Basil is a hugely popular spice in healthy Mediterranean cuisine that not only enhances the flavor but also has a variety of health benefits.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) has long been used in various countries to make natural balms for a variety of health conditions, an Indian research team reports in a recent study.
Traditional use of basil
For example, basil is used in traditional medicine to treat intestinal colic, diarrhea, vomiting, menstrual cramps and also to improve kidney function.
Effective in hyperlipidemia
Various studies have also described extensive health benefits of basil. With the help of basil, it is possible, among other things, to treat a lipid metabolism disorder known as hyperlipidemia.
Inhibits inflammation
The researchers also report that basil inhibits inflammation and dilates the vessels. In addition, basil also has antioxidant, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects.
Basil seeds are said to be beneficial for stomach health and skin texture. They also promote weight loss and strengthen hair, according to the team.
Basil seeds strengthen cooking and improve eyesight
Other benefits of basil seeds are that they help build bones, contribute to healthy blood sugar levels and have a cooling effect on the body. Experts add that with the help of basil seeds, eyesight can also be improved.
According to the researchers, basil seeds also help to lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, prevent various diet-related problems and also contain a lot of healthy fiber.
Healthy for skin and eyes
Many of the advantages already mentioned were also confirmed in further research work. In this, experts also report, for example, on the beneficial effects of basil on skin and eye diseases.
A cream with basil suppresses the formation of wrinkles in the skin and at the same time improves the moisture content. In addition, with the help of basil leaf juice, it is possible to treat acne as effectively as with standard medication.
Lowers blood pressure in obesity or diabetes
In addition, Indian basil may provide significant reductions in fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in people with obesity or diabetes. In addition, Indian basil also improves the lipid profile and lowers blood pressure at the same time.
Reduces body mass index
It is even possible to reduce body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin A1c levels in people with obesity by taking Indian basil for longer than twelve to thirteen weeks.
Weight loss thanks to basil
The benefits of basil for weight were also confirmed in the second study. The team reports that taking an extract from basil over a period of twelve weeks promotes weight loss and at the same time helps to reduce BMI.
Improved cognition
Indian basil also seems to have a beneficial effect on what is known as neurocognition, which significantly reduces existing anxiety and stress. According to the team, consumption also shows antidepressant effects and Indian basil improves working memory and cognitive attention.
Extracts of Indian basil are also associated with an increase in natural killer and T-helper cells, and at the same time the intake strengthens the immune response against viral infections, the researchers report.
Relieves asthma symptoms
Furthermore, extracts from Indian basil cause improved vital capacity and a simultaneous alleviation of asthma symptoms in asthmatics.
Beneficial for oral health
Along with all of its other benefits, basil is also associated with positive oral health benefits. Basil extract can significantly reduce the so-called plaque index and also inflammation of the gums and prevent bleeding gums.
Taken together, the research results so far make it clear how healthy it is for body and mind if you use basil regularly as a spice, for example. It may well be worth adding more basil to your diet. (as)
