Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits come from these antioxidants, as well as its essential oils.
What is the special feature of basil?
Basil leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with smooth or slightly toothed edges that typically cup slightly; the leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems. The small flowers are borne in terminal clusters and range in colour from white to magenta.
Why is basil sacred?
Hindu people worship holy basil. It’s considered the “Mother Medicine of Nature.” It’s been revered since ancient times as an herb that can promote a healthy body, mind, and spirit. The sacred plant is often planted around Hindu shrines. The name tulsi means “the incomparable one.”
What is an interesting fact about basil?
1. Basil is native to tropical Asia and belongs to the mint family. 2. Sweet basil is also called Genoese Basil, it has a sweet aroma with a warm flavor with notes of clove and anise.
Why basil is the best herb?
Thanks to its phytochemicals, basil may help prevent certain types of skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers. Studies have shown that it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and contributes to cardiovascular health. It is rich in vitamins A, K, and C as well as magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium.
Is eating raw basil good for you?
Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese; a very good source of copper, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), and vitamin C; and a good source of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids making it quite nutrient rich!
Is drinking basil water good for you?
Consuming basil could help reduce bloating and water retention. It can even stimulate loss of appetite and could cure acid reflux as well. Now that you are privy to the many benefits of basil leaves, make sure you make the most of the culinary herb in your regular diet.
Is basil good for anxiety?
There’s less risk of contamination when taking an herb in its natural form. Holy basil has been shown to have antidepressant and antianxiety properties similar to antidepressant drugs. Studies have shown that it can help people feel more social and less anxious.
Can you drink basil?
When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Which plant is known as Mother of medicine?
Holy basil is also known as “The Incomparable One”, “The Mother Medicine of Nature”,.
Does basil have a fruit?
Basil develops miniature flowers that appear in spikes on top of a plant. They can be white, pinkish or mauve in color. Flowers are pollinated by insects. After successful pollination, each flower turns into dry fruit called achene.
How was basil discovered?
It was found in mummies in Egypt because the ancient Egyptians used this herb for embalming. In Greece, basil was a symbol of mourning. The herb was referred to as basileus phuton, meaning magnificent, royal or kingly herb. Today, basil is frequently referred to as the ‘King of Herbs’.
Does the basil plant have a fruit?
Basil, like many herbs, is grown for its foliage, not fruit or flowers.
What is the king of herbs?
Basil – the king of herbs, the all-purpose plant. Bursting with flavor, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and a trusted cure for many ailments. Worshipped as a saint in India, venerated as guardian of the dead in ancient Egypt.
Does basil make poop?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed has been found to relieve constipation by acting as a bulk-forming laxative in one preliminary study.
Can you eat basil everyday?
After consuming Basil leaves on a daily basis, one can observe increase in antioxidant activity and decrease in the blood sugar levels. Basil Leaves is also helpful in people who suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Is basil toxic to human?
Basil is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts. Basil is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth as a medicine, short-term. 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.
Is basil a Superfood?
And if that’s not enough to propel the beautiful basil leaf into superfood territory, basil can also help regulate diabetes, support liver function and detoxify the body as well as heal a regular tummy upset.
Is basil good for kidneys?
The holy basil, which is known for its various medicinal properties is one of the best kidney stone treatment at home. Medical experts suggest that some of the compounds found in basil leaves can stabilize the uric acid levels in the body, which hinders the formation of stones.
Is basil good for weight loss?
Consumption of Holy Basil or Tulsi leaves everyday will help rev up your metabolism. Thus, it also helps to burn a lot of calories at a faster pace. It converts the food into energy and enhances the nutrient absorption from food in body.
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.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.