Benefits of Eating Basil Leaves
I love basil. It is one of my favorite herbs, especially in a Caprese salad. There’s just something about the taste of basil, tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette all mixed together.
According to the botanical definition, “herbs” are plants that don’t have a woody stem and die back each winter. It’s also defined as any plant or part historically used for culinary or fragrance purposes.
Basil is commonly used as a garnish for all sorts of dishes. This versatile ingredient can be added to virtually any dish—from meat and seafood to vegetarian dishes and even desserts!
Oh, and did I mention the Caprese salad?
It has so many uses and is one of the most versatile herbs used in cooking today. But did you know that there are many benefits to eating basil?
I recommend always using fresh basil rather than dried. You will get the best out of the plant by doing so. Fresh leaves should be bright green and free of damage.
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Basil Benefits Digestion
Sweet basil has an amazing chemical compound known as eugenol. Eugenol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that make sure your digestive tract is healthy. Basil supports your digestive and nervous systems, ensuring optimal digestion and a pH balance that is just right.
Basil also helps to reduce bloating.
Basil Reduces Oxidative Stress
Research has found that basil protects the heart and brain from oxidative stress.
This condition damages cells in the body. The study, published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, found that basil contains eugenol, a natural antioxidant.
Eugenol can be found in other common herbs, such as rosemary and sage, but basil has a higher compound concentration.
Basil Supports Liver Function
Basil is a plant that has been shown to help liver function. Studies have shown that basil has antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties and can alleviate or prevent many types of liver disease, including inflammation, cirrhosis, and cancer.
Basil also contains significant amounts of vitamin A, K, and folate, which help promote healthy liver function.
Most people think basil is primarily a cooking herb, but it also has many health benefits.
The leaves contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other compounds called terpenes, which help protect the liver from damage caused by free radicals such as oxidative stress and toxins such as alcohol.
May Help With Depression
Basil, a plant in the mint family, has been found to possess antidepressant and mood-lifting properties. It may also help with anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Again, basil’s main active ingredient is eugenol, which has antidepressant and mood-lifting properties.
Basil essential oil is known to help you treat depression and anxiety.
The herb is considered to be a powerful adaptogen or anti-stress agent. Basil is also used as an anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting agent, which helps manage stress, which can lead to depression.
Basil For Skin Rejuvenation
Basil is a great herb to deep cleanse the skin and help improve its overall appearance.
Perfect for people who have oily skin. It also removes dirt and impurities from your skin, keeping your pores clear. Mix together equal parts fresh basil leaves, sandalwood powder, and rosewater. Apply it to your face and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Rinse it out with cool water. Basil has both an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, which could be helpful in treating acne.
Basil And Heart Health
Based on what I said earlier, you already know that basil contains eugenol. But did you know that eugenol helps lower blood pressure by blocking calcium channels?
It also reduces triglycerides and cholesterol levels. In addition, basil has been proven to increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) while lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol).
That’s not all. This herb also contains magnesium, which improves blood circulation and relaxes your blood vessels and muscles, preventing muscle cramps.
In addition, basil and basil seeds contain many nutrients, including vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, fiber, and other minerals.
Basil Varieties
There are more varieties than the four I mention below, but these are the most common.
Sweet Basil:
Basil is one of the most widely grown herbs. It gives a unique flavor to dishes from Italian to Middle Eastern. Today, basil can be found easily in supermarkets and in dry form. Its sweet, licorice-clove taste works well in many dishes.
Thai Basil:
Used to add flavor to a range of Thai and Southeast Asian dishes, anise-licorice has a sweet taste.
Cinnamon Basil:
Originally from Mexico, also known as Mexican spice basil, it has a spicy, fragrant aroma and flavor. It has a hint of cinnamon flavor. It is usually served with white rice stir-fried vegetables
Bush or Greek Basil:
It has a mild flavor, and the aroma is moderate. Forms a bush and grows well in pots. The leaves are small and can be used as a substitute for basil in dishes
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