Beautiful Edible Flowers And Their Health Benefits
Flowers, the glorious beauty has many things to offer to human beings. Nature’s bloom has a plethora of benefits, it is so much fascinating to see how they are so enriched in qualities, quality of being one of the most beautiful creation, quality of bringing love and happiness, of spreading radiance and positivity in the environment and within a person, and also comes with numerous medicinal properties and health benefits, and there is so much more.
Apart from being the perfect embellishment pieces for every occasion and event while also being part of our home décor and finding its place in our dining table kept in a vase, it also found its way to our dinner plate. Yes, we are talking about edible flowers. Flowers have long been part of our menu for their pop of color which helps in garnishing, for its exotic flavor and for consumption because of being rich in nutrients. Edible flowers are used in a wide variety of cuisines and have been so for ages and are consumed by people all over the world. But it must be taken care of not to take any flower as not all flowers are edible and some are poisonous. There are specific flowers only that fall in the category of edible. One must do proper research before consuming. This blog is all about some of the most popular nutrition enriched flowers that you can add to your diet to say yes to healthy well-being.
Let’s know a brief history of edible flowers
When you look at flowers you get mesmerized by the beauty of it, you sniff the refreshing and sweet fragrant smell of flowers which has a soothing effect on the mind but have you ever thought of eating it? Probably not. Probably it never crossed your mind that flowers can be eaten unless it was some vegetable flowers. One may find it fancy to use flowers in cuisines but it has more to it than just the fancy appearance. And dating back to thousands of years ago, people started consuming it for its flavor and medicinal value. The ancient Greeks and Romans used marigold and calendula in their salad preparation. And the use of flowers in soup and salad has been part of almost every ancient culture. The consumption of flowers continued past that and during the Victorian age where romance and etiquette were given prime importance, flowers had immense value and meaning and they found their way to be used in sweets and pastries apart from salads. It is a form of exotic delicacy.
Do you know how calendula got the name “pot marigold?” This is linked to its culinary use since Medieval monks used the calendula in their cooking pots so they named it pot marigold. Since the old times till date use of flower petals in the culinary landscape remained the same with equal or more importance now.
Commonly found edible flowers and their benefits
After viewing, decorating and smelling, now get into tasting the flowers along with letting yourself get beneficial nutrients.
Calendula
Calendula is also known as pot marigold is very commonly found almost everywhere and in every household. It can be consumed by making tea with the petals. Calendula tea can reduce the risk of heart diseases. The flower can be dried and used in soups. Calendula petals are also added to salads and scrambled eggs. Calendula is high in medicinal properties especially skin related problems and healing of the wounds. Calendula has been very effective in treating fungus related problems in the skin. Calendula is anti-thrombogenic, anti-inflammatory antidiabetic, and also has neuroprotective properties. Its anti-inflammatory factor helps to treat wounds and also reduces pain. Calendula is good for regulating the menstrual cycle, reduces menstrual cramps. It is used in the treatment of cancer and ulcers.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is another very commonly found flower in the backyard of every house. It comes in vibrant colours of red, orange etc. But here the red hibiscus is mostly taken in the form of tea, the petals used in salads and they are also used in jam. This flower has a great health benefit and helps to cure a large number of diseases. It is rich in antioxidants. Hibiscus tea is very famous for lowering blood sugar level, it is very good to add to the weight loss diet, it is taken to cure cancer, liver disease, and is very effective in reducing bad cholesterol. Hibiscus is also said to help in the betterment of hair and skin.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is the big bright symmetrical flowers that are found in a wide variety of vibrant colours. As beautiful as they look in your garden, they also have various health benefits. It is edible and can be taken in the form of tea and also the petals can be added to salads and rice dishes. Chrysanthemum tea is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants all of which is related to the water when boiled and consuming it has great medicinal value. Chinese for a long period of time are taking this drink. Chrysanthemum tea is a natural stress buster. It calms and soothes the body. The antioxidants and minerals help to lower stress hormones. It is also helpful in lowering bodily heat, blood pressure and inflammation. It is very effective in treating anti-ageing, wrinkles and acne scars. Chrysanthemum tea helps in boosting the immune system.
Also, these beautiful flowers look very attractive in a flower bouquet, get one from Florida.
Rose
The all-time favorite flower of everyone, Roses, is a captivating beauty that none can ignore. Along with its beauty, the health benefit it provides also couldn’t be ignored and thus since ancient times rose had been consumed by people. Rose milk is many people’s favorite because of its anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing acidity and is healthy for the skin. Roses are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature and that’s why rose water is so widely used and preferred by people for ages. Rose petals are used in salads and in garnishing desserts, its mildly sweet taste and its flavor makes the dish taste exotic. Rose petals have antioxidants that help in repairing the cell. They can also be added to smoothies and teas.
Author bio-
Riya Garg is a content marketing specialist in Florida. She has a background in content marketing, storytelling, and journalism. Riya’s editorial focus blends birthday flower cakes and creative strategy with topics like unique birthday cake, send flower to Gurgaon, send flower to Delhi, online anniversary bouquet, cake, online flower delivery.