Basil leaves have a lot of different health benefits and also a couple of beauty benefits. There is also a wide range of basil variants including curry basil, holy basil, lemon basil, and so on. Each of these is beneficial in its own ways and there are also a lot of appropriate ways to consume them in order to have the maximum benefits out of them. In this article, we will be discussing some of the major health benefits you can have by consuming them on a daily basis.
We have also tried to include some of the not-much-talked-about benefits of basil leaves so that it becomes easier for you to have a clear mind on taking basil leaves in the right way and for the right purpose.
Top 5 Benefits of eating basil leaves Daily
1. Keeps oxidative stress at bay
Basil leaves are a rich source of antioxidants. As commonly known antioxidants are compounds that can easily fight the free radicals that are harmful to the human body. When these free radicals are successfully removed from our bodies, we are also effectively protecting our cells from all kinds of possible damage and thus maintaining the overall health and wellness of the same.
Free radicals and the oxidative stress caused due to them can also be the major cause of issues such as a range of cardiovascular diseases, lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, and also some of the other deadly health conditions such as cancer.
People who have an elevated risk for health issues such as arthritis can also make it a point to have basil leaves in their diet daily to reduce the risk percentage.
2. Reduces the risk of cancer
Phytochemicals are some of the potent biochemical compounds that can be found in the natural composition of holy basil. This particular biochemical compound can help prevent a lot of different cancer types such as skin cancer, oral cancer, liver cancer, and so on.
However, it is important to note that, if you are using basil in order to serve this particular purpose, make sure you are not using sweet basil, which is commonly found in our pantries. Instead, choose holy basil, which is responsible for the effective prevention of cancer in human beings.
Apart from preventing the growth of cancer cells in our body, this compound found in holy basil can also help stop the spreading of these cells at quite an early stage so that you can have the best out of the cancer treatments available out there.
There are a lot of studies that testify to these purported health benefits of holy basil and most of the studies were based on the American Institute for Cancer Research.
3. Promotes a happy gut
Gut health is another major advantage that you can have from consuming basil daily. However, you should not consume the same basil variant that you consume to prevent cancer and other related issues.
If you are planning to improve your digestive health, sweet basil is what you should include in your daily dietary preferences.
Eugenol is a compound that can be found in sweet basil and facilitates smooth digestion in individuals. This compound can effectively deal with the existing health issues in your gut and maintain a healthy atmosphere within.
Apart from all these, sweet basil can also help in the bulk formation in your large intestine, making it easier for you to flush out all the waste materials that have been accumulated in your body. Thus it also becomes an excellent laxative that you can rely on, which is natural and also comes with hardly side effects to your overall health.
4. A skincare saviour
If you are someone who would like to rely on only natural ingredients and products to look after their skin, basil can be one of the ingredients that you can’t go wrong with. It is the cleansing properties of basil, that make it an effective skincare ingredient.
Especially if you are someone with an oily skin type or acne-prone skin type, you can have the most out of this ingredient through one of its elements called, camphene. Camphene is such a potent ingredient that can help you cleanse your skin inside out.
Apart from that, it can also effectively remove all the dead skin cells, found in your skin. Potent formulation of basil can even help in treating the whiteheads and blackheads issues that you might have been annoyed with a lot. Apart from that, if you have free radicals in your body, it can lead to early aging, dry and dull skin, skin sagging, skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation, and so on.
The antioxidant properties of basil leaves can fight this issue, and help you bring back that radiant youthful glow to your skin.
You can also apply basil leaves topically by grinding them into a thick paste and then mixing some sandalwood powder into it. You may adjust the consistency of the pack by adding normal water, milk, or rosewater into it.
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities assured by basil leaves are proven effective in treating your acne issues.
5. Treats diabetes
Diabetes is another serious health issue that can be effectively prevented by incorporating basil leaves into your daily diet.
Holy basil helps in releasing glucose into the blood at a much slower pace that prevents sudden glucose spikes in the blood. Apart from that, it is also quite advantageous when it comes to dealing with issues such as obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and so on that are related to hyperglycemia and diabetes.
Conclusion
Now you know the major benefits of adding basil leaves and their different variants into your daily diet to have a range of different health benefits. You have also learned about the right way of topical application of basil leaves if you would like to use them for your beauty concerts.
However, using basil leaves in your daily dietary choices alone will not let you have the cure and benefits that you are aiming for. Hence, it is also important to take the right medication if necessary and follow a healthy diet and a regular workout routine.
References
- Kothari S. K., Bhattacharya A. K., Ramesh S., Garg S. N., Khanuja S. P. S. Volatile constituents in oil from different plant parts of methyl eugenol-rich Ocimum tenuiflorum L.f. (syn. O. sanctum L.) grown in South India. Journal of Essential Oil Research. 2005;17(6):656–658. doi: 10.1080/10412905.2005.9699025. [PubMed]
- Dadysett H. J. On the various domestic remedies, with their effects, used by the people of India for certain diseases of the ear. The Lancet. 1899;154(3968):781–782. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(01)59040-6. [CrossRef]
