5 Amazing health benefits of basil leaves that you should know

By Nancy Tiwari  |  First Published Apr 2, 2024, 6:41 PM IST

Basil is one of the oldest herbs known to man, and its health-promoting qualities have made it one of the most prized possessions in the world. There are numerous health benefits of basil leaves, including improved immunity and a healthy gut.
 

Holy basil is highly valued for its potent therapeutic qualities. Even in cramped urban apartments, one can still find basil plants outside many Indian homes. Prasad, or holy basil, is offered to the gods. Some claim that one should swallow the holy basil leaves whole without even chewing them. 

Different varieties of basil plants differ significantly from one another botanically. Among the numerous and diverse varieties of basil are the sweet, lemon, Italian, curly, Thai, holy, and lettuce-leaf varieties. Basil's flavor and aroma are dependent on how much of the plant's volatile essential oils are present.

Iron, manganese, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin A, and essential oils are all found in basil. Moreover, it contains beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene, which are all excellent antioxidants. But during the drying process, all these amazing components happen to come from the herb.

Here are some of the health benefits of basil leaf: 

1. Lowers oxidative stress: antioxidants like basil are extremely powerful. These substances work against free radicals in your body, as their name implies. Free radicals have been described in detail by studies as infamous substances that seriously harm cells and raise your risk of developing a number of illnesses, including diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. 

2. Aids digestion: Eugenol is present in sweet basil. Because of the anti-inflammatory qualities of this chemical component, your digestive tract will remain healthy. Basil guarantees that you have good digestion and a proper pH balance in your body, as well as benefiting your nervous system and digestive tract. 

3. Skin Benefits: The potent oil of basil aids in internal skin cleansing. Oily skin types will benefit greatly from this wonderful skin cleanser.It also helps to remove dirt and impurities from pores. Combine the sandalwood paste, rose water, and basil leaves to form a paste. 

4. Diabetes Management: Basil consumption may cause a gradual release of blood sugar, which is crucial for diabetics. The herb's glycemic load is extremely minimal. The essential oil found in basil also lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which is a continuous risk factor for diabetics.

5. Detoxifying qualities: Studies show that basil protects our systems from pollutants by enhancing antioxidant levels and energizing the enzymes that eliminate and neutralize free radicals. In addition to preserving the skin's suppleness and texture, free radical scavenging also helps slow down the aging process of the skin. 
 

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