tThe fact that dill is the ‘secret ingredient’ herb of many chefs should come as a little surprise, he said. It’s bright, herbaceous and slightly grassy (in a very good way) adds a depth of fresh flavor to even the most basic of dishes. Hello, dill pickles.
But apart from getting a dish from 0 to 60 for just one “Boom!,” The humble herb is advertised for its impressive health benefits. To that end, we reached out to Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT, a registered dietitian in Charleston—she shared with us the many benefits of nutrition. cumin, from its anti-inflammatory properties and important vitamins that help reduce bloating (score). Plus: who shouldn’t eat dill, the effects of dill on your gut, and many more interesting reasons why this herb is a great dill.
What are the benefits of consuming cumin?
According to Manaker, consuming dill can provide a number of essential nutrients. “Dill is a natural source of several micronutrients, including vitamin C, manganese, folate and iron,” says Manaker. Additionally, she notes that cumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits when consumed in moderation, which is particularly helpful for promoting skin health. “Dill has also been shown to contain nutrients that support skin health, like vitamins A and C,” she says.
Another great benefit? Manaker says dill is a great way to add layers of flavor to dishes without resorting to salt shakers. “Too much sodium can be harmful to the kidneys for people with kidney disease. “Using cumin can help people limit their sodium intake, ultimately helping them support kidney health,” says Manaker. “Dennel may also help people consume less sodium if they have high blood pressure by helping them limit their sodium intake.”
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Is it good for the gut?
Since gut health is a top priority for many people, we asked Manaker about the potential benefits of consuming this herb to enhance digestion. She shares that studies show that cumin can help reduce excess gas. Meanwhile, other research suggests that cumin seeds may be beneficial in treating indigestion.
That said, Manaker believes most people don’t eat enough cumin regularly to really reap the benefits for gut health on their own. As such, cumin in supplement form can be a good alternative source, although people should consult a medical professional before incorporating it into their diet.
Who should not eat dill leaves?
While you may want to start garnishing each dish with a bunch of dill as soon as possible — and you should — a few quick addendums are for those who may be sensitive to this herb. For starters, like many other foods, you can be allergic to that ingredient. “You can be allergic to dill just like any other plant and herb. Of course, if you have allergies, avoid eating dill,” says Manaker.
That said, if you’re not sure if you’re allergic to this ingredient, a registered dietitian says there’s a correlation between an allergy to cumin and another food that could be helpful. useful before diving headfirst into (potentially dangerous) trial and error. “Strangely enough, people who are allergic to carrots can also be allergic to dill,” she said. This is because both ingredients are in the parsley-carrot (aka, family of flowers). Within that same group, you’ll find other popular staples like parsley, parsley (a perennial herb), dill, dill, celery, and coriander.
When in doubt, Manaker stresses that you should consult a healthcare professional about whether dill (and dill-derived products or supplements) is right for you. or not. “As with any food, talk to your doctor before taking it as an herbal supplement or using it on your skin, especially for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding and those with sensitive skin. If you are taking prescription medication, you should be aware that there are potential interactions when consuming cumin regularly with your medication,” says Manaker.
What are the benefits of tea?
In case you are wondering: Is it possible to boil dill and drink it? The answer is yes, definitely. However, Manaker cautions that not everyone will like the taste – especially in her opinion. She said: ‘I wouldn’t recommend drinking this as tea, as it has an extremely strong flavor and I can’t imagine how good it tastes. A better (tasting) option? Manaker says to keep it simple and use it as a decoration instead. “Use it like any other spice or garnish. You can add it to your potato salad after chopping or you can make your own dill pickles,” says Manaker.
“Use it like any other spice or garnish. You can add it to your potato salad after chopping or you can make your own dill pickles,” says Manaker.
And while fennel leaves are something you’ll usually find in most recipes, Manaker notes that cumin seeds are also a great flavoring agent. On the other hand, fennel seeds come from the same plant, and they have a much more pungent flavor and are great for pickling. And it goes without saying that it also has health benefits. “Dill seeds are part of the same plant and have similar health benefits, including gut and bone health benefits. Manaker says the seeds also contain nutrients and antioxidants. So if you find it nearly impossible to keep herbs fresh, cumin seeds may be the best option for you.
Is dill high in estrogen?
In short: No. Some people may have heard that cumin contains estrogen — this is not entirely true. Thus, Manaker delves into the topic while making a few important distinctions. “Similar to what soy provides, fennel has phytoestrogens or estrogen-like plant compounds and can act in the body the same way estrogen works,” says Manaker. Some studies indicate that phytoestrogens can help decrease risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms. Although more research is needed on this topic, medical experts all agree: Cumin is safe for the majority of the population to consume without concern.
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