monthly health challenge :: may

For this month's health challenge, I'm singing the praises of fresh herbs. Now is the perfect time to get out and plant a few of your favorite herbs in your garden or a container of some kind. Not only are they easy to grow, pretty to look at and aromatic, but they also provide a lot of benefits to your body. Here's a little list of some of the pluses I found in my research this week.
thyme- high in antioxidants
oregano- fights inflammation
peppermint- soothes the colon
parsley- helps prevent cancer
rosemary- boosts brain power
basil- stimulates digestive glands
watercress- aids in healing
sage- improves memory and concentration
Herbs are also beneficial if you are trying to watch your intake of sodium. They add a delicious taste to foods without the use of salt. They are readily available at most grocery stores if you are unable to grow them on your own. But, growing your own will save you tons of money. So, get out and plant a small herb garden today, even if you just start with one or two varieties. Give it a try!