Not only are some flowers enchanting with beauty, but some flowers are also edible.
Be it happy moments or funerals, flowers are constant companions of
human beings. They are good-looking and mood enhancers. Apart from emitting fragrances or charming the surroundings, many flowers provide significant nutritional benefits to us. Here is a list of some edible flowers with various benefits.
Hibiscus
These colorful blossoms, mostly found in warm climatic areas, have certain health benefits. Among many, a few varieties like Hibiscus sabdariffa or roselle are edible for many reasons. They are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps in cholesterol control in your body.
It has been proven that some phytochemicals of Hibiscus help to treat liver problems. Sometimes it is useful to enhance skin glow. Hibiscus is usually taken with tea, salad, or jam.
Violet
These small, multicolored flowers are extremely good for your health. The abundant blue violets have a gentle, delightful taste. They taste good when served raw with sandwiches and salads. It helps with respiratory problems and relieves muscle pain due to its high potassium content. The violets are healthy substitutes for spinach.
The leaves of the violet are also edible and are enriched with vitamins A and C. Always remember that violet leaves are edible only during the early spring season, as they get thick after that. Both the flowers and leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Marigold
Marigold is well recognized for skin-related problems. These yellow-colored beautiful flowers are endowed with phytochemicals like flavonoids and essential oils with antimicrobial properties. These are helpful in healing cuts or other topical wounds.
Also, the important zeaxanthin and lutein, enriched with Vitamin A, help in treating eye problems.
Lavender
The use of lavender as a food material is an age-old practice. The edible lavenders are those with beautiful fragrances. Sometimes they are sold in the market in the name of true English Lavender. They bring a sweet aroma to the cooked food.
Sometimes they are added to desserts or beverages as sweeteners. Along with honey, the chopped lavender flowers are also eaten. The lavender oil helps in decreasing anxiety by promoting sound sleep.
Chrysanthemum
Amongst many, the garland chrysanthemum is edible and can be grown in your garden. The petals and greens are edible for their stress-relieving properties. The edible petals help in purifying cells by promoting detoxification. The high anthocyanin content acts as an antioxidant when eaten in its raw form.
The other phytochemicals have been proven to be effective against inflammatory diseases. There are many age-old sedatives made up of chrysanthemum flowers. Sometimes it is added to tea as a stress reliever.
Never choose flowers to eat randomly, as some species of flowers are poisonous. Always consult your doctors and nutritionist to select the flower to eat.
