We all know the conventional use of basil in pasta or red sauce, however, these basil leaves contain amazing health benefits and a bunch of different uses. Let’s look at all amazing health benefits of basil leaves and 11 different uses that you probably didn’t know. It is sure to leave your tummy, skin and mind happier and healthier than before.
What it Is?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum), is an herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) grown for its leaves. The leaves are most commonly a pure green color but can also be red or purple. The leaves are semi large and delicate but give off a sweet, fresh, peppery smell with a hint of mint.
This plant is native to India and most commonly used in the kitchen for spice and flavoring. You can get fresh basil leaves or dried basil in a bottle. Although basil leaves are most commonly used for cooking, the health benefits of basil leaves goes way beyond the kitchen.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: All information presented on this website is for informational purposes only. This website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is not intended to be a substitute or replacement for any medical treatment. Please seek the advice of a healthcare professional for your specific health concerns. Individual results may vary.
Dried vs Fresh Basil
While fresh basil has a brighter and cleaner appeal, there are up and down sides. Fresh basil is highly perishable and may only last 1-2 weeks if kept in the fridge. The best way to keep fresh basil on hand is by growing it. That will require optimal sunlight, water and care. While fresh basil may be more appealing, dried basil may be more convenient.
The drying process concentrates the nutrients and flavorings so typically when cooking, you need much less dried basil than fresh basil. A good ratio is 3:1, fresh to dried. Dried basil is also way easier to keep on hand and store because it will last a much longer time in the pantry and doesn’t require refrigeration.
Health Benefits
Vitamins
Basil leaves contains many nutrients including Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, Manganese, and Calcium. However, since basil is typical indigested in small amounts, most of the vitamins are not significant for the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI). Vitamin K is the only vitamin that offers a great amount of nutritional value. One tablespoon contains 43% of the recommended RDI.
However, the vitamins found in the basil leaves provide more of an importance for your skin and medical heath than your diet. The Vitamin A helps speed up healing, prevent breakouts and supports the skin’s immune system, while, Vitamin K and iron play a role in regulating blood flow.
A study in 2011 also found that basil helps reduce high blood pressure and supports your cardiovascular health.
Antioxidants
One of the biggest health benefits of basil leaves comes from the high amounts of antioxidants within the leaves. It contains beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene.
These antioxidants help to remove molecules found in the body from metabolism, natural processes and dietary choices. A build up of these molecules results in cell damage and other diseases. Therefore, getting the proper amount of antioxidants is important for you health.
The anti-inflammatory properties in antioxidants also help with:
- fever
- sickness
- stress
- cleaning the blood
- reducing blood glucose levels (associated with heart attacks)
- arthritis
Fighting Cancers and Other Diseases
The holy basil (Tulsi) has been under a ton of studies for potential cancer fighting properties, including breast cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and oral cancer. Basil may have the ability to block an enzyme called COX-2 that stimulates an inflammatory response and triggers various cancerous activities.
11 Unique Uses You Probably Didn’t Know
Natural Remedies:
- Basil Water – Add basil leaves to your water. You can make a cool summer drink with basil, fruit and ice or add basil leaves into hot water to make tea.
- Facial Steam – Add it into hot water and allow the stream to open your pores. This helps to detox the skin and alleviate headache.
- Snake/Insect Bites – Chopping or crushing basil to put on any bite draws out the venom and relieve some pain.
- Basil Leaf Bath – Adding basil leaves in your bath will help reduce stress and encourage relaxation
Home and Beauty:
- Natural cleaning spray – Basil is a natural anti-bacterial therefore, it can be used to clean surfaces. Check out this Lemon Basil natural cleaning spray that uses a basil essential oil.
- Herbal Hair Mask – Messaging basil essential oil onto your scalp promotes hair growth. DIY Basil Hair Mask
- Basil Facial Mask – DIY Basil Facial Mask
Cooking and Recipes:
- Pasta Sauce – Adding fresh basil into your pasta adds loads of flavoring, spice, and color
- Pizza topping – Same as the pasta sauce, topping your pizza with basil leaves with give it extra flavor, spice and color. Not to mention make the pizza look fancy and straight out of Italy.
- Caprese Salad – Basil is one of the few key ingredients in a traditional caprese salad along with mozzarella, tomato and balsamic dressing.
- Pesto Caprese Chicken – The perfect simple and healthy dinner recipe
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