Lifestyle

6 incredible benefits of basil leaves you probably didn’t know

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One of the oldest herbs known to mankind, basil’s healing and healthful properties have been the most treasured knowledge across the world.


Some say, that it is prohibited to even chew the holy basil leaves; one is supposed to swallow it at one go. Basil forms an intrinsic part of various curries and stews.

The smell and flavour of basil vary upon the concentration of essential volatile oils present in the herb.

Cinnamate, citronellol, geraniol, linalool, pinene and terpineol are some of the oils that one can find across all species of basil. And it is the presence of these oils that chiefly affect the medicinal benefits of basil leaves.

Basil leaves are used in a variety of culinary preparations. In addition to the flavour, the culinary herb is said to preserve and enhance the properties of the food.

From healthy gut to stronger immunity, benefits of basil leaves are quite a lot. Below are some you might not be aware of:

1. Anti-inflammatory

Basil and its strong anti-inflammatory properties can prove to be a cure to a variety of diseases and disorders. The powerful essential oils, including eugenol, citronellol and linalool, help lower inflammation through their enzyme inhibiting properties.

The anti-inflammatory properties of basil may help lower risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions. Consumption of basil could also soothe fever, headache, sore throat, cold, cough, flu.

Basil leaves has properties that can keep mild flu and cold at bay.

2. Fights free radical activity

The culinary herb contains a range of natural antioxidants, which can help protect body tissues against free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable atoms. To become stable, they take electrons from other atoms and form chains. These chains of free radicals cause oxidative stress to the body and cause more damage to the cells.

To reduce the oxidative stress in the body, one must up the intake of antioxidants. Basil contains two important water-soluble flavonoid antioxidants, known as orientin and viceninare. These potent antioxidants strengthen immune system, protect cellular structure, DNA and delay effects of skin ageing.

3. Skin benefits

Basil’s powerful oil helps cleanse the skin from within. The excellent skin cleanser is perfect for those with oily skin. It also helps remove dirt and impurities that clog pores. Make a paste of basil leaves, sandalwood paste and rose water.

Apply the paste on your face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wash it off with cold water. The strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of basil would help prevent formation of acne.

Basil’s powerful oils help cleanse the skin from within

4. Fights depression

Basil’s essential oil may help manage depression and anxiety too. The herb is believed to stimulate neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones responsible for inducing happiness and energy.

Basil is considered as a powerful adaptogen or an anti-stress agent. Its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties help manage stress too.

Basil’s essential oil may help manage depression and anxiety too.

5. Diabetes management

Consumption of basil could result in slow release of sugar in the blood, which is very essential for diabetics. The herb has very low glycemic load.

The essential oil present in basil also helps cut down triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which is a persistent risk factor amongst diabetics.

Make basil a part of your diabetes diet.

6. Supports liver function and helps detoxify the body

Basil’s strong detox properties may do wonders for your liver health. Liver is a very essential organ for the body as it plays a crucial role in metabolism. Basil may help prevent fat build-up in the liver and keep your liver healthy.