Tasty and Good for You: Lemon Bars With a Twist of Lavender and Thyme
7 minute read
It’s no secret that many herbs and spices have been used for centuries to treat illness and prevent disease. Natural herbs like lavender and thyme have been part of ancient medicine practices because of their healing properties.
The good news is that you can add these healthy herbs to your favorite dishes and enjoy the benefits too. Even better, you can now enjoy your favorite desserts without feeling guilty.
Health Benefits of Lavender
Lavender may be native to North Africa, but it is used all across the globe for its essential oils and healing properties. It’s frequently used in beauty care products, but also has an important role in the world of health too.
It is important to note that when cooking with lavender, do not use the essential oils, as these are toxic. Save those for aromatherapy, and stick to eating the plant form instead.
1. Better Mental Health
Lavender has been found to successfully soothe anxiety and reduce depressive symptoms. By relaxing the nervous system, it also helps to reduce insomnia and restlessness, which are familiar to those with mental health concerns.
This helps you to sleep better, which helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
2. Better Eyesight
Lavender contains vitamin A, which is essential for healthy eyesight. Vitamin A helps to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, which are common in aging eyes.
3. More Iron
You can naturally boost your iron levels with lavender, which means you will have healthier blood. Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, and without this, you can develop anemia.
4. Fight Fungus
Lavender possesses antifungal properties, which allow it to protect you from fungal infections. Both oil extracts and consumption of lavender have been found to prevent fungal infections.
5. Strengthen Bones
Lavender contains calcium, which many don’t realize. This can boost the strength of your bones and prevent age-related conditions such as osteoporosis.
6. Reduce PMS Symptoms
Women have reported relief of emotional symptoms related to PMS. While lavender aromatherapy is more effective with relieving these symptoms, consuming lavender can help too.
Health Benefits of Thyme
Thyme is from the mint family and has been used as incense, in cooking, and in medicine for centuries. Beyond the wonderful smell and taste it provides, thyme has been found to possess many beneficial properties to boost your health.
1. Lower Blood Pressure
Thyme has the ability to reduce your heart rate as well as cholesterol levels, which allows it to promote healthier blood pressure and overall heart health.
2. Better Immunity
It is not always easy to get the vitamins you need every day, but thyme is packed with vitamin C and vitamin A, making it a great supporter of your immune system.
3. Better Digestion
Thymol, a compound in thyme, has been found to stimulate gut movements, which can improve digestion, promote regular bowel movements, and prevent digestive issues like constipation and bloating.
4. Happier Mood
Although the essential oil version of thyme is more commonly used for boosting mood, consuming the herb can have similar results.
The substance carvacrol in thyme has the ability to enhance positive feelings and boost your mood.
5. Stop Coughing
The oils in thyme serve as a perfect natural cough remedy. Studies have found that thyme can relieve coughing and help to reduce symptoms of acute bronchitis.
| Related: 6 Natural Health Benefits of Lavender & Easy Tips on How to Grow It |
Lemon Lavender Thyme Bars
Ingredients:
The Shortbread Crust:
1 cup organic unbleached flour
1/4 cup organic sugar
1/4 teaspoon smoked sea salt
1 tablespoon organic lavender flower powder
1/2 tablespoon organic thyme or organic lemon thyme
1/4 teaspoon organic sweet cinnamon powder
a pinch of organic nutmeg powder
8 tablespoon (1 stick) organic unsalted butter
The Lemon Filling:
1 whole organic lemon
1 1/3 cups of organic sugar
8 tablespoon (1 stick) organic unsalted butter
4 large free-range/cruelty-free, organic chicken eggs
2 tablespoon organic arrowroot powder
1/4 teaspoon red alaea salt
Directions:
The Shortbread Crust:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Blend together flour, sugar, salt, lavandin flower powder, thyme, sweet cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixer or food processor. Slowly incorporate the melted butter until it forms a soft dough.
Evenly spread the dough in a greased, 8-inch square baking pan, and press down to seal along all sides of the pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork to assist with baking properly. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until crust is just golden brown. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes while you make the lemon filling.
The Lemon Filling:
Peel the rind from the entire lemon using a paring knife and set aside. Cut the remaining lemon flesh into thin rings and remove all seeds. Combine half the rind with all of the lemon flesh in a food processor and blend to a smooth consistency.
With the food processor running, slowly add the sugar. Add the butter cubes piece by piece until all are combined. Add the eggs and blend until well combined. Blend in the salt and arrowroot powder, then slowly pour the lemon custard on top of the pre-baked shortbread crust in the pan.
Return the baking pan to the oven to bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until the custard appears to have a lightly golden edge and has solidified. The bars should be just barely firm at the center.
The bars must be completely cool before you attempt to cut them. Wait at least two hours, if not more, before attempting this. Put cut bars in the refrigerator before serving to cool completely. Once ready to serve, remove the bars from the fridge, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and enjoy!
The Bottom Line
There is no reason that you cannot enjoy your favorite sweet treats and boost your health too.
While sugary treats can be dangerous in excess, a few treats now and then can be a good thing, especially if you add beneficial ingredients like lavender and thyme. Try a new healthier version of your favorite lemon bars, and treat your taste buds without jeopardizing your health.
