8 surprising benefits and uses of Tarragon

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Wormwood (Tarragon), also known as Artemisia dracunculus L., is an old herb in the same family as sunflowers. Tarragon is widely used for flavoring, flavoring and medicinal purposes. They have a mild flavor that pairs well with dishes like fish, beef, chicken, asparagus, eggs, and soups. Here are 8 benefits and uses of Tarragon.

1. Tarragon is packed with beneficial nutrients, low in calories and carbs

Tarragon is low in calories and carbs and packed with healthy nutrients. 2 grams of dry Tarragon is equivalent to 1 tablespoon of dried Tarragon can provide (2):
Calories: 5 Carbs: 1 gram of Manganese: 7% of the Recommended Daily Intake (The Reference Daily Intake - RDI) Iron: 3% RDI Potassium: 2% RDI Manganese is an essential nutrient that is important for brain health, body growth, improved metabolism, and reduced oxidative stress. Iron is an essential element for cell function and blood formation. Iron deficiency can cause anemia and lead to fatigue and weakness.
Potassium is a very important mineral for heart, muscle and nervous system function. In addition, potassium also has the effect of lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
Although these nutrients in Tarragon are not high, this herb can still bring many health benefits when used.

2. Tarragon may help lower blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity

Insulin is a hormone that helps transport glucose into cells and use them for energy. Factors such as diet and the body's own inflammation can lead to insulin resistance and lead to increased glucose levels.
Tarragon can help increase the insulin sensitivity of cells and increase the ability to use glucose. One study in animals with diabetes showed that Tarragon extract reduced blood glucose levels by 20% compared with a placebo group.
Additionally, a 90-day randomized, double-blind study examined the effects of Tarragon on insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and glycemic control in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. Patients given 1,000 mg of Tarragon before breakfast and dinner showed reduced insulin secretion, which can help blood sugar levels stay in balance throughout the day.

3. Tarragon can help improve sleep

Not getting enough sleep is linked to a number of poor health conditions and increases the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Long hours at work, work stress, or a hectic lifestyle can all contribute to poor sleep quality.
Sleeping pills are commonly used to help with sleep but can lead to complications such as depression or addiction later on.
Herbs of the Artemisia group, including Tarragon, are used as a remedy for improving sleep quality. In a rat study, the Artemisia plant produced a sedative effect and helped regulate sleep. However, because of the small size of this study, more research is needed on the use of Tarragon for sleep - especially in humans.

4. Tarragon may stimulate appetite by reducing Leptin levels

Loss of appetite can be due to many reasons such as age, depression or during chemotherapy. If left untreated, anorexia can lead to malnutrition and reduced quality of life.
An imbalance of the hormones ghrelin and leptin can also cause loss of appetite. These hormones are important for maintaining energy balance. Ghrelin is known as the hunger hormone, while leptin is known as the satiety hormone. When ghrelin levels increase, it stimulates the brain, creating a feeling of hunger. Conversely, when leptin levels increase, it causes a feeling of fullness.
A rat study investigated the role of Tarragon extract in appetite stimulation. Research results show that Tarragon e reduces insulin and leptin levels, helping to increase body weight. These findings suggest that Tarragon extract may help increase feelings of hunger.

5. Tarragon helps relieve pain in conditions like osteoarthritis

In traditional medicine, Tarragon has been used to treat chronic pain. A 12-week study evaluated the effectiveness of a supplement called Arthrem - which contains Tarragon extract - and the effects of pain and stiffness in 42 patients with osteoarthritis. Patients who took 150mg of Arthrem twice daily showed a significant improvement in pain symptoms compared with the placebo group.

6. Tarragon has antibacterial properties and prevents foodborne illness

Nowadays, to preserve food for a long time and extend shelf life, food companies use more additives. Because of the health effects of chemical preservatives in food, the current trend of using natural additives is increasingly popular. Essential oils are one of the alternatives.
Additives are added to food to help add texture, prevent segregation, preserve food, and inhibit foodborne pathogens such as E. coli.
A study evaluated the effects of Tarragon essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) and E. coli - two bacteria that cause foodborne illness. In this study, Iranian white cheese was treated with 15 - 1,500g/ml Tarragon essential oil.
The results showed that all samples treated with Tarragon essential oil had an antibacterial effect against the above two strains of bacteria compared with placebo. The researchers concluded that Tarragon could be an effective preservative in foods.

7. Tarragon is easy to use and combine in food processing

Since Tarragon has a mild flavor, it can be used in many dishes. Here are some simple ways to incorporate Tarragon into your daily diet.
Add to fried or fried eggs. Garnish in grilled chicken. Add to sauces, such as pesto or aioli. Pair with fish dishes like salmon or tuna. Mix with olive oil to bake with vegetables Tarragon comes in three different varieties - French, Russian and Spanish. French Tarragon is the most widely known and commonly used in culinary. Russian Tarragon has a milder flavor than French Tarragon and loses its flavor easily with cooking, so it's best to use it right away. Spanish Tarragon has a stronger flavor than Russian Tarragon but lighter than French Tarragon. It is commonly used for medical purposes. Fresh tarragon is usually available in spring and summer in cooler climates. It's not as readily available as other herbs so you can only find it at large grocery stores or farmers' markets.

8. Some other effects of Tarragon

Tarragon also has many other health benefits, but these benefits have not been studied extensively.
May be beneficial for heart health: Tarragon is commonly used in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. The health benefits of this diet are related not only to the food source but also to the herbs and spices used in the dish. May reduce inflammation: Cytokines are proteins that may play a role in inflammation. A study in rats showed a significant reduction in cytokine levels after taking Tarragon extract for 21 days.

9. How to Preserve Tarragon

Fresh tarragon is best stored in the refrigerator. Simply rinse the stems and leaves with cold water, wrap in a damp paper towel, and place in a plastic bag. This method helps the herb retain moisture. Fresh tarragon can usually be kept in the refrigerator for four to five days. When the leaves begin to turn brown, they should not be used.
Dried Tarragon can be stored in a cool, light-free, clear container for up to four to six months.
Tarragon has many health benefits such as its ability to reduce blood sugar, inflammation and pain, while also improving sleep, appetite and improving heart health. In addition, it is very versatile and can be used with a wide variety of foods.
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Source: healthline.com
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