5 Edible Flowers That You Must Add to Your Diet
By Nmami Agarwal 30-Mar 2022 Reading Time: 4 Mins
All of us are accustomed to seeing flowers as decorative elements that can add a pop of colour and freshness to the plate. There are a number of edible flowers that are not only decorative but are nutritious and contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding these flowers to the diet can not only enhance the appearance of the plate but also soothe you with the much-needed nutrients, freshness and energy. Here are 5 edible flowers that you can incorporate in your diet.
1.Hibiscus Flower
Hibiscus Flower is packed with antioxidants, may help lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, may boost liver health, aid weight loss and overall boost immunity. It can be eaten raw but mostly used to make herbal tea or salads. Dried hibiscus can be eaten as a snack, or sprinkled on your favourite snack or salad for some crunch and added flavour.
2.Rose Flower
Rose petals are edible and their sweet fragrance and mild flavour have a calming and relaxing effect on your mind. It can be treated as a natural aphrodisiac. They can be eaten raw, mixed into various fruits, salads and desserts. You can also make rose infused beverages for a fresh zing and sweet flavour.
3.Dandelion Flower
Dandelion flower is highly nutritious, a great source of Vitamin A, C, K, Folate, Calcium and potassium. It contains potent antioxidants, may help fight inflammation, helps blood sugar management, manages blood pressure, helps with digestion, aiding weight loss and boosts immunity. Dandelion flowers can give a fresh colour to your salad, and can be used fresh or dried to make herbal tea.
4.Lavender Flower
Lavender flower contains Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron and antioxidants. It can help you with lowering stress and managing insomnia and may also ease symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. Lavender can be added to baked goods or herbal teas. However, the strong flavour can be overpowering so add it sparingly.
5.Chamomile Flower
Chamomile flower is rich in antioxidants, helps with reducing anxiety, get better sleep, helps with hay fever, reduces menstrual pain and controls blood sugar. The flowers can be eaten raw, dried or infused in a liquid. It can be used to make tea, home-made concoctions, smoothies and desserts.
Footnote:
Edible flowers add a lot of freshness along with plenty of nutrients to your food. It is easy to add flowers to your meals for an extra dose of nutrition. Just be careful while picking out the flowers which can be eaten.