Dill Thrill: Top 6 Benefits of Dill

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Dill (Anethum graveolens) imparts a subtle yet savory zest to many foods but it’s also known for its vast array of health benefits. From relieving embarrassing gas to helping fight cancer, dill has the ability to bolster our system and keep us going strong.

The feathery green herb is made up of compounds called Monoterpenes (essential oils found in a variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables), and is also brimming with flavonoids and minerals that put our bodies on the fast track to supreme health. Who knew that this delicate looking herb could pack such a powerful punch in the health department?

Dill for Better Health

Cancer Prevention

According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, monoterpenes, like those found in dill, have been shown to help prevent a slew of cancers ranging from lung, breast, pancreatic and liver. It’s believed these essential oils may play a role in treating leukemias and is often referred to as a “chemoprotective” food much like parsley.

Bone Health

High in calcium, dill has been touted as an ideal way to protect against bone loss, mainly incurred after menopause. Incorporating more of this herb in your diet may boost bone mineral density, safeguarding bones from injury and ensuring proper growth.

Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Dill has been shown to aid in keeping inflammation at bay. As such, it appears in many recipes where it’s added to fish (typically salmon) or put on top of vegetables. Cooking with dill can help ease the symptoms of arthritis, gout and even rheumatoid arthritis, all of which can be debilitating.

Improved Digestion

The essential oils in dill are also known to stimulate the secretion of bile and digestive juices, helping to keep your digestive system on track. Furthermore, its oils stimulate the intestine in such a way so that bowel movements are easier, easing constipation difficulties as well as keeping gas buildup at bay.

Better Sleep

Did you know that dill can help improve insomnia? In addition to helping with digestion, dill’s essential oils have been shown to have a calming effect. The flavonoids and vitamin-B complex in the oils activate certain hormones that have such an effect, acting as a sedative that can help people sleep more soundly.

Diabetes Management

Studies have shown that dill can regulate insulin levels, helping people with diabetes manage their lifestyle somewhat easier. It’s thought that the herb keeps lipid and insulin levels steady.

Did You Know?

  • Dill was considered a sign of wealth in Greek and Roman cultures due to its healing properties?
  • Dill offers a good way to relieve hiccups?
  • The father of medicine, Hippocrates, used dill to keep mouths clean?
  • Burnt dill seeds were used by ancient soldiers who put them on wounds to encourage faster healing?
  • Charlemagne made sure dill was readily available on his banquet tables so those who overdid it in the festivity department could enjoy its gas-relieving properties?

Sources for this article include:

Antonia
A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. (http://www.rawfoodhealthwatch.com/)