Nutritional and Health Benefits of Basil overview by Mekdar.com
الفوائد الغذائية والصحية للريحان ... مع مقدار


Nutritional and Health Benefits of Basil - الفوائد الغذائية والصحية للريحان


Discover the nutritional value of basil with this review of its nutritional and health benefits. Learn how this herb can improve your health.

Basil is a popular herb that is widely used in culinary and traditional medicine practices. It is known for its unique flavor and aroma, and it has been used for centuries in various cultures for its health benefits. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the nutritional value of basil, and numerous studies have investigated its chemical composition and health effects. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of the nutritional benefits of basil, including its chemical composition, and health effects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

basil nutritional benefits, basil chemical composition, health effects of basil, benefits of eating basil, nutritional content of basil Mekdar

 

 

The Arabic word of "scented plants"  mentioned  originally in the Holy Quran, Surah Ar-Rahman (55), Verse 12, is "rayḥān" which is translated to English as Basil,  

 "And grains with husks and scented plants."

 

 


The Rich History of Basil: From Ancient Times to Modern Cuisine

Basil is a herb with a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. It was highly valued in many cultures for its medicinal properties and cultural significance, and has played a vital role in cuisine throughout history. 

Basil was first cultivated in India, where it was considered a sacred herb and used in religious ceremonies. It was also used for its medicinal properties, as it was believed to have healing powers. The herb then spread to other parts of Asia, including China and Southeast Asia, where it was used in traditional medicine and as a culinary ingredient.

Basil was introduced to Europe by the Greeks and Romans, who also recognized its medicinal properties and used it as a remedy for various ailments. It was also used in cooking, and became a staple ingredient in Italian cuisine. In fact, basil is a key component of the famous Italian sauce, pesto.

Basil continued to gain popularity throughout Europe and eventually made its way to the Americas, where it was used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. Today, basil is widely cultivated and used all over the world, both for its medicinal properties and as a culinary ingredient in a variety of dishes.

In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, basil also holds cultural significance in many parts of the world. It is still considered a sacred herb in some religions and is used in various cultural ceremonies and traditions.

 

Nutritional Value

Basil is rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. Basil is also a good source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Additionally, basil contains a variety of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Health Effects of Basil:

Basil has been shown to have numerous health benefits. One of the most significant health benefits of basil is its ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a common underlying factor in many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The anti-inflammatory compounds found in basil, such as eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and luteolin, may help reduce the risk of these diseases.

Basil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Studies have shown that basil essential oil can effectively inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Candida.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, basil has been shown to have potential cancer-fighting properties. The phytochemicals found in basil, such as apigenin, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid, have been shown to have anti-cancer effects in preclinical studies.

 

 


Conclusion
 Basil is a nutrient-rich herb with many potential health benefits. Its chemical composition is rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Basil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential cancer-fighting properties.

More research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of basil, but the evidence to date suggests that it may be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.

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Waleed Foad

Dr. Waleed Foad

Physician Nutrition Consultant, For 15+ years

Master degree in Public Health, Majoring: Nutrition


Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)


Alexandria University, Egypt.

Posted on
15 Apr 2023
by:
Walaa Foula

Dr. Walaa Foula

Physician Nutrition Consultant, For 17+ years

Doctorate degree in Public Health, Majoring: Nutrition


Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)


Alexandria University, Egypt.

Posted on
15 Apr 2023
by:
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