Tarragon- proven health benefits, nutrition and uses

Tarragon is sweet flavor herb, commonly used in french cuisine. Tarragon has an herbaceous stem and long, thin, darkish green leaves. There are two varieties, French and Russian tarragon. French tarragon is more tender and aromatic. The Russian variety has broader leaves and a bitter flavor.

The scientific name of tarragon is Artemisia dracunculus. It is also known as estragon (in French), estragon, küchenkraut (in German), dragoncello, estragone (in Italian), estragón (in Spanish) and dragon ( in Dutch ).

Tarragon nutrition facts, value and calories

It is low in Sodium, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Niacin, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese.

According to USDA , a 100 gm of dried tarragon has following nutritional value

Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA
Energy 295 Kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 50.22 g 38%
Protein 22.77 g 40%
Total Fat 7.24 g 24%
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Dietary Fiber 7.4 g 19%
Vitamins
Folates 274 µg 68.5%
Niacin 8.950 mg 56%
Pyridoxine 2.410 mg 185%
Riboflavin 1.339 mg 103%
Thiamin 0.251 mg 21%
Vitamin A 4200 IU 140%
Vitamin C 50.0 mg 83%
Electrolytes
Sodium 62 mg 4%
Potassium 3020 mg 64%
Minerals
Calcium 1139 mg 114%
Copper 0.677 mg 75%
Iron 32.30 mg 403%
Magnesium 347 mg 87%
Manganese 7.967 mg 346%
Zinc 3.90 mg 35%

Tarragon-nutrition-proven-health-benefits-and-uses
Health benefits and uses of tarragon

Aid in fat loss and bodybuilding

Tarrogon is one of the food to increase insulin sensitivity naturally. Insulin sensitivity is an important factor in fat loss and helps to build muscle faster, as people with insulin resistance are much more likely to store food they eat as fat. Low insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance contribute to many health problems like diabetes.

Studies has found that an extract of tarragon increases insulin sensitivity, enhances insulin receptor signaling, may modulate skeletal muscle protein degradation and phosphatase activity as a possible mode of action

Epilepsy and Seizures

Studies has shown that tarragon essential oil has anticonvulsant activity, and sedative effects confirming its antiepileptic remedy in traditional Iranian folkloric medicine.

Lower blood sugar

Tarragon is useful for people with diabetes and insulin resistance problem.

According to a study tarragon helps to counteract high levels of glucose in the blood and has a potential role in the management of diabetic states.

Another study results indicate that the isolated compounds may be responsible for much of the glucose-lowering activity of the tarragon extract.

Study indicate that tarragon enhances cellular insulin signaling in primarily human skeletal muscle culture.

Good for nerves

Tarragon is good for nerves and helps to prevent neuropathy, which is disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness. It can be useful for people with prediabetes and obesity.

Study has shown that tarragon is a safe and nontoxic botanical extract, may find use in treatment of neuropathic changes at the earliest stage of disease.

Antioxidants

Study finds that tarragon essential oils have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.
It has free radical scavenging property that helps to protect the body against oxidative stress damage.

Antimicrobial

Tarragon has antimicrobial property that helps in treatment and prevention of various infection including candida and listeria infections.

Study has shown that tarragon exhibits antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogenic microbes.

Antifungal

Study finds that essential oil of tarragon has antifungal activity. It can help in prevention and treatment of fungal infections.

Good for heart

Tarragon helps to keep heart healthy. It helps to prevent dangerous clot formation in the blood vessels and reduces the risk of various cardiovascular diseases including blockages.

Study confirms that tarragon has anti-coagulant activity, which can be useful for cardiovascular and thrombotic disorders.

Antiviral and antibacterial

Study has shown that tarragon has antiviral and antibacterial properties that helps to prevent vibrio infection including cholera.

Another study states that tarragon contain the compound pipertone which reduces antibiotic resistance or biofilm formation against Enterobacter cloacae.

Recipe ideas and uses

Add fresh tarragon in your green salad.

Use fresh or dried tarragon to marinate and add flavor to fish , lamb etc.

Add it into stew, curries, sauces or pesto, and while making bread.

Steep into vinegar.

Make pickle out of it.