What are the health benefits of dill?
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Dr. Michael T Murray answered:Dill's prime health benefit is, similar to that of other aromatic herbs, as a carminative in the elimination of flatulence and digestive disturbance. Like other aromatic herbs, dill has shown some anti-cancer and antimicrobial effects. The two major classes of active compounds in dill are the monoterpenes in the volatile oil, including carvone, limonene, and anethofuran, and unique flavonoids. Dill is especially useful in helping the liver rid the body of toxic chemicals. Specifically, the monoterpene components of dill have been shown to activate the liver enzyme glutathione-S-transferase. This enzyme helps attach the antioxidant molecule glutathione to toxic molecules that would otherwise damage the body. This action makes dill a "chemo-protective" food that can help neutralize particular types of carcinogens such as the benzopyrenes that are part of cigarette smoke, charcoal grill smoke, and the smoke produced by trash incinerators.
The flavonoids are thought to assist the volatile components in their carminative and sedative properties.
Dill's prime health benefit is, similar to that of other aromatic herbs, as a carminative in the elimination of flatulence and digestive disturbance. Like other aromatic herbs, dill has shown some anti-cancer and antimicrobial effects. The two major... More
