What are the benefits of eating basil every day?

Nutritional composition of basil

To learn about the benefits of eating basil every day, you first need to know about the nutritional components in basil. Lao Dong newspaper quoted Indianexpress quoting Dr. Sanjay Kumar, general practitioner, Cygnus Laxmi Hospital (India), saying that basil leaves contain many nutritional components that are good for health and have powerful healing properties.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, general practitioner, Cygnus Laxmi Hospital (India) lists the healthy nutritional components contained in 100 grams of basil leaves as follows:

Calories: 23 kcal
Carbohydrates: 5.32 grams
Dietary fiber: 1.6 grams
Sugar: 0.3 grams
Protein: 2.2 grams
Fat: 0.6 grams

Vitamins and minerals contained in basil leaves:

Vitamin C: 18 milligrams (Basil contains a moderate amount of vitamin C, which contributes to its antioxidant properties).
Vitamin A: 264 microgram
Vitamin K: 414.8 micrograms
B vitamins (including B1, B2, B3 and B5, B6)
Calcium: 177 milligrams
Iron: 3.2 milligrams
Potassium: 295 milligrams
Magnesium: 64 milligrams
Manganese: 1,148 milligrams

According to Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the chemical components in basil have the ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Some other substances can reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics. They also have the ability to increase the immune system in humans and can be used as an immune stimulant.

What are the benefits of eating basil every day?

Health & Life Newspaper quoted BSCK2. Tran Ngoc Que as saying that basil is a rich source of vitamin K, especially dried basil leaves. Vitamin K helps strengthen bones and plays a major role in the body's ability to clot blood. Basil also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing mental health.

Here are some health benefits if you eat basil daily:

Protects against cell damage

Basil leaves are rich in antioxidants, natural compounds that protect the body's cells. Cells are vulnerable to oxidative stress when they have too many free radicals. The body produces free radicals in response to stress and inflammation. Free radicals also come from environmental exposures, such as cigarette smoke and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Antioxidants act as a shield against free radicals — and the health problems they cause.

If left unchecked, oxidative stress can lead to health conditions including cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

Support cancer prevention

Several studies have demonstrated the potential of sweet basil essential oil to prevent certain cancers. In one study, sweet basil was found to stop the growth of human colon cancer cells in test tubes. Basil interfered with the cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide, eventually killing them.

There is growing evidence that basil may be an effective cancer prevention tool, but more human studies are needed to confirm these promising results and understand how much basil people should consume.

Helps control blood pressure and cholesterol

Traditional Chinese medicine has used basil to treat heart disease for centuries. Studies have shown that basil can help lower high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Additionally, basil contains eugenol, an oil that can help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.

Improve blood sugar

Both human and laboratory studies have shown basil’s remarkable ability to manage blood sugar levels. Scientists have observed that basil extract significantly reduces blood sugar levels in laboratory models of diabetes.

Human studies are in their early stages but have also shown some potential benefits for blood sugar control and type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of different types of basil on blood sugar health.

Boost your mental health

Research shows that daily consumption of basil can impact many aspects of mental health. In four different human studies, holy basil was shown to enhance cognitive function including short-term memory and attention; improve mood; and reduce stress and anxiety.

A laboratory study found that basil essential oil has the ability to reduce depression, stress, and age-related memory loss.

How to Add Basil to a Healthy Diet

Basil can be used fresh or dried. Dried basil tends to have a stronger flavor than fresh basil. So if you use dried basil, use ½ to 1/3 the amount of fresh basil you need.

Some varieties of basil, like sweet basil and Italian basil, are best used fresh as a garnish. Others, like Thai basil, can withstand heat and cooking.

Basil is not only a tasty treat, but it can also help improve your health. However, it is important to note that if you want to add basil to your diet to improve a specific medical condition, you should first consider food sources, not supplements, and consult a medical professional before adding basil to your daily routine.

This can help you ensure that eating basil will not interact with any medications you are taking, as basil can interact adversely with certain medications such as: Blood thinners (basil can increase blood thinning and the risk of bleeding), blood sugar or blood pressure may drop too low when eating basil along with medications to treat these problems.

Thanh Thanh (Synthesis)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/an-rau-hung-que-hang-ngay-co-tac-dung-gi-ar910583.html