Basil, this aromatic herb with vibrant green leaves and an intoxicating scent, is much more than just a culinary ingredient. Beyond its delicious flavor and versatile use in cooking, it offers a host of health benefits that make it a valuable addition to any balanced diet. But what exactly are these benefits? Discover basil and its impact on a physical and mental level in this article.
The Basilic
What is basil?
Basil is an annual herb in the Lamiaceae family , native to tropical Asia and widely cultivated throughout the world for its aromatic leaves. It is a plant with erect, branched stems , usually between 30 and 60 centimeters in height, although some varieties may be smaller or larger. The leaves are oval, green and often slightly serrated at the edges . The plant also produces small white to purple flowers grouped in spikes.
There are many varieties of basil , each with its own flavor, aroma and size characteristics. Some of the most common varieties include sweet basil, purple basil, lemon basil, Thai basil, and cinnamon basil.
Basil is a plant that loves heat and light . It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil, with regular watering. It is sensitive to cold and does not tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Basil can be grown indoors in pots or planters, as well as outdoors in gardens or balconies.
In what forms can you use basil?
Basil can be used in many different ways, and it is available in several forms to suit various culinary and health needs. Here are the most common forms:
- Fresh Leaves: Fresh basil leaves are often preferred for their intense flavor and fresh scent. They can be added directly to dishes or used as a garnish.
- Dried basil: Dried basil is a convenient alternative when fresh leaves are not available. It is often used in spice blends to add flavor to cooked dishes.
- Pesto: Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan and olive oil. Versatile, it can be used with pasta, as a marinade for meat or fish, etc.
- Basil essential oil: Basil essential oil is extracted from basil leaves and is used in aromatherapy for its soothing and relaxing properties. It can be diffused in the air to create a calming ambiance or mixed with a carrier oil for relaxing massages.
- Canned Basil: Basil can be preserved in olive oil or vinegar to extend its shelf life. Canned basil leaves can be used to flavor dishes, salad dressings, marinades and sauces.
- Dietary supplements: Basil is also available in the form of dietary supplements, such as basil oil capsules or basil leaf extracts, which are used for their health-promoting properties, including their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. .
The benefits of basil
For physical health
First of all, basil is an antioxidant .
- Antioxidant compounds found in basil, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, help neutralize free radicals , unstable molecules that can damage cells in the body.
- Basil's antioxidants may protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and premature aging.
- Specific flavonoids found in basil, such as orientin and vicenin, have been studied for their protective effects against cardiovascular disease.
Anti-inflammatory properties are also associated with basil.
- Eugenol, a compound found in basil, has anti-inflammatory properties similar to aspirin and ibuprofen, which may help relieve pain and inflammation in the body .
- Basil's anti-inflammatory properties may benefit people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and cardiovascular disease .
Furthermore, basil offers digestive support .
- Basil is traditionally used to relieve digestive disorders such as bloating, abdominal cramps, gas and nausea. We also talk about massage with exotic basil essential oil to treat gastro in this article .
- Active compounds found in basil, such as eugenol, linalool, and camphor, may help relax stomach muscles and reduce intestinal spasms , promoting more comfortable digestion.
Finally, consuming basil also allows you to benefit from its antimicrobial effects .
- Studies have shown that basil has antimicrobial properties against a variety of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi.
- Basil's antimicrobial properties may help strengthen the immune system and prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections .
For mental and emotional health
On a mental and emotional level, basil is known to help manage stress and anxiety .
- The calming aroma of basil is often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress, anxiety, and mental tension .
- Studies have shown that inhaling basil essential oil can have a calming effect on the nervous system , reducing cortisol levels.
- Using basil as a natural remedy can help promote relaxation, peace of mind and emotional well-being , ideal for improving overall quality of life.
And according to some, basil is also an emotional support .
- Some research suggests that the aroma of basil may have beneficial effects on mood , helping to relieve feelings of sadness, mild depression, and irritability .
- Incorporating basil into the diet can also bring a feeling of comfort and satisfaction , which can help relieve emotional stress and improve overall state of mind .
Finally, consuming basil can affect mental well-being .
- In addition to its traditional use in cooking and aromatherapy, the simple presence of basil in a garden or indoors can have a positive effect on mental well-being .
- Adding basil to your diet can also provide a pleasant sensory experience , which can boost pleasure and contentment , contributing to better mental and emotional health.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is clear that basil deserves a special place in our kitchens and in our lives. From powerful antioxidants that protect our cells to anti-inflammatory properties that soothe our bodies, this plant offers a range of benefits that contribute to our physical and emotional well-being. Whether it's fresh leaves added to our favorite dishes, essential oil used for relaxation, or flavorful pesto that brightens our meals, basil is a valuable resource for a healthy, balanced life.
