It’s no secret that fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to any dish, but did you know that they also have numerous health benefits? Whenever I am feeling down or stressed, I head to my back deck, where I have pots filled with fresh herbs. Just running my hand through the soft leaves releases the most amazing and diverse scents, which is my own form of aromatherapy. Plus, they look beautiful.
But herbs aren’t just a treat for the senses; they are also a healthy alternative to high sodium seasonings or just plain salt. As someone who needs to watch their sodium intake, I have found that herbs can enhance the flavor of my meals without the added salt. This is important because too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, which is a concern for many people, including myself.
Breaking away from salt on and in food can be tough, especially if you’re used to adding it to everything. As a child, I had a habit of salting everything from corn-on-the-cob to watermelon slices. However, over time, I learned to appreciate the natural flavors of these foods without the added salt. I still need to be wary of hidden sodium in meals when I eat out and in ingredients I use at home.
According to the American Heart Association, there are many surprising sources of sodium in our diets. Fresh herbs are a delicious alternative to salt for flavoring food, and they are included in the list of options provided by the association. So, instead of reaching for the salt shaker when a dish tastes a little bland, I now experiment more with fresh herbs on poultry, fish, and pasta, as well as in salads and veggie dishes. Adding rosemary and thyme to a chicken or turkey breast baking in the oven makes a huge difference, and adding cilantro to homemade salsa really jazzes it up.
The American Heart Association also offers an array of information about individual herbs and a number of recipes and cooking tips. They suggest using herbs such as basil, chives, cilantro, dill, and parsley to add flavor to your dishes.
One recipe that I look forward to trying is a herbed veggie skillet that features basil, which is one of my favorites. I’m excited to experiment with more herbs in my cooking, and I’m sure that they will make my dishes even more flavorful.
There will still be times when monitoring sodium intake is especially tough, but knowing that alternatives to salt, especially herbs, are handy and delicious will make the challenge easier. And, as a bonus, after a tough day, I can head out to the deck, grab a sprig of rosemary or basil, and inhale. It’s just like being at the spa.
Looks great