Introduction
Basil belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family, along with mint and rosemary, lavender, and oregano. A plant family renowned for its aromatic and flavourful plants which historically have been used both for flavour and aroma purposes. Discover the numerous health benefits of basil in this post.
Fresh Basil vs Freeze Dried Basil
We compared the vitamins contained in fresh basil to the vitamins contained in our freeze dried basil in relation to an adult’s recommended daily intake (RDI). See the results below.
| 1 Tbsp Fresh Basil | 1 Tbsp Freeze Dried Basil | |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 3% RDI | 4% RDI |
| Vitamin K | 13% RDI | 43% RDI |
| Calcium | 0.5% RDI | 4% RDI |
| Iron | 0.5% RDI | 5% RDI |
| Manganese | 1.5% RDI | 3% RDI |
From simple cookery, through to skincare and bathing, the health benefits of basil are very extensive. Our products have been carefully developed to incorporate the optimum level of basil for your benefit!
But don’t just take our word for it…
The Health Benefits of Basil
1. Digestive Boost
Reports have suggested that Basil may help digestion and enhance the body’s overall immunity. It contains Eugenol a chemical which helps with anti-inflammatory attributes, balancing of body acids and restoring natural pH levels within the body.
2. Anti-Inflammatory
Basil has for centuries been used to combat inflammation, along with coughs, colds, flu, headaches, sore throats and fevers. The anti-inflammatory properties in Basil are believed to help reduce heart disease risk along with combating ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel syndrome.
3. Combating Free Radicals
Basil is high in antioxidants and claims have been made that Basil may help in destroying free radicals. This lowers oxidative stress levels within the body and can help to prevent cell damage. Basil contains two water-soluble antioxidants; Viceninare and Orientiin which both play vital roles in enhancing immunity and protecting body cellular structure whilst also helping to reduce skin aging.
4. Multifarious Skin Benefits
Basil has powerful skin cleansing properties. It is ideal for oily skins and helps to remove impurities and dirt which clog up skin pores. It is especially kind to skin which suffers from acne and can help in its natural reduction along with preserving the skins healthy glow.
5. Depression
Basil and basil essential oils have a natural ability to manage depression and anxiety. It has the ability to engage specific neurotransmitters which enable hormone regulation. These are the hormones that help to stimulate energy and happiness – both of which are strongly associated with depression. Basil is known to be an adaptogen, or something which works against stress, especially given its immunity boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. This leads to an ability to manage stress levels better and can have a positive effect on depression and anxiety. It has also been found to assist in blood pressure reduction which may equally have been associated with stress levels.
6. Diabetes Management
Basil consumption has been linked to a release of sugar into the bloodstream which can be good for diabetics. The herb also comes with low glycaemic levels,and its essential oils have been noticed to greatly reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
7. Liver Function and Detoxification
Basil has been associated with liver health and has an ability to detoxify. The liver plays a key role in metabolism and liver health has been shown to be boosted by basil consumption. It is also believed that basil may help to combat the build-up of fat within the liver while also ensuring its continued health.
8. Gut Health Boost
Through its ability to restore natural pH levels within the body, basil helps to infuse healthier bacteria within the gut microflora. This all links back to enhanced immunity and better digestion.
9. Relieves Stomach Issues
Basil can help to relieve stomach upsets. For generations it has been used to treat various tummy problems including indigestion, bloating and water retention. It has also been used to combat appetite loss while also curing acid reflux.
Basil comes with a huge number of health benefits, but like anything, it should only be consumed in moderation. So, at Lucullan, we have incorporated Basil throughout our collection to benefit every part of your body. From gut health and liver function to silky skin and settled stomach, our products enhance at all levels.
Health Benefits of Basil: FAQs
Q1: What are the nutritional benefits of basil?
A1: One tablespoon of fresh basil contains around 3% of an adult’s recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin A, 13% RDI of Vitamin K, 0.5% RDI Calcium, 0.5% RDI Iron and 1.5% RDI Manganese. Freeze dried basil contains higher levels of nutrients, with 4% RDI Vitamin A, 43% RDI Vitamin K, 4% RDI Calcium, 5% RDI Iron, and 3% RDI Manganese.
Q2: What are some health benefits of basil?
A2: Basil has numerous health benefits, including digestive boosting, anti-inflammatory properties, combating free radicals, promoting healthy skin, reducing depression and anxiety, managing diabetes, improving liver function and detoxification, boosting gut health, and relieving stomach issues.
Q3: How does basil benefit digestion and immunity?
A3: Basil contains eugenol, a chemical that helps with anti-inflammatory attributes, balances body acids, and restores natural pH levels within the body. Eugenol can help enhance the body’s overall immunity and may aid in digestion.
Q4: What are the skin benefits of basil?
A4: Basil has powerful skin cleansing properties and is ideal for oily skin. It helps to remove impurities and dirt that clog pores and can help reduce acne while preserving the skin’s healthy glow. Basil is also high in antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage and reduce skin aging.
Q5: How does basil help manage depression and anxiety?
A5: Basil and basil essential oils have a natural ability to manage depression and anxiety. It has the ability to engage specific neurotransmitters that enable hormone regulation, which stimulates energy and happiness. Basil is known to be an adaptogen, which works against stress and has immunity-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. This leads to an ability to manage stress levels better and can have a positive effect on depression and anxiety.
Sources:
- A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea (Mentha piperita L.) – a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences on the potential health benefits of peppermint, which belongs to the same plant family as basil.
- Therapeutic Potential of Lamiaceae Plants in Management of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review – a review published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics on the potential therapeutic effects of plants in the Lamiaceae family, including basil.
- Nutraceutical Potential of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): An Overview – a review published in the Journal of Functional Foods on the potential health benefits of basil.
- Basil: A Natural Source of Antioxidants and Essential Nutrients – an article published on the website of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) on the potential health benefits of basil.