Tarragon Overview

Tarragon which is known scientifically as Artemisia Dracunculus. The plant grows to around 120 centimeters in height with branched stems that produce slender, aromatic leaves with an aroma like licorice or anise.The leaves and the stems can both be used in the kitchen either dried or fresh though fresh leaves are likely to contain more health value.

Tarragon health benefits includes preventing growth of cancer cells, keeping your heart healthy, maintaining blood sugar level, preventing anemia, protecting intestinal mucosa, preventing platelet aggregation, promoting healthy blood flow, reducing inflammation symptoms, improving digestive functions, supporting healthy eyes, promoting healthy female reproductive health, and improving central nervous system conditions.

Nutrition Value of Tarragon

Amount Per 100 grams

• Calories 295
• Total Fat 7 g – 10% RDA
• Cholesterol 0 mg
• Sodium 62 mg – 2% RDA
• Potassium 3,020 mg – 86% RDA
• Total Carbohydrate 50 g – 16% RDA
• Dietary fiber 7 g – 28%
• Protein 23 g – 46% RDA
• Vitamin A 84% RDA
• Vitamin C 83% RDA
• Calcium 113% RDA
• Iron 179% RDA
• Vitamin B-6 120% RDA
• Magnesium 86% RDA

Nutrition Health Benefits of Tarragon

10 Nutrition Health Benefits of Tarragon

1. Aids in Digestion

The oils in tarragon trigger the body’s natural digestive juices, making it an excellent digestive aid not only as an aperitif (which helps spark the appetite), but also to digest food properly. The leaves help stimulate the liver to secrete bile. This helps improve the digestive system in a natural way. This ability also aids the body to prevent digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, and upset stomach. It is also a rich source of Vitamin C, vitamin A and B-complex vitamin group such as folates, niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, etc. these work as antioxidants and also aid in metabolism.

2. Reduces Cancer Risk

Tarragon leaves contain antioxidant that help to fight free radicals in the body. They prevent the growth of cancer cells. It can happen through its mechanism fighting against free radicals in the body.

3. Strengthen the teeth and Reduces Toothache

Tarragon leaves has eugenol which has pain relieving effect in a toothache. It has been proven to help decrease sore gums which can occur as a result of toothaches. Chewing tarragon leaves can help reduce the tooth pain. Drinking it as herbal tea can also give the same effect.Tarragon has calcium and phosphorous which helps strengthen teeth.

4. Heart Health

Tarragon leaves have high levels of potassium, which is considered essential in making the kidneys, heart and liver function properly. Tarragon leaves are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, making the heart vessels free from any kind of damage. Owing to the potassium it contains, the leaves help in regulating heart contraction.

5. Regulates Blood Sugar Level

In order to maintain patient’s blood sugar, the calories consumed should be evenly distributed throughout the body. Tarragon leaves are rich in poly-phenolic compounds and dietary fibers, aiding the calorie to distribute into all organs of the body. This mechanism can lower the blood-sugar levels in
diabetes patients.

6. Prevent Anemia

Tarragon leaves contain iron mineral which is important to produce red blood cells containing hemoglobin. It also contains rich levels of Vitamin C which help in absorbing the iron in the body and hence can be used to avoid blood-related issues such as anemia.

7. Eye Health

Tarragon leaves contain vitamin A which keeps our eyes healthy. This vitamin helps in improving visual acuity and protects the eyes from developing cataract or other degenerative eye diseases.

8. Anti-Rheumatic, Healthy Bone Structure And Muscle Growth

It’s oil can greatly improve the flow of blood throughout the body and is found to eliminate uric acid, a toxin unhealthy for the body. With these two benefits working hand in hand, the herb helps to reduce the risk of developing arthritis and rheumatism. The calcium and phosphorous in tarragon leaves are important for bone strength and bone formation. Tarragon aids in the adsorption of creatinine in the body that can help promote muscle growth and increases muscle mass. Magnesium present in tarragon leaves can serve as a muscle relaxant and can prevent the incidence of muscle cramps

9. Nervous Health

The vitamin B6 present in tarragon plays a vital role in the central nervous system. It helps to improve the brain and the cognitive function. Consuming this herb can help the individual to stay away from dementia, a condition in which there is a decline in memory as the person ages. Tarragon contains vitamin B12 which helps neurological function by protecting the neurons from any kind of damage. The vitamin also helps in reducing neuropathic symptom such as numbness and tingling.

10. Helps in Blood Circulation

Compounds present in tarragon extract are believed to inhibit activation of platelets, preventing platelet aggregation to the walls of blood vessels. This in turn helps prevent clot formation in the small heart and brain vessels protecting the individual from a heart attack or stroke. Iron present in the herb is essential for cellular respiration and blood cell production. One of the circulatory benefits of tarragon is that it aids in improving a healthy blood flow throughout the body. It helps in the distribution of oxygen, nutrients and antioxidants in the body to keep it healthy at optimum level.