Is Dill Paleo?

Short Answer:

Yes, Dill is Paleo!

Dill

Dill or dill weed is an annual plant in the Apiaceae family together with celery. Both the leaves and seeds are used widely for culinary purposes in Europe and Central Asia. The wispy, fernlike leaves of dill are soft, aromatic and have a sweet taste that it is used as herbs in many dishes. The seed on the other hand is oval with brown color when dried, and has a taste similar to caraway and has a stronger citrusy to bitter taste than its leaves which makes it good to be used as seasoning and spice. Dill is the main ingredient in making dill pickles (hence, the name!).

Dill is native to Southern Russia, Mediterranean region and Western Africa and has been used for its culinary and medicinal properties. Traditional uses of dill include remedies to soothe stomach and relieve insomnia.

Nutritional Value of Dill

Dill weed used as an herb provides numerous amounts of nutrients that can be beneficial to the body. It is full of vitamins A in the form of carotenoids, B6, C, as well as calcium, folate, iron and manganese. Dill contains compounds such as enzyme glutathione-S-transferase which has antibacterial and anticancer properties and flavanoids kaempero and vicenin which are good for healing.

Health Benefits

Besides the nutritional contents of dill, there are more benefits that one could get from it. Not only is it good for cooking, but it is also valuable for the body’s wellness.

Healing Properties

Dill, even in ancient times, is used as a traditional medicine. In Egypt, it is used for calming nerves, soothing upset stomachs, promote sleep and even relieving insomnia. This is because it contains healing compounds called monoterpenes that include carvone, limonene and anethofuran and flavanoids like kaempferol and vicenin. The seeds of dill are often chewed to freshen breath and ease menstrual pain for women.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial Anti-inflammatory & Anti cancer Properties

The monoterpene compounds of dill has shown to be antioxidants which can protection against free radicals and carcinogens. These monoterpene compounds activate the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase and helps attach glutathione to oxidized molecules that damages the cells in the body.

Dill is also considered as a “chemoprotective” food as it helps in neutralizing certain types of carcinogens that normally come from cigarette and charcoal grill smoke and pollution. Like garlic, dill also has a bacteria-regulating effect which prevents bacterial overgrowth that can cause infection.

As an anti-inflammatory herb, dill can help in reducing inflammation and pain associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and arthritis.

Bone Health

Dill is an excellent source of calcium which plays a role in preventing bone loss that occurs after menopause for women and in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Calcium is also essential in proper development of bones and repair of bone injuries.

Good Digestion

The essential oil in dill is stimulating and can activate secretion of digestive juices that can ease the passage of bowel movement and relieve constipation. It can also aid in digestion, reducing bloating and promote healthy gut.

Diabetes

According to some research dill has been associated with insulin level management. It can help reduce serum lipids and insulin level fluctuations in corticosteroid-induced diabetes.

Other Names for Dill

Dill weed

What Experts Say About Dill

Dill is often a forgotten but very tasty herb that pairs well with a variety of foods including sweet potato, cucumber, cabbage or broccoli. Not only does it taste great, dill is often used to treat digestion problems, fever, cough, nerve pain, menstrual cramps and sleep disorders. – Dr. Loren Cordain

“Dill: Helps your Digestion. A teaspoon a day can reduce 80 percent of bloating in only three days. Its antibacterial oils not only kill any possible stomach bugs but also help in the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins”. –