Antibiotics are certainly essential in case of infection but should not be taken automatically, especially since the continued and recurrent use of these drugs may eventually no longer have any effect, even on common infections that can not no longer be cared for.
For this reason, it is advisable to turn when you can towards natural alternatives, among others, basil.
We can not repeat it enough, nature offers us a myriad of foods with considerable health benefits. Fruits and vegetables, seeds, spices and herbs, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients, to protect the body and prevent or treat diseases.
Among these flagship foods, basil, which is a predominant culinary herb in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Native to Asia, this herb is available all over the world. In addition to its fiber content, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium and vitamins A, C and K, its antioxidant, antitumorigenic, antiviral and antibacterial properties are well established and are mainly due to its components, such as linalool, cineole, estragol and eugenol, as demonstrated by a study on herbal medicine relating to the benefits of several herbs and spices.
The different benefits of basil for health
Basil has an antioxidant effect
Basil contains flavonoids, phenolic acid and rosmarinic acid, which works in synergy with the vitamin E it contains. These antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals, sources of cardiovascular disease, cancer and aging-related diseases. In a study, developed by the Tropical Herb Research and Development Laboratory in China, it was shown that the basil residue fraction had a very high antioxidant activity.
Basil has anticancer effect (in prevention)
In a study dedicated to the therapeutic evaluation of several herbs and spices, it has been shown that the anti-cancer properties of basil may be related to its antiviral activity, since people with hepatitis B have an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. , which is a primary cancer of the liver.
Basil is a natural antibiotic
In one study, basil essential oil was found to have antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and molds by its major components and chemical composition.
Basil reduces LDL cholesterol
According to the findings of a study, the active ingredient eugenol contained in basil reduces the level of blood lipid and therefore cholesterol, which has the effect of protecting heart disease.
Basil boosts the immune system
According to the Aprifel, Agency for Research and Information in Fruits and Vegetables, basil is a source of vitamin C. In fact, 100 grams of leaves contain 14.5 milligrams of vitamin C. Therefore, basil allows strengthen the immune system and fight against winter diseases such as colds or flu and balance the digestive system.
Basil is soothing and soothing
Basil helps reduce anxiety and muscle spasms. In one study, the basilisk essential oil's anxiolytic effect was determined by its phenolic and terpenoid components.
Tips for using basil
Some tips
First of all, to choose good basil, make sure that the leaves are green, firm and not soft.
It is also possible to keep it for later use. In this case, you can chop the leaves and put them in olive oil with coarse salt and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Likewise, you can freeze it. To do this, crush the basil leaves and add olive oil and pour the mixture into ice cube trays.
How to consume basil?
To get the most benefit, it is advisable to combine basil with a healthy diet. For example, chop it and add to a salad, soup or pasta.
Basil can also be used in tea, by infusing a tablespoon of basil leaves in a teapot filled with boiling water, for about ten minutes. This infusion acts as a sedative, an anti-cold and an effective digestive.
Warnings
Basil contains a large amount of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting. Therefore, it is not recommended for people taking anticoagulant therapy.
