According to studies, Basil leaves helps in maintaining the normal levels of cortisol hormone in the body, which is also known as the stress hormone. High levels of cortisol make you feel stressed out and anxious. Therefore, by lowering cortisol levels, Basil leaves acts a natural anti-stress herb.
Basil leaves are rich in vitamins A, C and K and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. It also has a good amount of protein and fiber. Here’s an in-depth nutritional chart for Basil leaves for a 100g serving. Note that when used as a herb, you will consume much fewer quantities of Basil leaves.
#1 Basil reduces oxidative stress
Basil is a powerhouse of antioxidants (free-radical scavengers). These compounds, as the name suggests, combat free radicals found in your body. Free radicals are notorious atoms that cause significant damage to the cells and put you at an increased risk of many health complications, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.
Also, basil has got flavonoids, which boost your immune system, slow down the effects of aging, and protect your cellular structure from damage.
#2 Basil helps in preventing cancer
Although holy basil is quite different from sweet basil (what we use in most of our recipes), it contains phytochemicals. These are bioactive plant compounds that shield you from various cancers, such as skin cancer, lung cancer, oral cancer, and liver cancer.
#3 Basil benefits digestion
Sweet basil contains eugenol. This chemical compound has anti-inflammatory properties that ensure that your digestive tract is healthy. Basil benefits your digestive and nervous system while ensuring that you have optimal digestion and a proper pH balance in your body.
#4 Basil offers excellent skin benefits
Basil contains powerful and healing essential oils that cleanse your skin from deep inside. And, if you have oily skin, it is a savior for you. Besides cleansing, basil also removes impurities, dirt, and grease that happen to clog your pores. All you need to do is make a thick paste with a handful of basil leaves, sandalwood powder, and rose water. Apply this pack on your face and neck, wait for 15 to 20 minutes, and wash it with cold water.
If you have an acne problem, the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of basil will also help you prevent it.
#5 Basil helps in diabetes management
If you have diabetes, add basil to your diet for sure. It slows down the process of sugar release in the blood while helping you with diabetes management. According to many studies on animals and humans, holy basil can also help counter the other health complications associated with diabetes, excessive body weight, etc.
#6 Basil helps fight inflammation in the body
As basil has got potent anti-inflammatory properties and essential oils, such as citronella, linalool, and eugenol, it helps cure a range of health conditions, including inflammatory bowel conditions, heart ailments, and rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, consuming basil can also help treat headaches, fever, cold and cough, flu, and sore throat.
#7 Basil helps you deal with depression
Basil contains an anti-stress substance. It helps deal with anxiety and depression while stimulating neurotransmitters that control energy and happiness-inducing hormones. So, sip a hot cup of tea with holy basil and sage brewed to perfection and see the difference.
#8 Basil has got detoxifying properties
Basil is a wonder herb for your liver, one of the most vital organs of your body. It detoxifies your liver and plays a crucial role in preventing fat deposition in your liver. Basil benefits your liver while taking care of your overall health, too.
#9 Basil helps prevent heart ailments
You already know that basil contains eugenol. This chemical compound aids in blocking the calcium channels, thus lowering your blood pressure. Also, the essential oils in basil reduce the level of triglycerides and cholesterol in your body. It is not all. You will also find magnesium in this herb that improves blood circulation and allows your blood vessels and muscles to relax, preventing muscle cramps.
#10 Basil prevents infections
Apart from all the goodness basil possesses, its antibacterial properties are among the most noted ones. It helps fight a range of infections, including skin allergies, urinary infections, respiratory and abdominal infections.
Basil leaves have antibacterial and anti-viral properties which help to fight infections, thus reducing fever. The fresh juice of Basil leaves taken with black pepper powder cures periodic fevers. Basil leaves, boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk, are also effective in reducing temperature.
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