Tarragon Benefits Supported By Science
The benefits of tarragon have been documented for hundreds of years. This medicinal plant, whose scientific name is Artemisia dracunculus L, comes from the same sunflower family and is distinguished by its interesting culinary uses. Specifically, it is usually used to flavor dishes with fish, meat, asparagus, among other foods.
Some people call it mugwort, but it is important not to confuse it with Artemisia vulgaris, as they are completely different. Tarragon is even used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for its interesting properties. Do you want to know more about it?
Nutritional properties of tarragon
Many of the benefits of tarragon are attributed to its nutritional composition. It is estimated that two tablespoons of fresh raw tarragon contains a meager 5 calories. In its ground version, it has around 14 calories, 1 gram of protein, less than 1 gram of fat and 2.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Among other things, as compiled by the United States Department of Agriculture’s food database , tarragon provides the following:
- Vitamins A and C: 4% of the recommended daily dose.
- Vitamin B6: 6% of the recommended daily dose.
- Folic acid: 3% of the recommended daily dose.
- Calcium: 54 mg.
- Iron: 1.5 mg.
- Magnesium: 16.5 mg.
- Phosphorus: 14.9 mg.
- Potassium: 143 mg.
- Small amounts of sodium, zinc, manganese, and selenium.
Main benefits of tarragon
Tarragon is often used in the preparation of food and beverages. However, its extracts are also used for cosmetics and medicinal products. However, there is no solid evidence to support its use as a first-line treatment for illnesses.
Therefore, it is essential to bear in mind that, although science supports many of its uses, it should not replace the treatments prescribed by the doctor. In fact, before taking it, it is best to consult the professional to be sure. What are the principal uses? We detail them below.
Helps regulate glucose levels
Scientific studies have determined that tarragon has positive effects on glucose control and the way the body uses insulin. In particular, research published through the journal Phytomedicine determined that tarragon extract can help reduce blood glucose concentrations by up to 20%.
Also, a randomized double-blind study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that 1,000 mg of tarragon before breakfast and dinner can help control total insulin secretion, which helps balance glucose levels.
Helps improve sleep
Poor quality of sleep can cause health problems in the short, medium and long term. During the rest period, the body carries out processes that are decisive for the optimal functioning of all systems. However, there are many factors that can affect it.
Fortunately, supplements such as tarragon can help improve. According to a study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine , this plant appears to have a sedative effect that helps regulate sleep patterns. However, more evidence is needed.
Promotes pain relief
One of the most prominent benefits of tarragon has to do with pain relief. Although it is not a first-line treatment to calm this symptom, it does seem to help calm it temporarily. A study published in the medical journal Clinical Rheumatology suggests this property.
According to the research, people who took 150 mg of tarragon per day had a significant improvement in pain caused by osteoarthritis compared to those who took 300 mg per day and the placebo group. The researchers determined that the lower dose worked more because it was better tolerated.
Similar findings were made in another study published in Pharmaceutical Biology . Tarragon showed antinociceptive activity and positive effects against various painful conditions.
What other benefits does tarragon provide?
- Tarragon essential oil is used in the food industry to preserve food without the need for synthetic chemicals. Regarding this, an investigation published in the Iranian Journal of Microbiology determined that this product can be useful against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in foods such as cheese.
- In patients with decreased appetite, tarragon extract can help. A study done in 2011 found that this plant, combined with a high-fat diet, helps increase appetite by reducing levels of leptin, known as the satiety hormone.
- Preliminary studies detail that supplementation with Russian tarragon can positively affect athletic performance. However, more evidence is still required to corroborate this.
It is safe, but you have to take precautions
In most cases, tarragon is safe and has no risk of side effects. However, the recommendation is to avoid its excessive and prolonged use. Furthermore, possible drug interactions should not be ruled out. Therefore, it is always important to consult the doctor.
