Herbs a Great Source of Nutriends To Boost Your Food Dollar

Adding nutrition to your diet can be as easy as adding herbs to your meals. Many herbs are loaded with vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system and heal what ails you.

Parsley - It is a pretty garnish and adds flavor, but it is also packed with nutrients. One tablespoon of fresh, raw parsley has only one calorie. It also is a good source of protein (yes, protein!), Vitamins E, B6, Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantheistic acid, phosphorus, and zinc. It contains fiber, vitamins A,C and K. It also contains calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. It is low in fat and cholesterol. The next time you see it on your plate, looking pretty, eat it! Parsley is easy to grow in a pot on your windowsill or in your garden.

Basil - Five leaves of fresh basil contain only one calorie. It also provides plenty of protein, vitamin A, B, C, K, foliate. I contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and manganese. It's low in fat and sodium. Basil is also easy to grow either in a pot or garden. Harvest the leaves and dry them for future use.

Thyme - One teaspoon of fresh thyme contains only one calorie.

It provides a good supply of vitamins A, B6 and C. It is filled with minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, copper and manganese. It is low in cholesterol and sodium.

Chives - One teaspoon of chopped fresh chives contain less than one calorie. Chives provide a good source of thiamin, niacin, B6, vitamin K, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. They are low in cholesterol and sodium. Grow in a pot on a sunny windowsill or in your garden.

Oregano - Fresh oregano is a little hard to come by fresh, but you can grow it in your garden. One teaspoon of dried provides a good supply of vitamin A, B6, C, E and K. It is also a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese. It is very low in sodium and cholesterol.

Rosemary - One teaspoon fresh contains 2 calories. It is packed with Vitamin A, B6, and C. Rosemary is a good source of dietary fiber as well as the minerals calcium, iron and manganese, magnesium and potassium.

Food is becoming more expensive every day which makes getting the proper nutrition even more difficult. So, consider growing your own herbs or buying them fresh and drying them yourself when they are in season. Just a few tablespoons of herbs will add flavor to your soups, casseroles, salads, sandwiches and home made breads and also provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy or become healthier!