How Basil Helps Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
Nutrient Content (2 tbsp)
Vitamins
Excellent Source of:
- Vitamin K – 27%
Also a Source of:
- Vitamin A – 6%
- Vitamin C – 2%
Minerals
Source of:
- Manganese – 3%
Other
A Source of:
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Omega 6 Fatty Acids
*All nutritional Info From (1)
How Basil Prevents Chronic Disease
Basil contains useful nutrients and phytochemicals that make it a great resource for chronic disease prevention.
How Basil Prevents Cancer
Basil has the capability of preventing cancer growth by reducing the proliferation of cancerous cells. Holy basil has been linked to high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are small compounds that can help fight free radicals. Free radicals damage your tissues and can place more strain on your body. Over time, these free radicals cause oxidative stress, which can accelerate the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. As a result, it is important to consume foods that are high in antioxidants to help slow down the spread of cancer cells. (2)
- There was a study performed in 2013 which found that the phytochemicals in holy basil can help prevent several cancers. Specifically, the phytochemicals prevented skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers in the study. (3)
- Basil’s antioxidants help both trigger cell death (apoptosis) and slow down cell division within cancer cells. (4)
How Basil Prevents Cardiovascular Disease
Basil, specifically sweet basil, has been shown to reduce risk of high blood pressure due to its eugenol content, which helps block the calcium channels in the body. (5)
A review showed that basil can have an immediate impact on blood pressure levels. That being said, after a few minutes, the blood pressure may return to a normal state. (6)
Another study showed that if one consumes basil capsules for around a month every day, they may have significantly lower levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides. (7)
LDL cholesterol has been shown to be very disruptive to the body and can often lead to stroke or heart disease. LDL cholesterol will typically combine as plaque and block blood flow. To combat LDL cholesterol levels, it is important to eat healthy foods that are rich in HDL (“good”) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol can help destroy the LDL cholesterol and promote optimal blood flow. (8)
How Basil Prevents Diabetes
Similarly to cancer prevention, the antioxidants that are found in holy basil have been shown to prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes. Also, basil is typically recommended to help manage blood sugar levels. (9)
A recent study found that sweet basil leaves can reduce high blood sugar levels in rats. They also may have long-term beneficial effects on regulating blood sugar levels. (9)
Basil also reduces and prevents inflammation. Basil oil has been shown to reduce inflammation from oxidative stress. This has been shown to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Basil Promotes a Number of Health Benefits
How Basil Promotes Liver Health
Basil has been shown to positively impact liver health. Specifically, antioxidants in holy basil tested on rats were found to reduce the damage of a toxin that injures the liver. Additionally, studies found exponentially more beneficial effects with tulsi basil, which is often found in Indian markets. (10)
How Basil Promotes Skin Health
A study done in 2011 showed that sweet basil can help promote skin health. The researchers saw more increases in skin hydration and less dry skin and wrinkling in skin models treated with basil compared to models that did not receive the basil treatment.
More research needs to be done to corroborate these findings on basil and skin health. (11)
How Basil Prevents Bacterial Infection
Basil oil has been shown to have preventative effects on bacterial strains, such as E.Coli. The study found that basil can help treat and even prevent these bacterial strains, which typically impact individuals with respiratory, urinary, or skin infections. More studies must be done on this effect to conclude the findings of the research. (12)
How Basil Promotes Mental Health
One of basil’s most beneficial effects is on mental health. Basil, specifically tulsi basil, has components that can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Also, a review showed that basil can help prevent memory loss, improve sleep, and increase your cognitive ability.
Other studies showed that basil has all these properties; however, more experimental studies must be done to confirm these findings. (13)
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