Dill is a culinary herb that produces yellow flowers and feathery leaves. It is a great source of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, carbohydrates, phosphorus, sodium and potassium as well as a small amount of riboflavin, niacin, and zinc. For more than 2,000 years, dill has also been used for medicinal purposes.
Below Are Some Of The Health Benefits Of Dill
Rich In Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that guard cells against damages caused by free radicals. They may help reduce chronic inflammation and prevent or even treat certain conditions, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain forms of cancer.
Dill contains several plant compounds with antioxidants effects, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins.
Good For Oral Care
The leaves and seeds of dill act as good mouth and breath fresheners. Its essential oils also have germicidal, and disinfectant effects that make it able to alleviate oral microbial infections. Apart from that, it also has antioxidants that act in reducing the damages caused by free radicals to gums and teeth.
May Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels have been associated with an increased risk of health conditions like insulin resistance, metabolic syndromes, and type 2 diabetes.
Dill has been suggested to have blood-sugar-lowering. It may help reduce the fluctuations of serum lipids and insulin levels in corticosteroid-induced diabetes. In one study, researchers have found that laboratory rats that had corticosteroid-induced type 2 diabetes showed a decrease in serum glucose and insulin levels when they were given dill extract for 22 days.
May Aid Insomnia
Dill has been found to have stimulating, sedative, and hypnotic properties. Its flavonoids and vitamin-B complex content help activate the secretion of certain enzymes and hormones which are considered to have calming and hypnotic effects, thus providing some help in people who have difficulty in getting a good night’s sleep.
Dill May Help You With Excessive Gas
Dill can help prevent excessive gas. It has carminative properties that help force gas downward through the digestive tract and allows it to leave the body safely.
Helps With Diarrhea
Diarrhea can either be caused by microbial action or indigestion. Dill essential oil contains the monoterpenes and flavonoids, which are germicidal or bactericidal in nature. Due to this, it can inhibit microbial infections that try to attack the body, thus providing relief from diarrhea. When it comes to indigestion, dill possesses compounds that may help deal with digestive problems.
Here are some ways to add fresh dill to our meals:
- Sprinkle it on top of cold cucumber salads.
- Incorporate it into sauces, marinades, or salad dressings
- Use it as a garnish for soups or roasted vegetables.
- Use it in potato salads or on baked or roasted potatoes.
- Chop and add it to salads
