We love watching blooming flowers in the garden, but some of them can be consumed for their rich nutrients. Edible flowers are becoming increasingly popular among food enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. Other than adding an aesthetically pleasing touch to meals, they also offer a range of health benefits. Flowers don’t just look pretty; some of them taste pretty good and pack in a punch for wellness. Most edible flowers are rich in Vitamin C, and each boasts a wealth of individual benefits that make them a must-add to your diet. Here are five edible flowers and their health benefits:

1. Hibiscus Flowers

Rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants, these flowers are ideal for maintaining a healthy body. They also have blood pressure-lowering properties, making them a natural remedy for hypertension. Hibiscus flowers can be consumed as a tea or added to salads, smoothies, or desserts.

Hibiscus (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

2. Dandelion Flowers

Though often regarded as stubborn garden weeds, dandelions are highly nutritious edible flowers. Dandelions supply various plant compounds with powerful antioxidant properties. Interestingly, every part of this weed can be enjoyed, including its roots, stems, and leaves. The flowers can be eaten raw, added to a salad, breaded and fried. They are even used in jelly or winemaking. The roots are often steeped to make tea, while the greens can be consumed raw or cooked in various dishes.

Dandelion Flower (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

3. Chamomile Flowers

Used for centuries as a medicinal herb to promote longevity, chamomile flowers are popularly used to make tea. They help reduce inflammation, promote relaxation and better sleep, ease menstrual pain, and relieve congestion. Chamomile flowers are packed with protective antioxidants and available in potent forms, like dry powders and extracts. Sipping chamomile tea is perhaps the easiest way to experience its calming effects.

Chamomile Flowers (Photo Credits: Needpix)

4. Marigold Flowers

These vibrant flowers are used in various dishes worldwide and in traditional medicine to treat skin problems and digestive issues. They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy skin and reduce inflammation.

Marigold Flowers (Photo Credits: PICRYL)

5. Marjoram Flowers

A perennial herb, marjoram has been used for centuries to make teas. Its flowers and leaves are edible and aid digestion by stimulating the salivary glands. Marjoram tea is a common natural remedy for easing constipation, diarrhoea, cramps, and gassiness. Research suggests that its antioxidants and chemical constituents possess anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects.

Marjoram Flowers (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

So, next time you're looking to add some colour and flavour to your meals, consider incorporating these edible flowers into your diet.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 08, 2024 01:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).