Good Health and Basil

Basil is a very popular culinary herb and is used to flavor various Italian dishes. The  fragrant nature of basil helps to enliven pastas, soups and salads alike. However, the humble basil has more than mere flavor. Scientists have proved conclusively that the basil has numerous health benefits and may be used in order to prevent an array of bodily problems.

Several flavonoids present in basil help to protect our cells as well as chromosomes from damage. The harmful effects of radiation can be warded off by the flavonoids specially orientin and vicenin.

The growth of bacteria within our body is the root of many diseases. Doctors normally prescribe antibiotics to kill off the harmful microorganisms lurking within our body.

Unfortunately most bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics if they are used continually over a period of time. Essential oil of basil has been found to inhibit such bacteria growth specially lethal strains of staphylococcus, enterococcus as well as  E. coli. It, therefore, makes good sense to use basil both as a flavor enhancer as well as to keep your edible greens germ free.

Basil can also help in reducing the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory conditions of the bowel. Eugenol found in the oil of basil has anti-inflammatory properties. Using basil to combat inflammation can be the same as using OTC drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen to bring down the swelling effectively.

Basil also contains Vitamin A in copious quantities. It helps to keep down the process of cholesterol build up within the blood vessels. Magnesium, present in basil also helps to improve the blood circulation and prevents cardio vascular diseases. A number of other useful nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium and vitamin C are also found in this useful herb.

It is best to add basil as the last condiment to your culinary dish. Exposure to excessive heat may destroy the wonderful flavor and dissipate the essential oils from the basil leaves as well.