The Health Benefits of Basil
Learn the nutritional facts and health benefits of basil, and why basil can help improve nutrition, eliminate fatigue, and clear acne.
Basil is a widely used herb that is easy to find at almost every grocery store and farmers’ market. This aromatic plant (Ocimum basilicum) is a member of the family Lipaceae (Lipaceae) and is native to the tropics of Asia and Africa. But many chefs around the world grow basil at home.
While you may be familiar with basil recipes and the simple ways to use basil in cooking, most people are less familiar with the way basil nutrition can promote their health.
Health Benefits of Basil
You might add basil to salads and pastas, or use it as a side dish for poultry or seafood. But basil is also used by some people to treat certain diseases.
For example, researchers know that basil contains flavonoids that can reduce inflammation. Basil is also used as a topical gel to treat acne. In one clinical trial, researchers found that using 5 percent basil essential oil and 3 percent sweet orange essential oil daily helped cleanse the skin for eight weeks. But it’s unclear whether basil itself can provide this benefit.
In addition, basil is sometimes used in aromatherapy to combat symptoms of fatigue and exhaustion. A small study found that a combination of one oil (peppermint, basil and helichrysum oil) helped increase mental alertness in people who described themselves as exhausted.
There is a lack of evidence to support these uses, but basil is also sometimes used in the treatment:
- Headache
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Kidney conditions
- Common cold
- Warts
- Parasite infections
- Snake and insect bites
Basil can also be used as an appetite irritant or diuretic. It can be used by breastfeeding women to stimulate lactation, and some pregnant women use it before and after childbirth to improve blood circulation. There is a lack of clinical evidence to support the safety and efficacy of these uses.
Basil Nutrition
Basil has almost no heat. A portion of bright green leaves should be chopped about two tablespoons. Each serving of fresh basil has less than 2 calories. The calories in dried basil are about the same, but the amount per serving is smaller (about one teaspoon).
As you might expect, basil has very few calories and very little carbohydrate, fat, and protein. Almost all of the calories in basil come from carbohydrates, mainly in the form of fiber. One serving of dried basil contains about 1 gram of carbs, while a serving of fresh basil contains less carbs.
Consuming basil does not significantly increase the intake of vitamins or minerals. However, basil does contain vitamins A, K, as well as folic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Selection, Preparation, and Storage
When you buy fresh basil, you’ll find it in the produce section of the market. Choose a bouquet of basil large, bright, green aromatic leaves with no black spots or flowers. You can also find that basil also has roots. Roots can help basil stay fresh at home for longer.
When storing basil leaves, place the basil leaves between paper towels and place in a plastic bag. Basil leaves can be left fresh in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Dried basil can be stored with other spices in a cool, shady place. Dry basil can be preserved for two to three years.
Using basil is easy. Many dishes have a savory, spicy and slightly sweet taste of vanilla.
- Easy Low Carb Skillet Basil Chicken With Vegetables
- Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Savory Zucchini Oats With Basil Pesto
You can even use basil in your drinks. Try Strawberry Basil Sparkling Wine, or simply add basil and a few orange slices to sparkling or bland water.
Possible Side Effects
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), basil is generally considered safe when the amount used is common in foods. In addition, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, the aerial plant portion of basil may be safe for adults, children, pregnant and lactating women to use to flavor foods.
However, basil oil contains estradiol that is harmful to the human body, and basil oil or basil oil may not be safe if taken orally for a long time.
Basil oil and extract may increase bleeding, slow down blood clotting, and may make bleeding disorders more severe. Therefore, experts recommend that you stop using basil at least two weeks before surgery. In addition, people who are taking blood-thinning medications should tell their healthcare provider before using basil oil or extract.
Finally, basil extract can lower blood pressure. If you are taking antihypertensive medications to lower your blood pressure, you may want to discuss the use of basil oil or extract with your healthcare provider.
Can you freeze basil?
Yes. You can snap freeze the basil leaves on a baking sheet and then put the frozen basil leaves in a sealable bag for later use.
Are there different varieties of basil?
There are many different varieties of basil, including Thai basil, violet basil, lemon basil, Greek basil and red basil. The most common variety on the market is Ginovis Basil.
