10 Benefits of Edible Flowers
Flowers don’t just look pretty or smell nice, but some of them are tasty too. Edible flowers have been used for centuries in countries all over the world to add some color, aroma, or flavor to dishes. However, they have many health benefits as well.
When choosing edible flowers, make sure to choose only those that are pesticide-free or chemical-free and grown specifically for culinary use. These kinds of flowers can be found in organic gardens, special groceries, farmer’s markets, or even online. Some of them are sweet, some of them are strong, some of them are bitter, and some of them are salty, but this should not prevent you from including them in your dishes.
One thing you should keep in mind is that all flowers are not edible. You should check correctly and even consult your doctor when considering edible flowers. Certain flowers are poisonous, like foxglove, crocus, sweet pea, or solanum, for example. Below are the 10 most common health benefits of edible flowers.
Benefit #1: Antioxidant Properties
Hibiscus is one of the flowers that are rich in antioxidants. Regular intake of hibiscus flower, mostly as a tea, will do good to your skin and hair, besides lowering the bad cholesterol levels and increasing the good cholesterol levels. Hibiscus flowers are also good for aiding liver disorders.
Regular consumption of edible flowers known for their antioxidant properties, such as hibiscus, dandelion, calendula, and chamomile, can prevent or ease chronic disorders like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Benefit #2: Anti-inflammatory Properties
Violets are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and they are widely recommended for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Flower petals contain phenols that reduce the inflammation after an injury. Other edible flowers with great anti-inflammatory properties are peonies, nasturtium, chrysanthemum, roses, and pansies.
Chrysanthemum petals, for example, are also known for their anticancer properties because they contain quercetin. By consuming these edible flowers, you will have better overall health.
Benefit #3: Nourishing Properties
Edible flowers known for their nourishing properties are roses. For this reason, rose milk is very popular and widely used all over the world. Roses are rich in many vitamins like vitamin A or vitamin E, but they are also rich in water and low in calories, nourishing the body from inside out.
Roses are also used for the treatment of menstrual disorders or digestive system disorders. In ancient China, roses were widely used, including rose petals and rose hips.
Benefit #4: Rich in Vitamins
Many edible flowers are rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin D. Some edible flowers that are recommended for you to include in your diet if you want to be healthy or boost your immune system are roses, lavender, dandelions, nasturtiums, and violets.
Violets, for example, are packed with vitamin C and A, roses with vitamin A and E, and dandelions with vitamin A and C. Nasturtiums also contain small amounts of vitamin D. Edible flowers are not just rich in vitamins, but they are also rich in minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium. Many of them are also rich in fiber too.
Benefit #5: Healing Properties
In cases of an injury, applying certain flowers topically can help speed up the recovery and heal wounds faster. For this purpose, marigolds or calendula are most commonly used.
However, if you decide to include these flowers in your diet then you will benefit from their healing properties as well. Marigolds or calendula are rich in flavonoid content, which is known to promote cell healing and regeneration, possibly helping in cancer prevention too.
Benefit #6: Relaxing Properties
Chamomile and lavender are well known for their relaxing properties. These two edible flowers are widely consumed as tea when looking for relaxation or trying to ease the stress especially after a long day of work.
Besides their relaxing properties, edible flowers like chamomile or lavender will help you fall asleep quicker. Making you feel better the next morning after a good and relaxing sleep.
Benefit #7: Improves Digestion
Many people deal with digestion problems because of various reasons. Those who have experienced abdominal bloating, gassiness, and constipation know how digestive problems can be very disturbing.
However, certain edible flowers like lavender can help improve digestion significantly. Natural chemicals that lavender contains will help break down food quicker and improve indigestion, abdominal bloating, gassiness, and ease stomach cramps at the same time.
Benefit #8: Antimicrobial Properties
Dealing with bacterial infections means using antibiotics. However, using antibiotics too often can lead to various side effects, not to mention the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. If you are up to more natural treatments than you should consider some edible flowers, which are known for their antimicrobial properties.
Nasturtiums, for example, are widely used for the treatment of bladder infections and upper urinary tract infections, acute bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Benefit #9: Boosts Circulation
Pansies are not just beautiful to look at or smell pretty, but they are also very tasty and very beneficial for human health. You can toss them, fry them, candy them, or stuff them, whichever way you prefer. There are many recipes with edible flowers like pansies as one of their ingredients.
Pansies, for example, are great for boosting circulation in the cardiovascular system and they do it by strengthening the capillaries and increasing the flexibility of the blood vessels. Routine consumption of these edible flowers is known to reduce blood clots as well. Red clover blooms are an excellent blood purifier, while hibiscus flowers can help reduce blood pressure. Edible flowers can boost circulation, purify the blood, reduce blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, or stroke.
Benefit #10: Boosts Immunity
As you can see, edible flowers have many health benefits, and one of them is boosting the immune system. These flowers are packed with antioxidant, anti-tumoral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing properties, which all have a great impact on the immune system and in the body entirely.
Because they boost the immune system and even contain pollen, certain edible flowers like goldenrod, for example, can help relieve allergies as well.
