What is Dill?
Dill, scientifically known as Anethum graveolens, has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for hundreds of years.Both its seeds and leaves can be used. Apart from giving a strong, tangy, appetizing flavor and taste, it has many medicinal properties, which mainly come from certain compounds called monoterpenes, as well as flavonoids, minerals, and certain amino acids. Here are some dill benefits for health.
Dill Nutrition Facts
The health benefits of it are derived from its organic compounds, vitamins, and minerals.These include powerful monoterpenes like limonene, carvone, and anethofuran, as well as flavonoids like vicenin and kaempferol. As for vitamins and minerals, it has a significant amount of vitamin A and C, as well as trace amounts of folate, iron, and manganese.
Health Benefits of Dill
Promotes Digestion
It itself is an appetizer and is, therefore, extensively used in culinary applications. The essential oils present in it are stimulating and they activate the secretion of bile and digestive juices. These oils also stimulate peristaltic motion of the intestine, easing the passage of bowel movements and relieving constipation.
Boosts Immunity
It has long been associated with antimicrobial activity. It has been shown to prevent a number of microbial infections throughout the body as well as the infections that may result in open wounds or small cuts on the skin.
Relieves Arthritis Pain
It has long been known as an anti-inflammatory herb, meaning that it helps reduce inflammation and the associated pain of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and arthritis. Dill has been used since ancient times for precisely this reason.
Stimulates Menstruation
The flavonoids in the essential oil of dill are stimulating and emmenagogic in nature, which means that they stimulate the secretion of certain hormones that help maintain proper menstrual cycles in women.
Treats Respiratory Disorders
Kaempferol and certain other components of flavonoids and monoterpenes in the essential oils of dill are anti-congestive and antihistaminic in nature. They help clear congestion in the respiratory system due to histamines, allergies or coughs.
Oral Care
These seeds and leaves are good mouth and breath fresheners. Apart from that, the essential oils in it are germicidal, antioxidant, and disinfectant in nature. Due to these properties, they help end microbial infections in the mouth and their antioxidants minimize the damage caused by free radicals to gums and teeth as well.
Treats Dysentery
Dysentery is primarily caused due to fungal infections. Its essential oil is disinfectant in nature and it helps to inhibit fungal infections effectively.
