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Basil is the theme vegetable of the year. It is believed to have many health-enhancing effects. Basil is not suitable for all people.
Basil has been cultivated for thousands of years and, along with dill and parsley, it has also become one of the most popular herbs in Finland.
Basil is used in both Italian and Asian dishes. For many Finns, it is an essential part of the taste world of, for example, pasta and pizza. It is typically used as an ingredient in pesto and as a companion to tomato and garlic, but it is suitable for almost all vegetable, fish and meat dishes.
There are many different flavors of basil. The most familiar to Finns is the large-leaved basic basil. Other common flavors include anise, cinnamon, thyme and lemon basil.
In addition to the Mediterranean flavor, basil is thought to have many health effects. It contains, among other things, vitamin A, iron and magnesium. In addition to food use, basil has been used as an herb to treat, among other things, stomach problems.
Here are the most well-known health effects.
The Garden Association and Kotimaiset Kasvikset ry chose the basil as the HeV of the year. Basil is also called the king of herbs. Adobe Stock / AOP
1. Full of antioxidants
Basil leaves are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, natural compounds that protect cells.
The sweet basil we use the most has a high concentration of eugenol, the compound that gives basil its clove-like aroma.
Eugenol and other antioxidants contained in basil, such as beta-carotene, have properties that eliminate free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation.
High levels of free radicals increase oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage and possibly disease. Oxidative stress has been linked to, among other things, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The body produces some antioxidants, but some must be obtained from food.
You get the most benefit from antioxidants when basil is used fresh. It should only be added to the food at the end, so that its aromas and substances beneficial to health are not destroyed during cooking.
A heavenly combination of flavors? Basil can also have health-promoting effects. Adobe stock/AOP
2. Effects on cholesterol and blood pressure
A few years ago, subjects were given dried holy basil, or tulsi, used as an herb daily. They had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those who received a placebo capsule. A decrease was seen in both total and LDL cholesterol values.
According to researchers, basil may help reduce some risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
It is noteworthy that the research used specifically the holy basil. It is also unclear what effect long-term use would have.
Eugenol contained in basil has been thought to have an effect on high blood pressure. It is thought to lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.
Basil also contains magnesium, which can have an effect on blood pressure.
Considered important in traditional Indian medicine, holy basil or tulsi has been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Adobe stock/AOP
3. Calms the stomach
Basil leaves added to food help digestion. Basil can reduce flatulence and bloating.
The eugenol contained in basil is believed to help with intestinal spasms.
To prevent and treat stomach problems, basil can be used either by adding about two tablespoons of chopped leaves to food or by drinking basil as a tea after a meal.
Basil can calm the stomach. Adobe stock/AOP
4. Can reduce elevated sugar levels
A few years ago, it was discovered that sweet basil leaves helped lower high blood sugar levels. The results also suggested that basil leaves may help treat the long-term effects of high blood sugar.
It was an animal study, so more information is needed.
5. Skin protecting properties
According to one study, sweet basil has properties that may help protect the skin from some of the effects of aging.
In the study, basil extract was added to skin creams, which improved the skin’s moisture balance and reduced roughness and wrinkles.
However, researchers believe that the antioxidants in basil and other plant-based foods can also have a skin-protective effect if a person consumes them as part of a varied diet.
Antioxidants can protect the skin from, among other things, the effects of aging. Adobe Stock / AOP
Not suitable for everyone
Basil in large quantities is not suitable for all people.
For example, those taking blood thinners should not increase their use of basil before talking to their doctor.
Basil contains vitamin K, which can affect, for example, the action of warfarin (Mareva). Just 1 tablespoon of basil contains 10.8 micrograms of vitamin K.
You should also be careful with the use of basil if you have had allergy symptoms in the past, such as hives from other mint herbs.
THE FACTS
Beware of the cold
1. Basil is sensitive to the cold, so when transporting the plant home from the store, you should protect it during the journey.
2. Keep the basil at home at room temperature in a bright place, for example in a glass of water in its own packaging bag. Always keep a little water at the bottom of the glass. Spraying the plant can also improve shelf life.
3. Basil can also be planted in a larger pot. All above-ground parts of the plant can be used for cooking.
4. Basil’s essential oils are best released when you tear the leaves with your fingers and not cut them with a knife.
5. Herbs are best fresh. You can also preserve them for later use by freezing or drying them.
Sources: Medical News Today, Time.com, Iltalehti archive
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