The health benefits and harms of basil — 5 scientific facts

Basil is a popular spice that is actively used in Italian and European cuisines. In recent years, he has gained recognition in folk and evidence-based medicine.

According to research, basil can bring tangible benefits to humans. It is able to destroy harmful microorganisms, normalize the work of the brain, protect the body from malignant tumors and cardiovascular diseases.

Basil is rich in vitamins (K, A, C) and minerals (copper, manganese), saturated with phenolic essential oils, which determine its biological properties.

5 proven properties

Let's look at the 5 main beneficial properties of basil (based on evidence-based sources of information).

1. Normalizes brain function

Experts from Egypt discovered Basil's ability Improve memory and prevent degenerative changes in the tissues of the central nervous system.

Similar properties allow the plant to be used to prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Iranian experts claim that regular consumption of basil extract can reduce the rate of age-related memory impairment, as well as Improve concentration and thinking. The effect is associated with the presence of flavonoids in the composition.

It should be noted separately that the herb helps to overcome depression. With regular use, it eliminates the phenomena of fear and anxiety, normalizes the emotional background .

Unfortunately, all the studies were conducted on rodents. Additional work is required to confirm the effects in the human body.

2. Reduces blood sugar levels

According to information scientists, basil has a positive effect on the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body.

The medicinal plant enhances the production of insulin by beta cells of the pancreas, which is necessary for the successful absorption of glucose.

There was also a slowdown in the release (glycogenolysis) and acceleration of the formation (glycogenogenesis) of sugar reserves in the depot.

Basil inhibits some enzymes involved in the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates from the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, taking spices prevents sudden spikes in blood glucose levels.

Basil can be consumed by both men and women for the prevention and treatment of type I and II diabetes mellitus. It does not interfere with the hormonal mechanisms of metabolism.

3. Improves the health of the heart and blood vessels

Experts from Xinjiang Medical University (China) by conducting experiments on mice discovered that basil lowers blood pressure.

The effect consists of several mechanisms: increased diuresis and inhibition of angeotensin converting enzyme.

The plant can be taken for additional control of blood pressure levels in hypertension and prevention of serious complications (hypertensive crisis, hemorrhagic stroke).

Based on the University of Mohammed (Morocco) identified Basil's ability reduce the "viscosity" of blood , preventing such fatal vascular catastrophes as myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Similar results put forward and Chinese scientists.

4. Fighting cancer

By Greek science workers installed that basil has an antitumor effect.

The plant inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells, thereby slows down or stops tumor growth, reduces the risk of distant foci of metastatic growth.

Egyptian and Canadian experts identified that the spice causes in some cases apoptosis (death) of cancer cells.

Research is currently underway on the effectiveness of basil in various tumors. It has been reliably confirmed that the plant is effective in malignant processes in the tissues of the large intestine.

5. Destroys pathogenic microorganisms

Basil destroys some pathogenic bacterial stamps. It is effective even against those microorganisms that have multiple antibiotic resistance.

A healing plant like underline experts, it can destroy mainly microorganisms resistant to beta-lactam antibacterial drugs.

The use of basil is justified in the course of bacterial infectious and inflammatory diseases, mainly from the gastrointestinal tract.

The product can also be used to repel insects, in particular – mosquitoes and ticks .

Harm from drinking

When consumed in reasonable amounts (up to 5-10 grams per day), basil is absolutely safe for health. However, it has contraindications and in rare cases can be harmful to health.

When taken, the following side effects may develop:

1. A decrease in the "viscosity" of blood. Vitamin K is present in large quantities in the composition of fresh basil leaves. The combined use of the plant with antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants can lead to bleeding.
2. Arterial hypotension. The active substances of the medicinal plant can cause a critical decrease in blood pressure (while taking antihypertensive drugs). Careful monitoring is required at the beginning of taking the product.
3. Allergic reactions. Are rare and characterized by a mild course (skin rashes, itching, swelling of the nasal mucosa). If you have allergies in the past, the product is strictly contraindicated.
4. Change in sperm quality. Prolonged use of basil can reduce sperm volume, worsen morphology and reduce sperm motility.
5. Increased uterine tone. Basil activates the contractile activity of the myometrium, which is fraught with fatal complications during pregnancy (miscarriage).

Basil is also not recommended for children. No studies have been conducted at the level of the child's body.

Selection and storage

To get a really high-quality product, you should pay attention to the rules of selection and storage.

In grocery stores, you can find several versions of basil, the leaves can be colored green, red or purple (depending on the variety).

The main thing is the absence of traces of yellowing and wilting, inclusions of mold. It is better to refuse the purchase of frozen food.

Fresh basil is stored for up to 2-3 days in a jar of water at room temperature. When dried, it retains its medicinal properties for up to six months (in any sealed container inaccessible to sunlight).

Application

Basil is combined with any vegetable salads and dishes (especially with zucchini and zucchini), perfectly harmonizes with meat and chicken, is part of many sauces (for example, pesto).

Consider the most valuable folk recipes based on basil:

1. For inflammatory skin diseases. Chop 1-2 tablespoons of fresh basil leaves, pour 200 ml of boiled water. Bring to a boil and let stand for 30-35 minutes, cool, strain. Apply with a moistened cotton swab to the damaged areas of the skin up to 2-3 times a day.
2. Tea for stress and insomnia. 1 tsp. dried crushed leaves pour 200 ml of boiling water, stand for 5-8 minutes, strain. Basil tea should be taken 1-1.5 hours before bedtime. Consume in small sips.
3. For constipation. Place 20 grams of dried basil in an enameled saucepan and pour 500 ml of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30-45 minutes. Wrap in a warm towel and leave for 1 hour. Apply 250 ml 2 times a day (30 minutes before eating).
4. To reduce cholesterol. Mix in equal proportions the crushed seeds and dried basil leaves, mashed lemon peel and honey. Take 1-2 tablespoons 4-5 times a day.

Conclusion

1. Basil is a valuable plant from a culinary and biological point of view.
2. The product has a complex effect on health, reducing blood sugar levels, preventing the development of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, destroying pathogenic microorganisms and facilitating the course of skin diseases.
3. Eating basil has a number of side effects that are important to consider. It is strictly contraindicated for women during pregnancy and children.