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Spice Up Your Kitchen With 8 Herbs You Can Grow Indoors!

Apr 25, 2018

Spice Up Your Kitchen With 8 Herbs You Can Grow Indoors!

Spring has sprung outside – what better time than now to bring blooming greens indoors? Like 117 million other Americans, you might want to live healthier by gardening and reaping all its benefits, but not everyone has the space or yards to tend to larger plants. Luckily, we we’ve gathered this wonderful list of 8 herbs you can grow indoors!

1. ROSEMARY

Rosemary is a popular herb that is perfect with practically any ingredient. Whether you use it to give your sautéed vegetables a kick, spread it with yogurt on a sandwich, or use it in your next steak marinade, you’ll be able to enjoy its unique taste – and health benefits! This herb is packed with iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6, three minerals that can improve memory, lessen muscle pain, and boost the circulatory system.

2. BAY LEAVES

Bay leaves aren’t the most popular seasoning around, but the health benefits are always in style. Bay leaves boast high levels of vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and iron to reduce pain and even help get rid of your stuffy nose!

Next time you’re making dinner, get the most out of this indoor her by making a soup, sauce, or baked seafood dinner. Your taste buds – and your body – will thank you!

3. GINGER

If you’re a sushi connoisseur, you’re no stranger to ginger, but it can be used in so many other dishes. Ground ginger makes for a fantastic addition to spice rubs for grilled meats and can even be a subtle start in baked desserts. Raw ginger brings new life to smoothies, juices, soups, and salads. But wait, there’s even more – health benefits!

Ginger is a natural cure for nausea that also helps protect against stomach ulcers, lower cholesterol levels, and relieve joint and muscle pain. Talk about a versatile spice!

4. THYME

It’s about time to add thyme to your list of herbs – especially when you’re growing it indoors!

It highlights the subtle flavors of soups, baked dinners, and sautéed vegetables, all while providing a wealth of health benefits. It can reduce blood pressure and the frequency of sore throats all while reducing your risk for colon and breast cancers.

5. CILANTRO

Cilantro can be a polarizing herb. Some people love its citrusy flavor in Mexican and Mediterranean dishes. Others think it tastes suspiciously like soap. Whatever category you fall into, you have to admit it provides a lot of nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin K, and fiber especially. These are all associated with promoting bone health and an improved immune system, but studies show cilantro also helps lower anxiety and promote sleep.

If you’ve got a taste for cilantro, let it bring new life to guacamole, fish, or your favorite vegetable smoothie!

6. PARSLEY

Although it’s mostly used as a garnish, parsley can help improve digestion and reduce intestinal discomfort. It’ll strengthen your immune system with the added benefit of vitamin C.

Get it into your kitchen and your diet today by adding it to sandwiches, fresh pesto, or atop your favorite main dish. Why should only restaurants have the fun with garnishing?

7. MINT

Mint; it’s everywhere! From toothpaste to chewing gum to candies, we know it and lots of us love it! But how much do you know about it? For one, it has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food. The antioxidants give mint its decongestive properties and its ability to increase people’s pain tolerance – that’s why menthol is such a common ingredient in cold remedies.

An easy way to add more mint to your diet is by using it to spruce up your water or tea. For a heartier snack with all that great kick, make chopped mint the secret ingredient in a salsa!

8. CHIVES

Chives, like the rest of these herbs and spices, are a breeze to grow – put their pot on a sunny windowsill and make sure to water them, and watch them shoot up!

Chives are in the allium family of vegetables which have been shown to help prevent cancers – including prostate, esophageal, and stomach. Good thing adding chives to your diet is about as easy as growing them! They have a light flavor which goes great with eggs and cheese, making them a great way to start your day.

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