Benefits of Basil, Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Fresh Basil is an aromatic herb which belongs to the mint family. Mostly known to be used in Italian cuisine, it also makes its appearance in Thai, Indonesian and Vietnamese cuisine. Holy Basil (Tulsi), is the species of basil and is known as the ‘Queen of Herbs’ in Ayurveda. Since ancient times we have seen a small plant of holy basil outside many Indian households. Our ancestors always promoted chewing a few tulsi leaves early in the morning. It used to be a part of healthy breakfast for them. Basil or Tulsi have many healing properties. Let’s look into its nutrition facts before we understand its health benefits.

Coconut Basil Smoothie

Healing Power of Basil / Holy Basil (Tulsi)

1. Tulsi has the power to reduce Inflammation in the body. It helps fights free radicals and reduces stress. Chew 10 to 12 leaves daily in the morning to keep stress at bay.
Key Nutrients : Vitamin C and essential oils like eugenol

2. Basil / Tulsi aids in digestion by helping in the secretion of digestive enzymes during chewing. 

3. Its high vitamin content is beneficial for skin too. It builds collage when consumed and its paste when applied topically contributes to a flawless smooth skin. It provides a natural cure to skin irritations and is also a good home remedy for acne.
Key Nutrients : Vitamin C 

4. It shows chemo protective effect. According to research the phytochemicals present in Tulsi / Basil help to prevent many types of cancer. They are known to cease cancer cell growth and its spread in the body.
Key Nutrients : Phytochemicals like eugenol, apigenin and luteonil
Recipe Suggestion : Cabbage and Grapes Salad in Basil Dressing

Cabbage and Grapes Salad in A Basil Curd Dressing

5. Chewing on basil leaves has been proven to treat some respiratory conditions like cough. Hot Tulsi Drink is also a good option to soothe your throat and clear up congestion.
Key nutrients : Phytonutrients like eugenol and cineole
Recipe Suggestion : Fresh Herbal Mint and Ginger Drink

 Fresh Herbal Tea, Tulsi, Mint and Ginger Drink For The Common Cold

6. It supports bone health too. A cup of Tulsi / Basil fulfills nearly ¾ of your days requirement of vitamin K. This is one of the major vitamins for bone mineralization.
Key nutrients : Vitamin K
Recipe Suggestion : Tomato Basil and Feta Cheese Salad

Tomato Basil and Feta Cheese Salad

7. It has also gained recognition for healing wounds due its quick action of blood clotting. It avoids excess blood loss after injury and promotes skin restoration.
Key nutrients : Vitamin K
Recipe Suggestion : Sundried Tomatoes and Basil Pesto

Sundried Tomatoes and Basil Pesto

8. Like most fresh veggies, it boosts heart health. By reducing the inflammation in the body and avoiding plaque buildup, it works towards a healthy you.
Key Nutrients : Vitamin C and essential oils like eugenol
Recipe Suggestion : Basil Walnut Dressing

Basil Walnut Dressing

9. Holy basil protects liver health. The antioxidants in it help to cleanse the liver and prevent damage to it. While you can include basil in your diet, you can also try your hand at Infused water when on a detox diet.
Key Nutrients : Vitamin C and other antioxidants
Recipe Suggestion : Pear Basil Guava Infused Water

Pear Basil Guava Infused Water

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10. Basil works very efficiently against the harmful unwanted bacteria of the gut. It kills them. This proves its anti-bacterial action. It naturally decreases the stomach acid while neutralizing the pH level, thus avoiding acidity.
Recipe Suggestion : Tulsi Tea

Tulsi Tea

11. It has shown protection against diabetes development also in some studies. The essential oils and the antioxidants in them help to control blood sugar levels.
Recipe Suggestion : Vegetable and Basil Soup

Vegetable and Basil Soup, Healthy Diabetic Recipe

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12. Holy Basil is sure to make your immune system strong. It helps make immune cells, which protect against all types to bacteria, virus and protozoa to fight common infections like cold, flu, fever etc.
Key Nutrients : Vitamin C
Recipe Suggestion : Pineapple and Tulsi Drink

Organic Pineapple Tulsi Drink

13. Tulsi is a key ingredient for eye care. To improve vision and avoid its defects as well as age related cataracts, have holy basil regularly. In fact, our ancestors used tulsi water to clean eyes and overcome infections and conjunctivitis.
Key Nutrients : Vitamin A, Vitamin C and essential oils like eugenol
Recipe Suggestion : Tulsi Water

Tulsi water

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Nutritive Information for Basil / Holy Basil:

1 cup of chopped basil / holy basil is about 20 grams

RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.

Energy - 5 calories

Protein – 0.6 g

Carbohydrate – 0.5 g

Fat – 0.1 g

Fiber – 0.3 g

See full nutritional details of Basil in Basil glossary click here.

Read more about culinary uses of basil...

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Basil or Holy Basil is a miraculous herb. Don’t lose out on stocking up this herb in your pantry. However the best idea is to follow our ancestors way of growing it at home. 

Cheers to good health!!