risk
of high blood pressure and heart disease. Although we may not be able
to eradicate stress altogether, we can minimize negative effects by
consciously maintaining a healthful lifestyle.
In addition to
relaxation and exercise activities, one of the best ways to reduce
stress and boost overall health is through nutrition, specifically the
daily use of nutritious herbs. Adding herbs to daily meals is
important, because it builds health over time. Consistently eating
nutritious herbs bolsters the body’s vitality, which makes it easier to
fend off health challenges.
CLICK HERE for a free ACHS download with tips for using antioxidants and herbs.
Here are three easy-to-use herbs sure to get good reviews from the whole family.
1. Sweet Basil (Ocimum basillicum)
The
health benefits of eating basil include: vitamins and minerals
(calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B2, A, and C),
healthy digestion,
and the essential oil, which has a clove-like aroma, eases anxiety.
Easy-to-make meal:
• Chop fresh and add to pre-made tomato sauces;
• Add raw flowers and leaves to green, leafy salads; or
•
Use a blender to combine olive oil, basil, sun dried tomatoes, and
garlic—serve as a side dish with bread or on top of pasta.
2. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
The
health benefits of eating fennel include: vitamins and minerals
(calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and vitamins B2, A (as beta
carotene), and C), healthy digestion (including indigestion), and
healthy respiration.
Easy-to-make meal:
• Add fresh fennel leaves to green, leafy salads;
• Fennel stems can be cooked with in a variety of vegetable or lentil-based soups; or
• Chop fresh into tuna and pasta salads for flavor.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
The
health benefits of eating pumpkin seeds include: vitamins and minerals
(calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, silica, and linoleic acid),
healthy digestion, and healthy kidney function.
Easy-to-make meals:
• Eat the seeds raw or lightly-toasted as a mid-meal snack;
• Grind until smooth and add to granola or breakfast cereal; or
• Grind until smooth and add to a breading for fish or chicken.
To learn more about holistic nutrition for personal health, or training to be a holistic nutrition consultant, CLICK HERE.