There are flowers you can eat, making us think that all meals should be just a little bit prettier.
Flowers are so much more than just a decoration–they can also offer a wide range of health benefits. We’re not just talking aromatherapy or essential oils, but actually eating flowers. Here are a few flowers you can eat:
- Dandelions — We all know that dandelion leaves make for a wonderful addition to any soup or salad, but did you know that the leaves contain more antioxidants than even broccoli? You get four different phytonutrients from dandelions, particularly beta carotene that your body turns into Vitamin A. You also get folate, Vitamin E, niacin, Vitamin C, and a host of other nutrients, making dandelions a food you definitely want more of!
- Roses –– The petals of roses are loaded with both Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which will provide your skin with the nutrients needed to stay healthy and fresh. They’re also rich in antioxidants and B vitamins.
- Violets — Violets contain a phytochemical called rutin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These antioxidants can strengthen the walls of your blood vessels, reducing the risk of capillary damage.
- Chive blossoms –– The cute purple flowers growing at the end of chive herbs are rich in Vitamin C, sulfur, and iron. Iron is needed to produce red blood cells, sulfur helps to eliminate fat, and Vitamin C is amazing for the skin and immune system. The flowers are also wonderful to keep your blood pressure levels healthy.
- Nasturtiums –– These flowers contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has powerful anti-cancer properties. They’re also rich in lutein, a carotenoid that can help to improve eye health and reduce macular degeneration.
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- Calendula –– The spicy, tangy flavor of these flowers make them a wonderfully colorful addition to any salad, and they pack a Vitamin C and fiber punch. Definitely a flower to add to your menu!
- Lavender –– Lavender is an excellent source of Vitamin A, which is needed for the health of your skin and eyes. It’s also loaded with calcium for your bones and iron for your red blood cells, and the flower is said to be amazing for the health of your central nervous system.
- Chamomile –– Who doesn’t love the soft, sweet scent of chamomile tea? Not only is chamomile fully edible, but when steeped into a tea, it can offer a wide range of health benefits. Chamomile tea soothes your stomach, prevents indigestion and acid reflux, and can even help to reduce skin irritation and problems.
- Lonicera —Also known as Jin Yin Hua, this Asian flower has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a treatment for colds, flus, and sore throats. It has antibiotic properties that made it useful for combating the swine flu.
- Viola –-Violas are sweet-smelling flowers that offer A LOT of health benefits. First off, they have anti-inflammatory properties which will help to reduce internal swelling. They can also reduce fevers, treat bacterial infections, and eliminate toxicity in the body. They have long been used as a remedy for snake bites because they help to combat toxins and prevent swelling.
Such amazing little flowers, with such awesome health benefits!
