A FLOWER A DAY KEEPS THE DOC AWAY?
They can, if they are edible! A lowdown on flowers that make the cut
Looks like the good ’ol apple has got competition from the world of pretty petals. A new research states that common edible flowers in China are rich in phenolics and have excellent antioxidant capacity. They can be added to your food to prevent chronic disease.
“Edible flowers, which have been used in the culinary arts in China for centuries, are receiving renewed interest. Flowers can be used as an essential ingredient in a recipe, provide seasoning to a dish, or simply be used as a garnish,” researchers have been quoted as saying.
Wondering how exactly does an edible flower look like? Here’s a list of some flowers that you may know, but never thought you could eat:
APPLE AND ORANGE
BLOSSOMS: It’s clearly the
most popular among edible
flowers, even though the benefits are unknown. However,
they should be had in small quantities.
CHAMOMILE: Known for its calming effects, chamomile is often had in tea. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and wound healing properties.
HIBISCUS: Often used as garnish in salads, hibiscus or shoe flower are also brewed as tea. Known to contain anthocyanins and antioxidants, they are also said to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
LAVENDER: This fragrant flower is used as a flavour in ice-creams and yogurts. However, it also acts as an antiseptic and can also be used to get rid of dandruff.
PEONY: The lovely peony does not just decorate wedding corsages, but when eaten can also alleviate you from depression.
JASMINE A fragrant flower, it usually blended with green tea and added to salads. It is said to have anti-carcinogenic and anti-viral properties.
PANSIES
These bright coloured big flowers not only makes pretty picture, but is beneficial for your heart, kidney, blood pressure among others as it's high on potassium and other minerals.
MARIGOLDS
Popularly known as genda phool in India, the Chinese are known to use marigolds in tea. The flower is also used topically to heal wounds. The flower is also said to be high on the pigment lutein, also known as eye vitamin, which is necessary to keep eye diseases at bay.
CHRYSANTHEMUM
Like chamomile, chrysanthemum is often had in tea form in China. They’re said to be high in anti-oxidants and minerals, and have an anticarcinogenic and antiinflammatory properties.
WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER
Eat flowers that are known to be edible and grown by you as it has no pesticides. Eat only the petals, not the stamens. If you are prone to allergies, then eat a little at first and watch out for any irritation.
ROSE
The king of flowers has a special place in Chinese medicine. They are said to contain phenolics, which are believed to have antiinflammatory properties. Said to be a rich source of vitamins, it is believed to reduce the risk of heart diseases, cancers and diabetes. Looks like it's a king of healing too!
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