We all know basil as an intensely aromatic herb that contains many delicious foodsMediterranean dishesrefined. The delicious spice not only promises culinary delights, but has also been used as a valuable remedy for centuries. In today's article we will take a closer look at the question of how healthy basil is and what health benefits the medicinal plant brings with it.
What is basil?
Basil is a fragrant plant that belongs to the mint family of plants, like mint, sage and lavender. The particularly diverse species Ocimum basilicum, which has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region for around 3,500 years, was not considered a culinary highlight for the first time. Thearomatic spicewas generally used as a medicinal and ritual plant. The history of basil is associated with many beliefs. Its name comes from the extraordinarily aromatic smell and means “royal herb” translated from Greek.
Why is basil healthy? – Valuable basil ingredients
As a medicinal plant, basil is said to have numerous health benefits. Before we take a closer look at the effect of the spice, let's take a look at the vital substances it contains. It is no coincidence that the miracle herb found diverse medical uses in earlier times. The components contained in basil help fight many diseases and build immunity. The basil plant is packed with nutrients. It is rich in trace elements, minerals and vitamins, such as vitamins A, C and K. Around 100 percent of the recommended daily requirement of vitamin K is contained in 20 grams of basil. 50 grams of fresh basil contains half the amount of beta-carotene found in carrots. Considering that carrots are one of the first places in the list of top beta-carotene suppliers, basil has a proud share of raw materials for the formation of vitamin A. Basil contains many minerals and provides lots of calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus , potassium, sodium and manganese. The nutrient-rich herb contains 22 calories per 100 grams and is therefore low in calories.
The effect of basil and its health benefits
Although basil is not a typical medicinal plant, its healing effects are medically recognized and are used to relieve various ailments. Below you will find out what basil is actually good for.
1. Basil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
The medicinal plant owes its healing properties in particular to the essential oils it contains. The active ingredients citral, eugenol and linalool have a pain-relieving, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Basil essential oil can even successfully fight multi-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas, which are now resistant to various antibiotics. Consuming basil can also have a positive effect on chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and rheumatism.
2. Basil makes the organism stress-resistant
Basil contains biologically active plant ingredients such as adaptogens. These are compounds that help the body deal with emotional and physical stress. Consuming basil helps the body maintain balanced functionality even during stressful events. The occurrence of mood swings and depression is minimized by the healthy active ingredients in the basil plant. Instead of struggling through the day without rest, you can beat insomnia by consuming basil.
3. Basil as a healthy source of energy
If you want to keep your energy levels high, it is recommended to enrich the smoothies with basil. The copper it contains helps fight fatigue.
4. Soothes the stomach
When used internally, basil essential oil has an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. It relaxes and relieves pain. Intestinal infections, flatulence as well as stomach and menstrual cramps are positively influenced by the active ingredients in the medicinal herb. When buying essential oil, only choose high-quality and natural products. Basil has a calming effect on the digestive system, even if you have eaten too large a meal. Agreen smoothiewith fresh basil leaves or a glass of water with half a spoonful of dried leaves will quickly eliminate the unpleasant feeling of heaviness.
5. Positive basil effect for the skin
Your skin can also benefit from the many health benefits of the medicinal plant basil. For a fresh, younger look and healthy complexion you can use your facial skindried basil leavesrub in. Basil for internal or external use can prevent various skin diseases thanks to its antibacterial and antibiotic properties. Its ingredients remove toxins from the blood and thereby prevent the outbreak of pimples and acne. Pimples will disappear faster if you mix a few crushed basil leaves with a few drops of rose water and treat the affected area of skin with it. Basil leaves also prove to be an effective natural remedy for blackheads. Moisten the top of the papers and place them on either side of the nose. After 5 minutes, take it off and wash your face. For example, you can give your skin a rejuvenation treatment by treating your face with a mixture of coconut oil and basil.
6. Is basil healthy for hair?
If you have dull, thin and weak hair, you can also use noble herbs to give it a radiant shine. You can get an excellent hair mask from a few basil leaves, aloe vera gel and a capsule of vitamin E. By using the basil on the scalp, it is supplied with blood, promotes healthy hair growth and reduces itching. Using basil in hair care can also prevent hair loss.
7. The royal herb for healthy eyes
Vitamin A, also known as the eye vitamin, plays an essential role in eye health. Inflammation, swelling, all kinds of infections and conjunctivitis can be prevented by using the aromatic herb. The vitamin A contained in basil protects against poor vision at dusk, also known as night blindness. Beta-carotene is also an important compound that prevents muscle degeneration.
8. Basil for a healthy heart
The vitamin K in basil is essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism. The ingredients in the medicinal plant contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system and prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases. The herbal plant contains a high proportion of antioxidants that support heart health. Cholesterol levels and high blood pressure can be regulated by using basil leaf extract.
9. Dental health
For good teeth and gum health, you can mix a toxin-free toothpaste made from powdered sun-dried basil leaves and mustard oil. The antioxidants ensure clean teeth and prevent plaque. At the same time, the antibacterial properties prevent the bacteria from spreading in the mouth. Chewing fresh basil leaves can help combat bad breath and enjoy fresh breath.
10. Basil seeds for weight loss
The basil seeds also bring several health benefits for your health. They are versatile and have a high proportion of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, minerals and vitamins. Thanks to the alpha-lionic acid contained in it, the metabolism is set in motion and thus thePromotes weight loss. The high proportion of fiber gives you a long-lasting feeling of satiety, which prevents you from unhealthy snacks. The small, black, teardrop-shaped seeds swell to 10 times their original size, which also makes you feel full.
Healthy recipes with basil
Below we have selected great basil recipes for you that impress with the unique aroma of the herb and give you ideas on how you can implement basil into your kitchen and benefit from all the healthy benefits of the herb.
Aromatic basil butter with parmesan
The combination of herbal flavors and butter is certainly the simplest, but also particularly delicious sauce for grilled meat, vegetables or seafood. For the delicious herb butter, which is ready in 5 minutes, you need the following ingredients:
115g unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
20 g finely grated Parmesan
1 tbsp lemon juice + 2 tsp lemon zest
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Mix the butter, basil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice and zest in a food processor until a homogeneous mixture is formed. Season with salt and pepper. Wrap the butter tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you don't have a food processor at hand, you can mince the garlic and basil by hand and mix with the remaining ingredients with a fork.
Cold zucchini and basil soup with walnuts
Are you one of those people who never get enough of zucchini in the summer season? We have selected a healthy recipe for soup for dinner that can be enjoyed cold. It is ideal as a light and refreshing meal in summer. The fresh basil leaves give the soup additional freshness and a delicious scent.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp virgin olive oil
6 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
450 zucchini, diced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
940 ml chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups toasted walnut halves + more for garnish
3 cups fresh basil leaves + more for garnish
245g Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté shallots, stirring occasionally. Add thyme and garlic and sauté until beginning to smell fragrant. Stir in the zucchini, salt and pepper, reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the broth and continue to simmer until the zucchini fall apart. Puree the soup with the walnuts in the food processor and set the container aside to cool. Then chill the basil soup for at least 1 hour. In the meantime, puree the basil, yogurt and lemon juice until smooth. Shortly before serving, stir in the yogurt mixture and season to taste. Garnish with chopped walnuts, a drizzle of olive oil and a few crushed basil leaves.
Basil sorbet with cucumbers
This basil sorbet with cucumbers and mint also offers you a healthy and delicious way to cool off in the summer. The creamy, frozen and not too sweet treat is gluten-free and vegan.
Ingredients:
2 cups cucumber, grated
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/3 cup mint leaves, chopped
1-2 EL Honig
1 lime
Fresh mint for garnish
optional: 1/2 green chili pepper
Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the mixture into the ice cream maker. If you don't have any, freeze them in an airtight container in the freezer. This creates a granita – a frozen Sicilian dessert with a similar consistency. Serve garnished with mint sprigs.
Prepare basil healthily – make your own infused basil oil
If you want to add extra flavor to salads, pasta dishes, or stir-fries, infused oils are a great way to do so. Making homemade oils is very easy. You'll also have fun finding out different combinations that suit your taste and use on a daily basis. First wash the basil and pat it dry. Place the herbs in a mortar and pound to release the essential oils and flavors. Then add them to an airtight glass bottle. Pour in the olive oil and close the bottle. Store the aromatic olive oil in a dark place or in the refrigerator for two weeks before consumption. Check from time to time whether the oil is aromatic enough for your taste. For 600 ml of mild olive oil you need 2 bunches of fresh basil. Using the same method, you can prepare infused oil with other herbs, ginger or chili.
Basil seed drink
Last but not least, we would like to offer you the recipe for a refreshing and healthy summer basil seed drink with fragrant elderflower syrup and rose syrup.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp basil seeds
120 ml warm water
2 tablespoons rose syrup
2 tablespoons elderflower syrup
570 ml chilled water
Ice cubes
In a small cup, pour the warm water over the basil seeds and let them soak for 10 minutes. Pour rose syrup into two short glasses. Place the basil seeds, the rose and elderflower syrup, the chilled water and the ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and mix. Divide the drink into the glasses and garnish with basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
