Herbs a Great Source of Nutrients To Boost Your Food Dollar

Herbs add extra flavor to foods, but also contain a very high amount of nutrients that can help boost your immune system and heal what ails you.

Fresh herbs are best, and some are very easy to grow on a sunny windowsill. You can start basil from a cutting, simply snip a section below a node or the bump on the stem and stick it into a glass of water.

Here is a list and overview of the most popular and healthy herbs.

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 adds a lovely flavor to poultry.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.

Mint - There are many varieties of mint. They are add flavor and are a pretty garnish for summer drinks and deserts. But they also contain vitamin C and a B vitamin, Thiamin. Lemon balm is a wonderful mint that is soothing for the nerves as well as an upset tummy. It's easy to grow in a pot or garden, and will deter pests such as ants, and even stray cats!

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!