Beautiful edible flowers make your food look textbook perfect — Many of them also have surprising health benefits. From salads to herbal teas, these edible flowers add to your nutrition in ways you might not even expect. Take hibiscus, for example. Being full of antioxidants, this flower is often used in teas that help your body bring down the unhealthy blood pressure levels.
In this list, we’ll explore 12 such edible flowers that are packed with amazing health benefits!
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Lavender
Besides the calming fragrance, you can also eat lavender flowers for health benefits. Lavender not only helps to lower your stress levels but also helps your sleep issues. Lavender flower also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties – which helps in the healing of small wounds or skin problems. Featuring as a natural remedy to common health issues like headaches and digestive problems, lavender tea is known for its gentle flavor profile.
Calendula (Marigold)
The vibrant marigold, commonly known as calendula, is not just bright in color but carries a lot more uses than only being eye-candy! This flower is high in antioxidants, and as a result has potent anti-inflammatory properties which also makes it effective at preventing skin irritation while promoting wound healing. In addition, calendula helps your digestion and strengthens the immune system. It is commonly found in herbal teas or taken as an oil infusion to support approximately 20 skin conditions & reducing internal inflammation.
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Hibiscus
Many people love drinking hibiscus tea – This flower is good for heart health and is packed with antioxidants that fight against free radicals & diminish oxidative stress in your body. Hibiscus can also assist liver function and is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are packed with nutrients — especially Vitamin C, which is critical to the immune system. These antibacterial flowers can be used to attack infections. Nasturtium may also be beneficial for skin health, as they have the power to enhance collagen production.
Chamomile
As chamomile has a calming effect, it is often recommended as a herb that can help you get to sleep. Chamomile tea reduces inflammation and digestion-related issues such as bloating and gas. It is also filled with antioxidants and even helps to lower your blood sugar levels.
Rose
Roses are not just beautiful petals – they also have thousands of vitamins, predominantly vitamin C, that supports your immune system. Rosewater treats indigestion and sore throats. Rose petal tea makes your digestion better. In addition, roses are considered to be a gentle antidepressant, which can help improve mood and relieve anxiety.
Dandelion
Dandelions, while being an annoying weed (or you could be a weirdo and consider them pretty), are actually very good for your health. These flowers are absolutely packed with vitamins A, C and K – plus antioxidants that bring down inflammation. The dandelion, a potential liver ally for detoxification, could additionally play a role in controlling blood sugar and cholesterol in your body.
Borage
Being a flower that tastes like cucumber, Borage is full of essential fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can help reduce inflammation. These flowers are helpful for supporting cardiovascular health and treating skin disorders like eczema. Additionally, borage is believed to enhance adrenal function and reduce stress. Both are natural ways of supporting a healthy mental state.
Violets
Not only are violets pretty, they are also high in vitamin C and antioxidants. This is yet another flower that helps keep your immune system humming along by supporting skin health. Violet is additionally anti-inflammatory so just one more reason to sip away for those with arthritis or any other inflammatory condition.
Pansies
Pansies contain flavonoids and carotenoid compounds — antioxidants which help to protect your cells against free radical damage. They aid in decreasing water retention since they contain anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties meaning that the kidneys would benefit a lot. Pansies can also help in fighting Inflammatory response of the skin as well and helps to get you a beautiful tone.
Sunflowers
Sunflower petals (used in salads or teas) are rich in vitamin E – a potent antioxidant supporting skin and heart health. Vitamin E also guards your cells against free-radical damages in particular and also supports general healthy immune function. Sunflowers are also rich in essential minerals such as magnesium and selenium, necessary for muscle and nerve function.
Jasmine
Aside from its stress-relieving and relaxation properties, jasmine flowers are also popularly used in teas. The antioxidants in jasmine tea can also help lower the risk of heart disease and improve gut health. Jasmine is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower your body’s release of inflammatory chemicals, promoting general health.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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