Herbs: Dill Health Benefits
In addition to its culinary uses, dill health benefits are plentiful. This herb gives many dishes the zest you want, but the health benefits of dill should not be ignored. Learn more of dill health benefits in this article to appreciate more this superb herb.
Anti Cancer Properties
Perhaps the most impressive dill health benefit is its anti-cancer properties. Dill has monoterpene components. These components activate glutathione-S transferase, an enzyme that helps oxidize molecules that harm or do damage to the human body. The glutathione in dill is a great anti-oxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals and carcinogens such as cigarette and charcoal grill smoke and those produced by trash incinerators.
Effective Anti-Bacterial
Dill has similar bacteriostatic or bacteria-regulating effect as garlic. Research shows that the oil derived from dill has the ability to prevent bacterial overgrowth. It can be a treatment for diarrhea because of it has very good digestive properties and the monoterpenes help inhibit microbial infections.
Bone Loss Prevention
Calcium is a very important nutrient that our bodies need to prevent or reduce bone loss. Since dill is also rich in calcium, it helps in preventing bone loss, especially for women after menopause. Furthermore, it helps with other conditions associated with calcium deficiency such as rheumatoid arthritis, muscle spasms and weak bones. According to The World’s Healthiest Foods, 2 teaspoons of dill contain almost 37 mg of calcium.
Calcium is also necessary for good oral health. The calcium contents of dill may help to keep teeth to be strong and healthy, and the essential oils present in dill act as a germicidal and disinfectant, contributing to oral care and hygiene. The anti-oxidant properties of dill lessens the damages that free radicals can do to teeth and gums. In addition, dill seeds and leaves make great mouth fresheners. Eating a dill leaf or seeds after a meal will give you fresh breath just like a peppermint.
Antihistamine Properties
The essential oils of dill contain kaempferol and other components that acts as an anti-congestive and antihistamine in certain respiratory disorders. These components may help in clearing a congestive respiratory system due to allergies and cough.
A Good Insomnia Treatment
Most herbs have the same properties as stimulants and sedatives. In cases of insomnia, the flavonoids and the B vitamins in the essential oils of dill help to activate the production of certain hormones and enzymes to give a calming effect, and in turn helps to overcome insomnia and get a good night’s sleep.
As a stimulant, dill may help in the secretion of certain hormones during menstrual cycles. The secretion of these hormones in turn helps regulate and maintain the proper hormone cycle of women. Women with irregular menstrual cycles will benefit a lot in including dill in their diet.
References:
https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=71
