Summer herbal staples that can protect you from cancer and cardiovascular disease
Basil is a staple for summer salads and is a top choice for Italian recipes – but the benefits go far beyond adding flavor to the dishes.
Once used to perform antiseptic rituals in ancient Egypt, members of the Mint Family can improve your health.
“Basil is an important source of vitamin K, especially dry basil leaves. Vitamin K helps strengthen bones. It also plays a big role in the clot capacity of the blood. But it’s just the tip of the iceberg,” Gillian Culbertson, a registered dietitian, explained Dietitian Culbertson to the nonprofit Cleveland Clunic.
“Basil contains nutrients and compounds that can help avoid chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis,” she added. “Best of all, basil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. It can even improve your mental health based on the diversity and form you use.”
For a little green leaf, this is a lot of punches! So, why is basil so beneficial?
Once used in ancient Egyptian antiseptic rituals, basil is now a staple of Italian capres salads and other foods. However, there are many surprising benefits that can have a significant impact on your health. (Getty)
Basil leaves are a rich source of antioxidants. For all common types, such as sweet basil, genoa basil, purple basil and holy basil, they may taste differently, and so on.
Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals that prevent cell damage and are found in many foods. An antioxidant-rich diet can help reduce the risk of chronic illness. Without antioxidants, cells can be damaged, leading to severe health conditions including arthritis, cardiovascular problems, and cancer.
“There is growing evidence that basil may be a powerful tool for cancer prevention,” Coulberson said. “But researchers need to do more human studies to confirm these promising results and understand how much basil people should consume.”
Scientists have previously discovered that sweet basil prevents the growth of human colon cancer cells, and six types of basil have anti-cancer properties.
There are many kinds of basil. All of these contain antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases (AFP/Getty)
For people who already have cancer, basil’s vitamin C, zinc and iron can help protect immune health, according to the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cencer Center.
Other studies have shown that basil behavior can lower high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. The clinic notes that studies in both humans and animals show that this helps us manage high blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia is associated with diabetes and renal failure.
Although there is no specific amount of health care, some extracts range from 250 to 500 mg. People can get them online or in healthy stores as well as fresh, frozen or dried leaves. The leaves should be washed and cooked before serving.
But, like most things in life, beware of too many good things.
For some people, taking basil can interact with medications and may dilute blood, Coulberson warns. It may also lower blood pressure and excessive blood pressure.
“If you want to add basil to your diet to improve a specific medical condition, you should first look for food sources, not supplements, and talk to your healthcare provider as well,” she advises.
