Benefits of young stinging nettle leaves

Benefits of young stinging nettle leaves are countless. If you are looking for a source of Vitamin C during this COVID-19 isolation you can easily find it in your back garden, especially now during the spring time.

Stinging nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including:

Vitamins: Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins

Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium

Fats: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid

Amino acids: All of the essential amino acids

Polyphenols: Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins and other flavonoids

Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin and other carotenoids

Stinging nettle reduced levels of multiple inflammatory hormones by interfering with their production.

In rare cases, people may have a severe allergic reaction to it. Pregnant women should also avoid consuming stinging nettle because it may trigger uterine contractions, which can raise the risk of a miscarriage.

The dried leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a delicious herbal tea, while its leaves, stem and roots can be cooked and added to soups, stews, smoothies and stir-frys.

I usually cook young stinging nettle leaves in the water and use them like a side dish. You can put boiled stinging nettle leaves in the omelette, mix with rice, legumes, mix with eggs and cheese to make the filling for the tart or pie, you can put in the soup, etc.

It tastes like a spinach. So it can be used instead of spinach. However, avoid eating fresh leaves, as their barbs can cause irritation and always use the gloves while harvesting.

Benefits of young stinging nettle leaves are countless.

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