Herbs For Health: Basil – Ocimum Basilicum

Herbs For Health: Basil – Ocimum Basilicum

Herbs for Health · Reading Time : 2 mins ·
The Whole Health Practice

Basil, a delightful herb renowned for its sweet and aromatic flavour, is a beloved staple in cuisines across the globe. Originating from the Mediterranean region this versatile herb complements an array of dishes, including pastas, salads and soups. Its vibrant green leaves and refreshing taste add a burst of flavour that enlivens any culinary creation.

  • Basil also boasts an impressive array of health benefits, thanks to its abundance of valuable polyphenols. One of the key polyphenols found in basil is eugenol, which lends the herb its characteristic aroma. Eugenol possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to neutralise harmful free radicals and potentially reducing inflammation in the body.

"Basil comes in many varieties, European and Asian. So experiment with dishes from Italian to Thai and enjoy basil in all its forms."

  • Other bioactive compounds include: apigenin, limonene, ursolic acid, methyl cinnamate, 1,8-cineole, α-terpinene, anthocyanins, β-sitosterol, carvacrol, cintronellol, farnesol, geraniol, kaempherol, menthol, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, rutin, safrole, tannin, catechin.

  • Basil contains essential oils like linalool and methyl chavicol (also known as estragole), which have demonstrated antimicrobial properties. These oils may help combat certain bacteria and fungi, contributing to immune system support and promoting oral health.

  • In addition to its culinary and medicinal benefits, basil has been traditionally used for its calming properties, acting as a natural stress reliever and mood enhancer.

"If you want to grow basil, grow two plants... or more. Once you start using it, it's hard to stop. And don't just use the leaves, the stalks have flavour too."

Incorporating basil into your dishes not only enhances their taste but also provides a wealth of health-promoting polyphenols. So, embrace this flavourful herb in your cooking and savour the culinary delights and well-being benefits it brings to your table.

Stay healthy,

Alastair

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Bonus Read:

More than just taste, herbs can bring health and joy to our lives. Stay tuned for our complete collection of articles, recipes and more...

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This content is brought to you by The Whole Health Practice. Alastair Hunt (NBC-HWC) is the Founder and Chief Wellbeing Officer at The Whole Health Practice. Based in Singapore, The Whole Health Practice supports individuals and teams around the world to improve their health, performance and vitality. Want to learn more about healthy living or sign-up for regular health content? Visit www.thewholehealthpractice.com


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