Lavender, a fragrant flower, is also an edible herb. You can use lavender to add flavour to baked goods and other recipes. However the strong flavour can be overpowering, so add it sparingly. There are many benefits to eating lavender, including upping your intake of vitamins and minerals.

Calories and Fat

Including lavender in your meal plan gives you access to a low-calorie, low-fat food with a floral scent. A 100 g serving of lavender introduces 49 calories into your diet as well as 1 g of fat. Lavender is typically not consumed alone, so factor these calories into the foods to which you add lavender. The fat in lavender is negligible in your meal plan -- the maximum recommended intake of this macronutrient is 44 to 78 g per day if you follow a 2,000 calorie meal.

Health benefits

Vitamin A

A serving of lavender provides you with 287 IU of vitamin A, which is only a small portion of the 5,000 IU you need each day. The vitamin A in this floral food is excellent for your eye health. This vitamin helps prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration as well as night blindness, dry eyes and eye infections. It also keeps your skin and mucus membranes healthy.

Calcium

Lavender contains 215 mg of calcium per 100 g portion. As a rule, your diet requires 1,000 mg of this mineral each day, although as you get older you need 1,200 mg or more. The calcium in lavender boosts the strength of your bones, warding off osteoporosis. It may also ease symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, according to the University of Maryland Medical Centre.

Iron

Eat lavender to increase your iron intake. One serving has 2 mg of iron, a considerable portion of the 8 to 11 g you should consume each day. Iron helps make haemoglobin and myoglobin in your blood. Without adequate quantities of iron in your diet, you may develop anaemia, a condition that makes you tired and listless

Considerations

Eating lavender has no known interferences with medications, although you may consider avoiding the use of this flower in cooking if you suffer from anxiety or pain and take medications to control it. The University of Maryland Medical Centre notes that due to lavender's relaxant properties, the possibility exists that lavender may enhance the effect of medications that treat central nervous system depression.

Anxiety and Stress: There are a number of methods to use lavender to soothe anxiety and stress. The natural organic compounds in the leaves and flowers of lavender can be ground between the fingers and then rubbed into the temples. This topical application can soothe the body and mind, relieving anxious thoughts and balancing out mood. Aside from this topical application of the flowers themselves, you can also brew lavender tea and achieve much the same effect. The antioxidant components of lavender can impact the endocrine system of the body to lower the levels of stress hormones in the body.

Sleep Issues: If you regularly struggle with insomnia, apnea, or restless sleep patterns, it can seriously impact your life. By brewing a few lavender flowers in hot water, you can steep a wonderful tea that has been used to induce sleep and relaxation for thousands of years. This is closely linked to the flower’s impact on the nervous system, and can also help to clear your mind of negative thoughts or clutter. It is commonly combined with meditation techniques, either in essential oil or aromatherapy form.

Anti-Inflammatory Qualities: Everyone is looking for a reliable way to relax the body and mind, and lavender takes care of both. If you add flowers to your bathwater and take a nice long soak, the anti-inflammatory components of lavender can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and easy hurting muscles. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of lavender are quite potent, and this is one of the most trusted applications of lavender flowers.

Skin Care: An easy, mobile way to always take care of your skin is to fill a spray bottle with lavender flowers. When your skin is feeling dry or irritated, simply spray some of the infused water on the area and enjoy the quick relief that it can provide. This can also work for chronic conditions, like psoriasis, eczema, and even acne.

Antiseptic Ability: Although many people turn to lavender to relaxation and aroma therapeutic applications, its effect on infection is impressive, to say the least. Many people apply crushed lavender leaves on wounds and injuries to promote not only quick healing of the wounds, but also to prevent the development of infections at those sites. This has been a popular use for lavender since antiquity.

Hair Health: If you suffer from hair loss or any other condition that affects the quality and health of your hair, seek out a lavender-based shampoo. However, some of those organic cosmetic products can be quite expensive, while others may claim to be derived from lavender and still contain harsh chemicals. One of the best options is to steep lavender flowers as though you are brewing tea and then apply that mixture to your hair. It will function as an effective shampoo and significantly boost the health of your follicle beds and hair.

Heart Issues: The relaxing qualities of lavender, which come from its organic compounds and antioxidants, also help the heart by reducing blood pressure and easing the tension of blood vessels. This can prevent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues, thereby lowering your risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Bloating and Digestive Issues: The polyphenols found in lavender have a wide range of effects on the body, including anti-aging impacts, but it can also help prevent the development of harmful bacteria in the gut. Essentially, this will prevent the accumulation of gas in the gut from the emissions of those bacteria. This will ease stomach discomfort, reduce bloating, and eliminate cramping. Either chewing on lavender leaves or drinking a lavender tea can be effective in this way.

A Final Word of Warning: Although not commonly considered an allergenic substance, if you are susceptible from allergens in the mint family, you could experience negative side effects from lavender as well. These are usually mild in nature and include headaches, constipation, and increased appetite, while topical application can cause mild irritation and redness.