Diet gun

Basil or Ocimum basilicum is an aromatic herb that is grown in many parts of the world and is used as a seasoning in our diet.

There are many different varieties of basil. The best known are:

1. Sweet basil: Usually used dried and has a licorice and clove flavor.

2. Greek basil or shrub: It has a strong aroma but a mild flavor. It is used both fresh (taking its small leaves from the pot where it can grow), and dried.

3. Thai basil: It has an anise and licorice flavor and is mainly used in Asian dishes.

4. Lettuce basil: It has a licorice flavor and has large, wrinkled leaves. It is mainly used in salads.

5. Cinnamon basil: It has a cinnamon flavor and aroma and is mainly found in Mexico. It is used in legumes and sautéed vegetables.

Because its consumption is limited due to its use as an aromatic herb, it is essentially a calorie-free herb with small amounts of vitamin A, calcium, iron and magnesium. If used dried, it has a high amount of vitamin K, 1 tablespoon (around 2 grams) covers almost 45% of the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI).

Adding basil daily 1 tablespoon of dried basil or a few fresh basil leaves can help in the long term with the following:

1. Reduce oxidative stress

Basil is rich in antioxidants. It contains eugenol, rosmarinic acid, limonene, catechin and ellagic acid. These antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body, limiting cell damage and reducing the risk of a variety of diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis.

2. Protect against infections

Basil has antibacterial properties with the linalool it contains and helps fight mainly respiratory and urinary bacteria.

3. Regulate blood sugar

Basil can help reduce high blood sugar levels.

4. Prevent heart disease

The eugenol it contains blocks calcium channels, and helps reduce blood pressure.

The magnesium it contains helps improve blood flow, allowing your muscles and blood vessels to be as relaxed as they should be.

5. Reduced inflammation

The essential oils it contains, along with eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, help fight inflammation in your body, due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Side effects of basil

Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot.

Excessive intake of basil, especially dried, could negatively affect our organism when taking anticoagulant medications.

Excessive intake of basil could also negatively affect our organism by lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, especially in people taking antihypertensive medication or treatment for low blood sugar.

Basil is worth adding to our daily diet and will help us have better health in the long run if it is part of a properly regulated nutrition.