By: Ozren Podnar, Zdenka Jurković |
Benefits of basil |
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Basil (Lat. Ocimum basilicum) is shrub-like and fragrant herb, with oval and mostly green leaves.
There are approximately sixty basil types and all of them differ in taste and appearance.
It grows in various parts of the world, but it was originally cultivated in tropical parts of Asia.
The first written record of it is four centuries old and comes from the ancient Egypt.
The word basil (Italian basilico) comes from the Greek word basilikon, meaning royal and it represents the deep respect of ancient cultures towards this herb.
Romans identified it with love and loyalty and it was believed that a man will love a woman forever if she gives him a basil branch.
In Indian, basil was a symbol of welcoming and in Ayurveda one basil type (Holy basil, Lat. Ocimum tenuilorum) is used for treating many different diseases – diabetes, asthma, impotency, kidney stones, infertility and allergies.
Powerful antioxidant
Basil is famous for its strong antioxidative properties. According to ORAC scale, dried basil has as much as 61 000 units.
Antioxidants naturally found in basil protect human body from damages caused by free radicals; they prevent cell aging and development of several types of cancer.
Antioxidants are an important part of every healthy diet and healthy lifestyle and basil is their reliable and effective source.
One of antioxidants found in basil is beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is transformed into vitamin A in the human body; it prevents cholesterol oxidation in the blood stream and thus protects our heart and blood vessels.
Damages caused by free radical contribute to the development of many other diseases, including asthma, osteoarthritis and rheum arthritis. Beta-carotene from basil offers a great preventive substance for such diseases.
Protects heart and blood vessels
Basil is a good source of vitamin B6 and magnesium.
Vitamin B6 prevents accumulation of potentially dangerous molecules called homocysteine.
Although hemocysteine is a natural product of cell processes, it can damage blood vessel walls if it is not quickly transformed into a harmless molecule, and vitamin B6 has a crucial role in that transformation.
Magnesium promotes cardiovascular system health by helping muscle and blood vessel relaxation. Thus it enhances blood flow and reduces the risk of irregular heartbeat.
Magnesium strengthens heart muscle and has preventive effects against the heart attack.
Natural antibiotic
Studies indicated that basil oil has beneficent effects on the immune system.
Fresh leaves and basil oil have antibacterial and antiseptic properties and can be used in infection treatments.
Basil can also be used locally – basil leaves placed on wounds prevent bacterial infections.
Basil benefits:
- a powerful antioxidant
- has antibacterial properties
- strengthens immune system
- prevents cholesterol oxidation
- protects heart and blood vessels
- helps fight infections
- reduces inflammation linked to arthritis
Basil in cuisine
Fragrant basil leaves are used in many cuisines and are good in various dishes.
In order to preserve its taste, add basil into the dish at the end. Whenever you can, chose fresh basil, since it has a more intensive taste that dried one.
Basil achieved fame and recognition in cuisines around the world with Pesta Genovese, a green sauce made of basil, pine nuts and parmesan.
You can use freshly chopped basil, olive oil and garlic to make tasty dairy-free sauce which can be served with many dishes such as pasta, rice or bruschette.
You can also use basil for making simple ice desert. Mix chopped basil with lemon juice, sugar cane juice and water and freeze the mixture into ice cubes.
When they freeze, chop them with a blender and serve as an ice desert in Mediterranean style.
Or, make fresh, tasty and the multicolored Italian salad made of fresh basil, mozzarella cheese and tomato slices.
Drink strengthening basil tea you can make by chopping basil leaves and pouring hot water over them and then leave the mixture for eight minutes and then filtrate it.
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