Dill or dill weed (Anethum graveolens) is a herb of the celery family Apiaceae and is famous for soft leaves and brown, aromatic seeds. Dill is an essential ingredient in various European and Asian cuisines and possesses medicinal properties. We can use it as both herbs and spices form.
The dillās feathery leaves have a sweet and grassy flavor that enhances the taste of dishes. We can use leaves as freshly chopped or dry them as a garnish on various salads, soups, or sauces. The drill seeds have an excellent aroma and strong-tangy flavor. Dillās seeds are mainly useful as a spice to increase the taste of bread and pickles.
Health benefits
Dill contains several plant compounds and nutrients that were useful in treating various diseases in the ancient era, such as colic pain, mouth odor, menstrual pain, and digestive problems. The following are some health benefits of dill:
- Daily consumption of the dillās extract improves fasting blood sugar levels. So, it is beneficial for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes conditions.
- Dill contains numerous vitamins, including vitamin A, C, and folate.
- Vitamin A is essential for maintaining vision and reproductive health. It halts age-related degeneration and improves immunity.
- Vitamin C is crucial for our immune system and helps in metabolism, wound healing, bone formation, and fights chronic diseases.
- Folate is good for neurodevelopment.
- Dill is rich in numerous essential minerals, including iron and manganese, which are crucial for the normal functioning of our brain and nervous system, help in the metabolism of sugar and fat, and help ease pain during menstrual cramps.
- Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus minerals present in dill are crucial for bone health.
- Dill contains a myriad of antioxidants, including flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, which fight free radicals in our system and protect us from various chronic conditions, including heart diseases, cancer, Alzheimerās disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Flavonoids present in dill reduce LDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, dill consumption is beneficial for our heart health.
- The essential oil of dill contains monoterpenes, which possess anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Dill is safe to consume, but in rare cases, it causes allergies after consumption.
Dill is a versatile and flavor-rich herb and spice with numerous health benefits.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dill#side-effects