Borage: benefits and properties
The borage (also known by the name of borrago) is a vegetable or vegetable that stands out from a nutritional and dietary point of view for its water content, low amount of fat and therefore in calories, and especially rich in vitamins and minerals.
It is part of the diet of many people, since it is normal that this vegetable does not lack in the kitchen, being ideal in the preparation of broths or stews (in short, dishes with spoon).
It is a plant native to southern Europe, although today we can find it in many other places in the world (such as North America or North Africa).
From a culinary point of view it is most usual to use its leaves, although from a medicinal or curative point of view its flowers are also used, whose infusion helps to lower high fever.
Benefits of borage
Rich in vitamins and minerals
There is no doubt that borage stands out nutritionally, thanks to its high content of vitamins (A, B1, B2 and D) and minerals (potassium, calcium, iron and phosphorus).
As you know, vitamin A is necessary for the repair of body tissues and to maintain good visual health. Vitamin C provides a great antioxidant effect, which helps to neutralize and prevent the harmful effects of free radicals. While the vitamins of group B help the good functioning of the nervous system in general, and particularly both vitamin B1 and B2 are useful to eliminate toxins and lower high cholesterol levels.
With regard to the minerals found in borage, potassium is an ideal micronutrient in the case of fluid retention to promote diuresis, iron is essential for the production of red blood cells and in the prevention of anemia, while that phosphorus and calcium are two fundamental minerals for the growth and development of bones.
Diuretic properties
Its richness in potassium make it an ideal vegetable both in case of fluid retention and when it comes to eliminating the different toxins that accumulate in our body.
This benefit is due to its effect to increase the body's natural diuresis.
Help lift the mood
In the past it was usual to eat borage when people felt weak or low spirits. This is because its nutritional content favors and stimulates the adrenaline, helping therefore to improve the mood.
Rich in Linoleic Gamma Acid
Borage is rich in GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid), a fatty acid precursor of the anti-inflammatory protaglandins, and belongs to the family of omega 6, and important for the health of the skin.
Therefore, the borraja's oil, which you can buy in herbalists to apply on the skin.
Image | Herbolario Allium This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist.
