The Health Benefits of Basil

One of the most important and best-known possible health benefits of basil is reducing swelling and inflammation. Substances extracted from it have helped reduce swelling and bloating in the body generally, and basil extract has been found to help ease the severity of joint inflammation. Another possible benefit is its ability to fight cancer, thanks to the antioxidants and other important substances it contains, which help protect against certain types of cancer such as lung, mouth and liver cancer.

Basil has properties that help it fight bacteria: its extracts stop bacteria from growing, which is why adding it to a salad is a wise way to reduce the bacteria present. Eating basil regularly helps combat ageing and the signs of getting older and slows their pace. It may also help fight the damage that free radicals cause to various organs such as the liver, heart and brain, thanks to its richness in powerful antioxidants that are important in fighting ageing.

Another possible benefit of basil is improving digestion, because it contains a substance that helps keep the digestive tract healthy and protects it from inflammation and other problems. It also helps maintain the body's acid-base balance in general, and in the digestive tract in particular, and is a traditional remedy for indigestion, bloating and fluid retention.

Basil oil and its concentrated distillate help combat depression and chronic anxiety. They may affect the body's hormones, helping to regulate them and ensure they are produced steadily and in sufficient amounts, especially the hormones responsible for happiness. They also help reduce the production of stress and anxiety hormones.

Eating basil regularly helps slow the release of sugar into the blood, which is very important for people with diabetes, and the aromatic oil in its leaves helps lower triglyceride levels.

Because basil is rich in beta-carotene, its essential oil helps combat the cellular ageing that can lead to eye disease, and its richness in vitamin A makes it particularly important for combating chronic dry eyes.

Because it contains high levels of antioxidants and manganese, it helps slow the ageing of brain cells and improve brain function and cognition in general.

Basil has other benefits too, notably strengthening the bones, easing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and improving the body's metabolism. It is also a very good source of energy.