Holy basil has been shown to boost your body’s health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach .
How much health benefits does basil have?
Fragrant fresh basil, for instance, offers a healthy dose of blood-clotting vitamin K — 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil provide 27% of the RDA — as well as vitamin A, manganese, and magnesium.
What are the benefits of eating basil leaves?
- Good For Digestion. ...
- Anti-inflammatory. ...
- Fights free radical activity. ...
- Skin Benefits. ...
- Fights Depression. ...
- Diabetes Management. ...
- Supports Liver Function and Helps Detoxify the Body. ...
- Promote healthy gut.
Can I eat fresh basil leaves?
Raw or cooked, fresh basil adds its own distinct, beloved flavor to any number of dishes . It’s one of those herbs that home cooks turn to so often that many have found it more convenient to grow their own so they always have a supply on hand.
How many basil leaves a day?
Adding holy basil to your self-care
The suggested dosage ranges from 300 mg to 2,000 mg per day for general preventive purposes. When used as a treatment, the recommended dosage is 600 mg to 1,800 mg taken in multiple doses throughout the day. All parts of the plant might be used in supplements and topical ointments.
Is basil good for your lungs?
Holy basil has diverse actions on the respiratory system. It effectively liquefies the phlegm and is effective for cough due to allergic bronchitis, asthma and eosinophilic lung disease .
Which is healthier spinach or basil?
Vitamin Comparison
In mineral content, basil is the winner , being richer in copper, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Basil is also lower in sodium. Spinach, however, contains more potassium and magnesium.
What happens if you eat too much basil?
In some people basil can cause low blood sugar . The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term. These contain estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Is basil as healthy as spinach?
For a quick recap of significant nutrients and differences in basil and spinach: Both spinach and basil are high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, calcium, iron and potassium . Spinach has more thiamin, riboflavin and folate, however, basil contains more pantothenic acid. Spinach is a great source of dietary fiber.
Is basil a laxative?
The laxatives most frequently used world-wide come from plants. Herbal laxatives are either bulk-forming or stimulating. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed has been found to relieve constipation by acting as a bulk-forming laxative in one preliminary study .
Is basil good for kidneys?
Kidney Health
Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels , which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.
Is Sweet Basil anti-inflammatory?
A food ingredient that suppresses chronic inflammation could help prevent associated diseases. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a herb from the Lamiaceae family with some reported anti-inflammatory effects .
Is basil good for high blood pressure?
Basil contains compounds, such as eugenol, that may help reduce blood pressure , according to animal studies.
What do you do with basil after cutting?
Go ahead and remove the leaves from the stems. Wash and dry the leaves, using either a paper towel or a salad spinner. Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag. Seal and store for one to two weeks .
Is basil a medicinal plant?
Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine . Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites.
Is basil toxic?
Basil flowers, like the rest of the plant, are considered to be non-toxic to domesticated animals such as dogs, cats and horses under normal circumstances . Basil flowers and leaves do contain plant compounds that can be harmful to their digestive systems when consumed in mass quantities, though.
What is the difference between holy basil and basil?
In cooking, basil is noted for its spicy, pungent aroma. Holy basil, by contrast, has a sweeter, more mellow fragrance . The leaves of both bruise easily, and will quickly release their scent when rubbed. Both varieties have a pungent, sharp taste when eaten raw, which loses some of its tartness during cooking.
How is basil used for medicinal purposes?
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil to boiling water and steep for about 5 minutes then strain. Sweeten with raw honey to taste and sip slowly to help with digestive issues . This can also soothe a cough.
Can you eat basil like lettuce?
There are so many kinds of basil to grow including lettuce basil . This plant produces enormous, crinkled leaves that are the perfect size for sandwiches. In fact, the leaves are so big and tasty, they can make a flavorful lettuce replacement.
Is basil an antioxidant?
Basil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, Manganese, Calcium, and essential oils. Plus, it has the goodness of antioxidants, including beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene .
How do diabetics use basil leaves?
How to use tulsi leaves to manage diabetes naturally? You can chew some tulsi leaves every day in order to soak all the goodness from them . You could also make some tulsi tea by adding a few leaves in boiling water. After about two- three minutes, strain the water and drink a cupful every day.
Is basil high in iron?
Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C . It’s also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Basil isn’t simply for internal use.
Is basil high in vitamin E?
It is also a good source of Protein, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) , Riboflavin and Niacin, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper and Manganese.
How much Vit K is in basil?
A 1/4-cup serving of fresh basil contains 24.9 micrograms of vitamin K. That’s 28 percent of the 90 micrograms women need each day and 21 percent of the 120 micrograms men require. One tablespoon of dried basil contains 36 micrograms of vitamin K.
Is basil better cooked or raw?
If a recipe simply calls for “basil,” sweet basil is the way to go. Other varieties can have stronger flavors that can give you an unintended result in your recipes. Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked.
