Edible Flowers That Support a Healthy Lifestyle
When we think about foods that support a healthy lifestyle, an abundant source of fruits and vegetables comes to mind. Editable flowers are often overlooked when it comes to health and wellness, but most flowers contain essential nutrients you’ll need to survive or thrive. With that said, we recommend you consider adding flowers to your new diet and exercise regimen.
Lavender for Sleep, Skin, and Hair Growth
Dried lavender is a low-calorie, low-fat food that tastes great in cakes, cookies, and chocolate in moderation. Lavender pairs well with other herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, and savory, making it a pleasant sight in chicken or fish dishes. Although this purple herb is more well-known for its calming effects, it also contains high amounts of vitamin A, Iron, and calcium.
Dandelion for Nutrition, Antioxidants and Sugar Control
Out of the long list of eatable flowers, the dandelion reigns supreme. While it may seem weird at first that a simple weed could pack such a punch, the dandelion is truly an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, E, K, folate, iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. To top that off, dandelions are an antioxidant that helps your body regulate blood sugar and cholesterol.
Hibiscus for Medicine, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Hibiscus flowers are large, often pink, blossoms that only grow in warm climates. Even if you have no way of accessing fresh flowers, hibiscus tea should be readily available. Many cultures still use hibiscus tea for its ability to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, blood fat levels, and cancer risks. In one study, hibiscus extract increased total antioxidant enzymes by 92%.
Nasturtium for Nutrition, Cold Relief, and Antioxidants
While the root and tuber aren’t meant for eating, the leaves and petals of the nasturtium can be eaten raw like a radish or cooked like a potato. Their exceptionally high vitamin B, C, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and calcium content qualify the nasturtium for superfood status. What’s more, they’re a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the severity of cold symptoms.
Purslane for Omega-3, Water, and Antioxidants
Another tasty superfood, the purslane, is a succulent that produces thick, fleshy leaves and small, yellow flowers, which are both editable. Purslane contains 93% water and can be used in similar ways as spinach or lettuce. Vitamin A, B, C, omega- 3, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, calcium, folate, copper, and phosphorus are abundant in this 16 calorie plant.
Squash Blossom for Male Fertility, Immunity and Healthy Eyes
You’re probably familiar with squash, but have you heard of the squash blossom? They’re the edible flowers that zucchini, spaghetti squash, and marrow produce. Squash blossoms taste similar to the vegetable plant they come from but typically have more nutrients. They’re especially high in vitamin A for eyes, folate for male fertility, and iron for immunity for a flower.
Roses for Stress Relief, Weight Loss and Reducing Inflammation
Roses are more seen as a glamor flower rather than a nutrient-dense ones. However, they do contain a lot of vitamin C. Rose petals used to be standard practice in medicine for treating menstrual irregularities and injuries. Now, roses help aid in weight loss, treat skin issues and reduce inflammation and depression symptoms. It can also be used as a natural aphrodisiac.
Honeysuckle for Digestive Issues, Bacterial Infection, and Colds
Woodbine, or Honeysuckle, is an all-in-one flu-fighting package. For hundreds of years, it’s been used to treat digestive disorders, including inflammation of the small intestine, dysentery, colds, and bacterial infections. It’s sometimes used for headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary disorders, and cancer. However, it has not been tested to work on more current influenza.
