The Health Benefits of Basil Leaves Efirin The basil plant, popularly known as “Efirin” in Yoruba is commercially available but not recognized for its great benefits. Rarely consumed by the urban dwellers but the cultural consumption is still noticed among rural dwellers especially the elderly. The volatile oils of dried basil are weak, so fresh basil is usually better in both our cooking and our healing treatments. The herbs parts are very low in calories and contain no cholesterol, but are very rich source of many essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are required for optimum health. Basil herb contains many polyphenolic flavonoids like orientin and vicenin. These compounds were tested in-vitro laboratory for their possible anti-oxidant protection against radiation-induced lipid per-oxidation in mouse liver.The main use of basil medicinally is as a natural anti-inflammatory. It is similar to the compounds found in oregano and medical marijuana – and may be used as a substitute for the later because it offers the same relief without the “high”. The same compound that makes it useful as an anti-inflammatory is also believed to help combat bowel inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. A study presented at the Royal Pharmaceutical Societys annual event, revealed that extracts of O. tenuiflorm (Holy basil) were shown to reduce swelling by up to 73%, 24 hours after treatment. The fresh green herb also contains benefits as an anti-inflammatory, often used in poultices as well as oral use for those experiencing the aches and pains of conditions like arthritis, according to American Chronicle. Oils in basil known as eugenol helps inhibit the production and function of enzymes that cause swelling in body tissues. Eugenol is also known as a pain killer. You can rub basil leaves on wounds or sore areas to help relieve pain, according to the website HealthMad. Talk to your doctor about using basil as a herbal or natural alternative to contemporary anti-inflammatory pills or products. Many naturopathic doctors prescribe basil in treatment of diabetes, respiratory disorders, allergies, impotence, and infertility. This may be because basil contains cinnamanic acid, which has been found to enhance circulation, stabilize blood sugar, and improve breathing in those with respiratory disorders. It is also know that basil is very high in antioxidants, especially when it is used as an extract or oil. These antioxidants can protect your body against free radical damage associated with aging, some skin ailments, and most forms of cancer. Antioxidants have become an important part of keeping our bodies healthy, and basil may be among the safest and most effective sources of these life-giving compounds. Additional scientific research has shown that the volatile oils in basil, combined with their antioxidant effects, make it a great health boost for our immune systems. Fresh basil leaves and basil oil have antibacterial properties. They can be used to disinfect surfaces. Leaves, applied to wounds, may eliminate infections. Basil used in your cooking or taken as a nutritional supplement can assist in combating common viruses like colds, flu, and the herpes family of viruses – in a manner similar to that of Echinacea. 100 g of fresh herb leaves contain astoundingly 5275 mg or 175% of daily required doses of vitamin A. Vitamin A is known to have antioxidant properties and is essential for vision. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin-A has been found to help the body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. Vitamin K in basil is essential for many coagulant factors in the blood and plays a vital role in the bone strengthening function by helping mineralization process in the bones. Basil herb contains a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Basil leaves are an excellent source of iron, contains 3.17 mg/100 g of fresh leaves (about 26% of RDA). Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Nutritional value of basil per 100 g (3.5 oz) Energy 94 kJ (22 kcal) Carbohydrates 2.65 g Dietary fiber 1.6 g Fat 0.64 g Protein 3.15 g Water 92.06 g Vitamin A 264 μg Thiamine 0.034 μg Riboflavin 0.076 mg Niacin 0.902 mg Vitamin B6 0.155 Folate 68 μg Choline 11.4 mg Vitamin C 18.0 mg Vitamin E 0.80 mg Vitamin K 414.8 μg Calcium 177 mg Iron 3.17 mg Magnesium 64 mg Manganese 1.148 mg Phosphorus 56 mg Potassium 295 mg Sodium 4 mg Zinc 0.81 Source: USDA Nutrient Database Check out the next publication to see how to use basil leaves (efirin) to cure some common aliments.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 14:44:58 +0000
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