Health Benefits of Basil
Health Benefits of Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia but is now grown worldwide.
Basil is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Traditionally, basil has been used to treat colds, nausea, insect bites, snakebites, and inflammation of nasal passages.
There are many varieties of basil including sweet basil, Greek basil, cinnamon basil, Thai basil, holy basil also known as tulsi just to name a few.
Dried basil leaves are considered more concentrated in nutrients compared to freshly chopped basil leaves.
Basil contains essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, manganese, iron, zinc and potassium.
Basil is rich in antioxidants including lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and may help prevent the risk chronic diseases.
Basil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Essential oils in basil, including eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, may help lower the risk of arthritis, bowel issues and heart disease. It may reduce blood pressure levels, cholesterol levels and triglycerides.
The essential oils in basil may also help fight respiratory, urinary, abdominal or skin infections.
Basil may also improve skin health and prevent skin-aging. Studies have shown that a cream containing 3% of basil extract when applied topically resulted in highly hydrated skin and reduced roughness and wrinkling.
Holy basil or tulsi is considered an adaptogen and may help promote mental health. Holy basil or tulsi may help improve anxiety and depression, mental clarity and age-related memory loss. Holy basil or tulsi may also improve stress-related sleep and sex issues.
Holy basil or tulsi may boost your immunity and also help prevent certain types of cancer but more research is needed. Holy basil or tulsi may help detoxify the body and reverse the affections of pollution. Holy basil or tulsi may also decrease blood sugar levels but more research is needed. Holy basil or tulsi also may improve asthma symptoms.
As always consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3304398/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266425
https://www.health.com/basil-benefits-8662991
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/basil