Food for Health Teen Chefs: Cooking Healthy Meals & Learning Nutrition
February 19, 2026
Food for Health Teen Chefs do more than cook, prepare and package healthy meals for our recipients, they also gain hands-on nutrition education from our Executive Chef.
Check out one of our recent lessons, 10 Herbs Everyone Should Know: Health Benefits and Uses, where Teens discovered how herbs can enhance flavor naturally while providing powerful health benefits.
10 Herbs Everyone Should Know: Health Benefits and Uses
Herbs do more than add flavor to food - many also support overall wellness. From calming stress to helping digestion, these natural plants have been used for centuries in cooking and traditional health practices. Here are 10 popular herbs every teen (and family) should know about!
| Herb | Heath Benefit | Main Compound | Best Use for Teens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon Balm | Calms stress/sleep | Rosmarinic acid | Tea, salads, infused water |
| Parsley | Immunity, fresh breath | Apigenin | Salads, smoothies |
| Peppermint | Stomach relief, energy | Menthol | Tea, chew a leaf |
| Chamomile | Relaxation, sleep | Apigenin | Tea before bed |
| Basil | Supports immunity, reduces stress | Eugenol | Fresh on pizza, pasta, or in salads |
| Chives | Supports eye and immune health | Allicin | Chopped fresh over baked potatoes, eggs, or sandwiches |
| Sage | Brain health | Rosmarinic acid | Roasts, tea |
| Garlic | Immunity, heart health | Allicin | Raw in dressings |
| Rosemary | Enhances concentration, stress | Carnosic acid | Roasted veggies |
| Echinacea | Immunity, cold relief | Alkamides | Herbal tea |
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February 19, 2026
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