Today we will look at three more types of herbaceous plants that are very popular in our country. And, by the way, while the three types of greens we looked at last time are of little interest to anyone in England, today’s heroes are much more accessible and in demand there.

Basil is an incredibly aromatic and fragrant plant, and also very useful. It is not surprising that in Latin this word translates as ‘royal herb’. Two main types of basil are used in cooking: purple and green. Incidentally, purple basil is much more popular in Ukraine, while green basil is definitely more popular in England. It is believed that both here and in European cuisine, basil is valued for its delicate and unobtrusive taste, with a light, refreshing aftertaste.

Both types of this royal herb have considerable benefits, as they contain vitamins A, K, B2, PP and C, as well as calcium, manganese, iron, folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. Basil is rich in antioxidants that protect our skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. And the mega-useful component eugenol gives this fragrant herb the ability to have a powerful antispasmodic and tonic effect on the body, similar to the effect of taking ibuprofen or paracetamol — can you imagine? In short, buy some basil as soon as possible and enjoy not only its wonderful aroma, but also its enormous benefits for your body!

Arugula is one of my all-time favourite greens. I love it for its incredibly wonderful nutty aroma, which adds a slight sharpness and piquancy to almost any dish, especially various types of salads.

The positive effects of this aromatic, spicy plant on the body cannot be overstated — arugula is an excellent source of vitamins A, B1-B6, B9, C, E and K. It also contains high levels of iron, copper, zinc and manganese, as well as sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. These and many other beneficial components (vegetable protein, slow carbohydrates, dietary fibre) have a positive effect on our nervous system, reduce the risk of developing thrombophlebitis, and strengthen the immune system, helping the body fight the myriad microbes and bacteria that surround us everywhere.

Now let’s talk about spinach. It is not as fragrant as arugula, but it is just as beneficial.

An excellent source of fibre, spinach maximises the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, promoting not only rapid but also high-quality cleansing of the intestines. In terms of vitamins, 100 grams of spinach contains as much as three times the daily requirement of vitamin K alone, and 50% of the daily requirement of vitamins A and B9. Plus, it contains sufficient amounts of vitamins C, B3, B4, B6, and vitamin E, which is extremely beneficial for our skin and hair.

This type of greenery also holds the record for its magnesium, manganese, potassium and iron content. And the presence of large amounts of iodine, organic acids, mineral salts and flavonoids in its composition makes spinach a truly indispensable product in our diet.

So, today we have looked at three very useful types of greens. My recommendation is this: if you have read today’s article, don’t let this important information get lost in the mass of your other daily tasks. Don’t be lazy — take a walk to your nearest market or supermarket and buy at least one — or better yet, all three — types of greens from today’s list. And don’t just buy them; take them home and cook up something interesting (and most importantly, healthy) and delicious today, incorporating the fresh heroes of our article. It will be very tasty, and most importantly, healthy and original, which is great!