The health benefits of dill and what is eaten in it

Dill - an annual plant of the umbrella family. Its greens have a pleasant spicy-aniseed aroma and a peculiar refreshing taste. In addition to its taste, the plant is famous for its rich chemical composition and a wide range of applications.

From the article you will learn how fresh dill is useful, what is eaten in it and how to prolong youth, improve vision and increase immunity with it.

Chemical composition, vitamins and trace elements

This spice contains practically no calories. But the list of trace elements that make up the composition is quite extensive... Dill seeds are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, etc.

The plant's essential oils contain phytoncides. These substances help to slow down the growth of fungi and bacteria, which helps cleanse the intestinal microflora. The combination of antioxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber reduces bad cholesterol and removes sugar from the blood.

The content of vitamins and minerals in 100 g of dill is indicated in the table.

Unique properties of dill

The uniqueness of this plant lies in the fact that it can be used completely, starting from the roots and ending seeds and bunches of greenery.

Properties and application of seeds

The seeds of the plant taste like caraway... They are widely used in cooking and medicine.

The main properties of dill seeds:

1. Antimicrobial. Effectively fight bacteria and fungi.
2. Antioxidant - these compounds remove free radicals from the body and neutralize carcinogens.
3. Anti-cholesterol. The extract from the semen helps to eliminate bad cholesterol and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
4. Spasmolytic. The seed extract stabilizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), treats flatulence and bowel disorders.
5. Increased levels of the hormone progesterone in women. Helps stabilize the cycle.
6. Anti-cancer. Dill seed extract acts on certain types of tumor cells to inhibit their growth.
7. Antirheumatoid. Thanks to the calcium in its composition, the seeds prevent bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis.
8. Sedative. B vitamins have a complex effect on the normalization of the central nervous system and improve sleep.

Dill root properties

The root of the plant is most often used for medicinal purposes as an infusion. It is used for:

• improving digestion;
• increased appetite;
• elimination of flatulence;
• strengthening the heart muscle;
• stimulating effect on the mammary glands during breastfeeding;
• getting rid of edema;
• normalizing blood pressure;
• relieving spasms and vasodilation.

The benefits of greenery

The bunches of the plant are most often used in cooking. They give food an original taste and light spicy aroma.

With regular consumption of dill:

• improves digestion;
• normalizes the cycle women;
• increases appetite;
• strengthens the immune system;
• stabilizes pressure;
• relieves insomnia;
• increases potency;
• soothes the central nervous system;
• removes phlegm from the lungs;
• eliminates inflammation in the oral cavity.

In cosmetology, an infusion of dill leaves is used to make the skin lighter and whiten freckles.

Which is healthier - parsley or dill

Leafy greens are an irreplaceable source of essential oils, vitamins and minerals and other substances necessary for the human body.

The chemical composition of parsley and dill is very similar. This is due to the almost identical effect of these herbs on the body. In addition to substances similar to dill, parsley contains vitamins E, H and K, as well as the minerals iodine, chlorine and fluorine.

To get the maximum amount of nutrients, you should not dwell on one type of greenery. Doctors recommend using various types of it every day, regardless of the season.

Useful medicinal properties

Due to its unique chemical composition, dill has a beneficial effect on the body of women, men, the elderly and children.

For women

Dill has a particular effect on a woman's health. With regular use, it is observed:

• increasing libido and improving hormonal processes;
• increasing the effectiveness of diets and weight loss;
• increased milk production during breastfeeding;
• reduction of PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps.

In the beauty industry, this scented plant is most often used as a natural brightening agent.

For men

Dill has a vasodilating effect, which causes blood flow to the pelvic organs. Also, along with the greens of dill, vitamins and minerals necessary for muscle tone enter the body. As a result, potency is significantly improved.

The plant has anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, it is recommended to use it as an adjunct to the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system.

For the elderly

The high calcium content in the greenery of the plant helps to strengthen bone tissue. The unique combination of vitamins and minerals of the plant makes it an effective remedy for the prevention of osteoporosis. This feature of dill is especially relevant for the elderly.

Just one sprig of dill added to the daily diet is an effective natural remedy for normalizing blood pressure.

For kids

Among young mothers, dill seed infusion has found widespread use for the treatment of colic and bloating in babies.

In addition, dill:

• improves the child's appetite;
• relieves mild headaches;
• cleanses the child's body of harmful substances;
• enhances immunity;
• improves the result of treating anemia in a child;
• complements treatment for pyelonephritis and cystitis.

Basic rules and norms of use

The calorie content of fresh dill is about 38 kcal, and 100 g of greens contains the daily norm of vitamin C. In the absence of contraindications, eating a bunch of dill per day is certainly possible, but it is better to distribute it over several dishes.

In what form to apply

Greens, seeds and even plant roots are used in a fresh, dried and thermally processed form.

Fresh herbs

Used for making salads, decorating sandwiches and various dishes.

Fresh bunches of greens are great:

• to sauces and dressings;
• potato dumplings;
• marinade for kebabs;
• boiled potatoes;
• soups, cabbage soup or ear.

Dry

Most often, dried herbs are used to prepare hot dishes: soups, meat, scrambled eggs and omelets. When dried, dill retains all its beneficial properties and taste.

Juice and decoction

They are used mainly for the treatment and prevention of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. For the preparation of the broth, 1 tbsp is most often taken. l. dried dill 0.5 l. water. It is recommended to insist for at least an hour and drink half a glass about 3 times a day.

Seeds

Dill seed is used in cooking by analogy with sesame or caraway seeds. They are also used in folk and even traditional medicine.

When used for medicinal and prophylactic purposes, it is recommended to fill the seeds with boiling water and leave for 10-15 minutes. Take on an empty stomach.

Tincture

To prepare the tincture, use fresh dill greens or its seeds. Most often, seeds are poured with hot water, less often with vodka. The use of crushed seed is possible.

Oil extract

Dill essential oils are used in the food industry and cosmetic production. Dried or fresh herbs can also be added to butter and stored in the freezer.

Other

For medicinal purposes, it is possible to use not only greens and dill seeds, but also its root. To obtain a healing broth, the root is thoroughly washed, crushed, poured with hot water and insisted.

Collection and preparation of dill

The final amount of preserved nutrients depends on the correct collection and preparation of greens. It is recommended to collect dill during the budding period. At this time, the greens are the most juicy and elastic.

Basic procurement methods:

• freezing;
• drying;
• pickling;
• salting.

Freezing

When frozen, the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals is preserved.

Before placing the dill in the freezer, it is recommended to wash it thoroughly and dry it on a towel. Next, the greens are laid out in a special container or on a tray with a layer of no more than 3 cm. This thickness allows the greens to freeze evenly without loss of taste and attractive appearance. Or the grass is wrapped in thin bundles in foil or plastic wrap.

Another way of freezing is by cooling in silicone cube molds. The greens are crushed, laid out in ice molds and filled with water. And for the manufacture of spiced butter, butter is thoroughly mixed with chopped herbs and placed in special molds for freezing.

Drying

This method preserves the aroma and flavor of the plant well. The downside is long-term drying.

Dill can be dried using special appliances such as a dehydrator, electric dryer, oven, or microwave. Or leave the prepared greens outdoors.

For a natural drying method, the greens are thoroughly washed and blotted with a towel. Next, the bundles are suspended in a dry, well-ventilated area. Dry for about 4-7 days.

The temperature for the oven is set no higher than 45 ° C - so the greens will not lose aromatic substances. It is better to dry the dill on a sieve, not on a baking sheet. With this method, it will dry evenly from all sides. The oven door should be slightly open.

Well-dried greens retain their appearance and become even more aromatic. When pressed, the stems and leaves should break. Dried and chilled greens are placed in sealed jars and stored in a dark place.

Pickling

Finely chopped or minced in a meat grinder, herbs are poured into sterilized glass jars and poured 1-2 cm with vinegar or table wine.

Salting

For salting, dill greens are finely chopped and sprinkled with a layer of salt. They tamp the mixture into a special container and wait for the juice to stand out and the contents settle down a little. Then the procedure is repeated. The topmost layer is sprinkled with salt. Store in the refrigerator.

Dill in folk medicine

Dill seeds are used for:

• treating colic in infants;
• elimination of severe cough;
• elimination of asthma attacks;
• treatment of gallstone disease;
• rejuvenation;
• increasing lactation;
• normalization of pressure.

For treatment, crushed or whole dill seeds are used, which are poured with hot water and insisted. They use it depending on the type of disease.

Dill greens application:

1. With glaucoma and cataract... A bandage soaked in juice is used as a compress on the eyes. The procedure takes 15-20 minutes.
2. To calm the nervous system... Use a decoction of seeds and herbs. It is taken warm.
3. For the treatment of acne. An infusion of dill and rose or sage petals is used.

Dill for beauty

In cosmetology, dill infusion is used as a whitening lotion. It brightens the skin and gets rid of freckles. For its preparation, fresh herbs are poured with hot water and infused for about an hour... Further, this composition is used as a tonic.

As a remedy for acne, a mixture of dill, cabbage leaf, onions, garlic and black radish is recommended. The resulting paste is kept on the face for about 20-30 minutes, then washed off with cool water.

For hair, dill is used as a natural gloss activator. The mouthwash is prepared from the greens of the plant, its seeds, calendula leaves, essential oils of tuberose, cardamom, mint, sandalwood and lemon juice. It is recommended to rinse your hair after each wash.

Dill for weight loss

Dill seeds with the addition of blue clay are used for anti-cellulite wrap... The effect is achieved thanks to essential oils. For 1 serving of clay, you will need 50 g of seeds. The result: firmer skin, weight loss and edema relief.

A mixture of plant seeds (1 tablespoon) and flaxseed oil (0.5 tablespoons) is widely used as an anti-cellulite scrub. Recommended for use on problem areas 2-3 times a week. Store the remaining mixture in the refrigerator.

Dill infusion or essential oil are excellent bath products that have an anti-cellulite effect. The effect is achieved when using the product every other day. The course of procedures is 3 weeks. This is followed by a month of break and repetition of the course.

Possible harm and contraindications

Despite the fact that dill is a completely natural natural product, there are a number of contraindications to its use:

1. First trimester of pregnancy. Eating a lot of dill increases your risk of miscarriage.
2. Acute stages of inflammation of the gallbladder and pancreas.
3. Large stones in the bladder.
4. Hypotension (low blood pressure), as dill has a pressure-lowering effect.
5. Allergies and intolerances to the product.

Conclusion

Dill is a source of vitamins and minerals for our body. Its application goes far beyond cooking - the healing properties of dill extend to almost all human systems and organs. Discover recipes for beauty and youth, bequeathed by nature itself!