An A to Z of Healthy Eating - H
There's a fish called 'halibut' and there's honey and hummus, but that's about as far as I got for foods beginning with 'H'. And I wasn't sure that I liked the sound of honey-glazed halibut with hummus, so I've decided to take the opportunity to tell you all about herbs instead!
Basil is wonderful with dishes containing tomatoes. It's a good source of vitamin A and calcium and is a natural tonic to calm the nervous system.
Bay leaves are great in soups, casseroles and stews. They provide us with iron and phosphorus, and they are effective at stimulating digestion.
Chervil is a lesser known herb. It has an aniseed flavour and happens to be a good source of vitamin B1 and a variety of minerals such as potassium (needed by the muscles) and selenium (has anti-cancer properties).
Chives are a member of the onion family. They're a good provider of vitamin C and a stimulator of digestion. They're great for livening up potatoes, soups and stews.
Coriander is a very popular addition to curries and sauces. It supplies us with vitamin E and is a good tonic for the stomach, heart and urinary tract.
Dill is often used in pickles and to spice up fish and beetroot dishes. It's a great source of vitamin B1 and can help combat flatulence.
Fennel is another herb that tastes like aniseed. It goes well with fish, it facilitates digestion and helps combat nausea.
Mint is well known for the fact that it makes a great sauce to accompany lamb. Mint is a good provider of vitamin E.
Parsley makes a nutritious garnish for a variety of dishes including fish (its breath-freshening qualities counteract fish odours). Parsley is a source of vitamins A and C.
Rosemary is very popular with lamb, chicken and roast vegetables. It helps to improve blood circulation and the nervous system.
Sage is used in stuffings. It's a good source of magnesium (needed for many body systems including enzymes, nerves, bones and hormones). It facilitates the digestion of rich, heavy foods, and, in the form of a herbal tea, makes a good gargle for sore throats.
Thyme is a good tonic for coughs and colds. It adds great flavour to roast meat or vegetable dishes.
Finally, a note on herbal teas. Try these instead of regular tea or coffee. They don't cause problems associated with caffeine or dairy and, unlike most other drinks, they can be included in the recommended target of 2 litres of water a day. If you feel the urge to sweeten a herbal tea, you can always add a little bit of honey!
There's a fish called 'halibut' and there's honey and hummus, but that's about as far as I got for foods beginning with 'H'. And I wasn't sure that I liked the sound of honey-glazed halibut with hummus, so I've decided to take the opportunity to tell you all about herbs instead!Read also:
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An A to Z of Healthy Eating - D
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