Basil Plant is originally native to Iran, India and other tropical regions of Asia. The name “basil” comes from the ancient Greek word basilikohn, meaning “royal,” revealing the nobility the ancients saw in the herb. This bushy herbal plant is grown due to its medicinally useful leaves and seeds. Warm and tropical climate is the best environment for the growth of basil plant. Fully-grown plant reaches on an average about 100 cm in height. The leaves are light green, silky about 2.5 inches long and 1 inch broad with opposite arrangement. The flowers are quite big, white and arranged in a terminal spike.
Basil Leaves
There are many health benefits of basil plant some of which are as follows:
Cardiovascular Benefits: Basil is rich in carotenoids such as beta-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A. Beta-carotene is an even more potent antioxidant than regular vitamin A, as it not only protects cells from free radical damage, but also aids in keeping free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the bloodstream. By not oxidizing, cholesterol does not build up on blood vessel walls, avoiding atherosclerosis and a heart attack. Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health by relaxing muscles and blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering the risk of irregular heart rhythms and cardiovascular spasms.
Cancer Prevention: Basil is known to have powerful antioxidant properties. The natural antioxidants found in basil can protect the body against damage from free radicals, thereby combating most forms of cancer. Basil also contains flavonoids, which protect cell structures from radiation and oxygen-based damage. Basil is a rich source of beta-carotene, which helps protect cells from free radical damage.
Amazing Benefits of Basil Oil: It can be used to treat constipation, stomach cramps and indigestion as well as the cold, flu, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis and sinus infections. It is also a great source of magnesium, an essential mineral that helps the body’s blood vessels relax, which can improve blood flow.
Contains Important Minerals: Basil herb contains a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
Immune System: Evidence shows that the antioxidants and volatile oils in basil make it of great assistance to the immune system. The leaves and oil both have antibacterial properties, and can even be used to eliminate infectious diseases from surfaces. Applied topically to wounds, basil leaves may eliminate bacterial infections, while enjoying basil in food can help combat viral infections, including colds, flu, and herpes.
Skin and Hair Health: When used as a skin and hair moisturizer, the essential oils of basil enhance the luster of dull looking skin and hair. Basil is also effective in treating acne and psoriasis.
Bone and Connective Tissue: The essential oil of basil contains a liquid called eugenol, which can inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme which causes swelling in joints and bones among other places. Aspirin and ibuprofen work by blocking the same enzyme. This enzyme-inhibiting power makes basil an anti-inflammatory food that can heal and give relief for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Digestive Tract Health: The enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil certifies basil as an anti-inflammatory food providing important healing benefits as well as relief from inflammatory bowel conditions. It can also provide immediate relief from the gas in your stomach and intestines, treat constipation, stomach cramps, indigestion and flatulence.
Anti-Bacterial Property: The essential oil of basil has been shown to provide impressive protection against unwanted bacterial growth of many types, including the ability to inhibit several species that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. Studies have shown that washing produce in a solution containing just 1% essential oil of basil resulted in killing such bacteria, so it makes good sense to include basil in salads.
There are many other health benefits of basil. The parts of basil are very low in calories and contain no cholesterol, but are very rich source of many essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are required for optimum health. Vitamin K in basil is essential for many coagulant factors in the blood and plays a vital role in the bone strengthening function by helping mineralization process in the bones.
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