Many of us love and often use a fragrant spicy seasoning - dill, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are well known to adherents of traditional medicine. This green plant has long been used in cooking, giving dishes a peculiar aroma and taste of summer. First courses, all kinds of salads, pickles, sauces, marinades and side dishes are rarely complete without the addition of aromatic herbs. Despite the undeniable taste, today we will focus on the beneficial characteristics of this plant.
Dill photo:
It is sometimes confused with the pharmacy "relative" - fennel and sometimes with caraway seeds, but despite some similarities, these are completely different spices.
What are the benefits of dill for the human body? Its chemical composition includes carbohydrates, fats, proteins, essential oils, flavonoids, carotenoids, phosphorus. There is a wide list of B vitamins, as well as calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, selenium, copper, zinc, magnesium. There are acids in dill: nicotinic, linolenic, folic. Undoubtedly, this herb is good for your health, but there are some limitations to its use that you need to be aware of. Let's take a closer look at all the nuances.
How to choose fresh herbs
When choosing a product on the market, be guided by the following rules:
- rub the twig between your fingers - a strong aroma will emanate from real dill, if the smell is barely felt, then the plant is grown in greenhouse conditions;
- inspect the tips of the greenery - they must be fresh, green. If the tips are dry or flabby, then the product will spoil soon;
- fresh dill leaves will be bright green, they should not be wet, stick together;
- quality frozen greens should look fresh.
Wash the grass before storing, dry it completely. Place the herbs in a dry container and close the lid. In this form, it is stored for a week.
Chemical composition
Greens have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antiseptic properties. This is due to the chemical component.
The plant includes:
- vitamin C - the product is the leader in the content of ascorbic acid (140% in one hundred grams of herb). Vitamin C enhances immunity, fights active radicals;
- vitamin A - necessary for mucous membranes, skin, normal vision. One hundred grams of greens contains 257% of the daily value of vitamin A;
- B vitamins - folic acid, niacin, riboflavin normalize metabolism, are necessary for the normal functioning of almost all body systems;
- mineral elements: calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese;
- organic acids;
- essential oils;
- flavonoids;
- monoterpenes.
Contraindications to use
Despite the amount of vitamins in dill, there are certain situations when it should not be eaten. So, it is strictly forbidden to use dried seasoning for those who suffer from allergic reactions to essential oils. In the event that a person suffers from chronically low blood pressure indicators, it is also worth refusing to take greens.
Considering what vitamins and minerals are in dill, many begin to use it in unlimited quantities, which is also strictly prohibited. Side effects in such situations are usually symptoms such as:
- deterioration of the general condition of a person;
- feeling of lack of energy;
- increased sleepiness;
- decreased performance;
- disruption of the digestive system;
- dizziness;
- nausea.
If such symptoms are not a sign of an overdose of any drug or the development of a disease, it is worth reviewing your diet and reducing the amount of certain foods.
Benefit for health
- Dill improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract... It contains fatty acids that provide the body with energy. The oil from the plant improves liver function, is useful for problems with the gallbladder, hemorrhoids. A decoction of seeds fights the growth of putrefactive bacteria in the stomach.
- The plant contains monoterpenes that protect the body from free radicals. Regular use of the product - prevention of cancer.
The antioxidant activity of greens is comparable to that of ascorbic acid. - The plant is indispensable for hypertension... It lowers blood pressure, promotes the removal of bad cholesterol from the body.
The tincture is used in the treatment of arterial hypertension, angina pectoris. - The product helps with depression, improves mood, improves tone.
- The plant helps to clear the bronchi from accumulating phlegm... To achieve a therapeutic effect, dill infusions are used.
- The product helps with stress and increased nervousness... It contains essential oils that soothe and relax. To reduce stress, you should brew herbs with chamomile and drink a drink instead of tea.
- Arginine in the herb strengthens teeth... With brittle teeth, persistent caries, it is recommended to include greens in a regular diet.
- Has an analgesic effect on the bodyreducing muscle spasms.
- The plant has bactericidal properties... Broths are used as an antiseptic for skin diseases or eye diseases. They help well with "barley".
- Dill, lemon and honey tea fights insomnia, you can drink it for headaches, flatulence, problems with the respiratory system.
Dill for weight loss
Considering that dill is a low-calorie greenery, and seeds are a storehouse of useful ingredients, it is quite reasonable to use it to get rid of excess weight. As mentioned above, this plant improves the functions of the gastrointestinal tract - and this is an important factor for comfortable weight loss. Moreover, this spice suppresses the manifestations of flatulence, which inevitably accompany the transition to a vegetable, fruit or cereal diet, plant food.
The calorie content of greens is 38 kcal per 100 g, and the calorie content of seeds is 305 kcal per 100 g. But this indicator does not mean that you can use bunches of grass uncontrollably. Remember the oversaturation of the body with the substances it contains! But chewing some seeds is very useful - they are high in calories, so they are good at relieving hunger, and reducing fermentation in the digestive tract. Do not forget that this plant has a calming effect, and this factor is also important in case of nervous overeating, which often accompanies the transition to a diet.
Is dill good for weight loss? This spice contributes to better digestibility of food, its easy digestion, removal of excess liquid, toxins, toxins and salts. The effect of fluid loss is especially noticeable at the beginning of the use of herbal decoctions and infusions from seeds. If you regularly drink these useful "teas", then the accumulation of harmful components in the body will come to naught, and the lost weight will not come back.Remember that in the struggle for a slim figure, you should not rely only on dill, the useful properties of which are only an addition to work on yourself. Properly organized nutrition, exercise, along with the use of the herb and fruits of this plant will lead you to the desired result. For the preparation of infusions or decoctions, you can use fresh and dried herbs, seeds.
What is useful for the body
Dill is distributed all over the world... It has long been consumed by people of different ages. The plant has a specific taste and aroma.
The product can be eaten by all peopleif there are no contraindications. It is useful for children, elderly people. Greens are indispensable in the treatment of female diseases, to improve lactation.
For adult men and women
Dill is especially beneficial for women after menopause.... It is a good source of calcium and reduces bone loss. For the same reason, the plant is useful for rheumatoid arthritis.
The plant helps with the complete absence or irregularities of the menstrual cycle. Increases sex drive.
During pregnancy and lactation
Greens cause menstruation, may cause miscarriage and premature birth... Therefore, while carrying a child, you should refrain from excessive use of dill. In small quantities, the plant is allowed to be consumed, but only after consulting a doctor.
The product improves lactation, improves the quality of breast milk. Dill water relieves babies from pain in the tummy. A tablespoon of seeds is poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted in a thermos for two hours, filtered. Drink one hundred grams twice a day.
For kids
Dill is introduced into the children's diet from 8 months... First, you should give the baby some greens (as part of a soup or vegetable puree), if there is no allergy on the part of the body, then dill can be added to any dishes. Usually the plant is ground in a blender and added to the main course.
The daily allowance for babies is five grams, older children can be given up to 10 grams per day. The plant improves the functioning of the digestive system, provides the child's body with vitamins and mineral elements.
Is it harmful in old age
There are no restrictions on the use of the product by elderly people. It normalizes metabolism, speeds up metabolism, which improves health.
It removes toxins and toxins from the body, cleans blood vessels, fighting atherosclerotic plaques. These properties support the work of the cardiovascular system.
Healing properties
The use of dill has a beneficial effect on the entire body.
- Vitamin and mineral complex allows:
- gently cleanse the body of toxins and cholesterol;
- accelerate the excretion of urine, which helps to cleanse the body of toxins and reduce swelling;
- improve the condition of blood vessels by reducing pressure on their walls;
- increase the body's ability to regenerate;
- relieve spasms;
- improve the state of the nervous system;
- relieve inflammation;
- increase the body's resistance to infections;
- improve the performance of the endocrine system, which allows you to restore a regular cycle in women, eliminate pain and increase potency in men;
- eliminate acne due to antiseptic properties;
- improve the condition of the skin and heal wound surfaces.
Potential harm
Dill brings great benefits to the body, helps in the treatment of a number of diseases.
But the plant has a number of contraindications for use:
- low blood pressure - greens help with hypertension, and will harm people suffering from hypotension (fainting or dizziness is possible);
- people prone to seizures;
- for allergies, individual intolerance to the product;
- during pregnancy - possible risk of uterine bleeding.
Growing seasoning
Dill is an unpretentious and cold-resistant crop that grows well in almost any conditions. It can be planted in April, May or before winter. the plant can be grown even at home on the windowsill. It takes 1–2 months to collect the greens, and 4–5 months to ripen the fruits.
If it is not possible to grow dill on your own, the dry spice can be purchased at the pharmacy.
The healing properties of the culture help fight many diseases, correct the figure, and improve the appearance. Like any plant, dill has contraindications for use that must be taken into account.
What dishes and how often do you add dill? Tell your friends and acquaintances about the medicinal qualities of the spice by sharing an article with them.
Cooking
The product is in demand in the preparation of various dishes, gives them a piquant taste and aroma. Vegetable salads rarely do without it. Greens are added to the first courses. It is indispensable for the preservation of vegetables, thanks to tannins it protects canned vegetables from mold.
- Peel a few potatoes, cut them into small pieces. Combine chopped dill (medium bunch), three to four tablespoons of olive oil, salt and two cloves of minced garlic.
Toss the butter mixture with the potatoes, place in a baking bag. Cook in the oven for about an hour at 200 degrees.
- Vitamin salad recipe: chop one small head of cabbage, add chopped dill, parsley and green onions to it.
Salt to taste, add a little vegetable oil.
In folk medicine
The beneficial properties of the plant have found their application in non-traditional methods of treatment.
Consult your healthcare professional before using prescriptions... Traditional medicine should complement drug therapy.
- Help with cystitis: take two tablespoons of dill seeds, pour 400 milliliters of boiling water over them, leave for 20 minutes, then strain. The dosage is 100 milliliters three times a day.
- For difficult expectoration, the following recipe will help: take a tablespoon of seeds, add a glass of boiling water to them, leave for half an hour.
After this time, put a spoonful of honey in the infusion. Drink 20 milliliters five to six times a day (strain the infusion first).
