Sip, snack, shine

Dig dollops of goodness in marigold as the flower is nutrient- dense, a good health agent and an edible superfood

- Pramita Bose

It’s a nutritious blossom and comes in a varied bright palette of orange, yellow, red, creamy white, maroon hues or in stripes. Our very own genda phool (Indian name) is marigold worldwide. This petalled beauty is packed with nutrition and offers tonnes of health benefits.

Goldmine of goodness

Loaded with nutrition, marigold flower is considered an edible superfood. As a member of the family of Calendula officinalis variety, it is high in antioxidants, vitamins and bioactive compounds that promote various health aspects.

“Marigold is not just a flower for show but a medium with a magical healing touch that safeguards the skin, eyes, gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. Marigold’s long history traces its application in traditional medicine and is deeply rooted to scientific literature. All this attests to its cross-genre value as a natural, organic food,’ enlightens registered dietician nutritionist Sonia Mehta, also the founder at Everbloom, a wellness company for senior citizens.

Listing the nutrients, Anushi Jain, nutritionist and founder of Nutri Maven wellness platform, mentions “vitamin C, vitamin A, flavonoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and essential oils” as the rich contents of marigold. Additionally, the flower is a good source of carotenoids, carotenes, triterpenoids, glycoproteins, nucleoproteins, et al. These compounds are primarily responsible for the plant’s colour and medicinal properties. Lutein is an important nutrient for eye health, while flavonoids and triterpenoids have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory traits. “Together, these nutrients protect bodily cells from oxidative stress, promote tissue healing, enhance resistance power and contribute to overall health,” notes Mehta.