Showing posts with label Nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nutrition. Show all posts
1. Basil contains a unique array of active flavonoids which help provide protection for us at the cellular level. "Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage." (whfoods) 2. Basil can help with breakouts. Aesthetician Rena Revivo, who is the chief excutive officer of Spa de Soleil suggests this blemish-fighting fix: "Boil a handful of fresh basil leaves in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes; let the liquid cool. Dip a cotton ball into the liquid, pat it on your breakout zones, wait 10 minutes, then splash with water; repeat once or twice a day." 3. Basil contains lots of wonderful nutrients, especially vitamin k. Look at this chart below for the amazing nutrients that are found in basil!
NutrientDRI/DV
vitamin K98%
manganese12%
copper9%
calcium4%
folate4%
iron4%
|
4. Basil contains high quantitites of (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP).
According to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology these high quantities may be useful in treating arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.
5. Basil also provides a good amount of Vitamin A.
Vitamin A helps provides powerful antioxidants that protect the cells lining a number of numerous body structures, including the blood vessels.
6. Basil has anti-anxiety effects.
Vitamin A helps provides powerful antioxidants that protect the cells lining a number of numerous body structures, including the blood vessels.
6. Basil has anti-anxiety effects.
According to James Duke (PhD) who is the author of the book "The Green Pharmacy", Basil has phytochemicals that help to lower cortisol, which is a hormone that is secreted when you are tense and anxious.
7. Basil can help with PMS symptoms.
Basil is a super source of iron (1 tablespoon of dried basil or 2 cups of fresh basil leaves provide 10% of your daily value which is equal to spinach) and eating this will help replenish iron lost.
Basil is a super source of iron (1 tablespoon of dried basil or 2 cups of fresh basil leaves provide 10% of your daily value which is equal to spinach) and eating this will help replenish iron lost.
8. Basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth in the body.
This is not only due to the flavonoids, as mentioned above but due to the various oils that are found in Basil.
This is not only due to the flavonoids, as mentioned above but due to the various oils that are found in Basil.
9. Essential Oil of Basil, which is obtained from Basil leaves has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs.
According to the Journal of Microbiology Methods essential oil of Basil may be helpful for those who are dealing with resistance to various antibiotic drugs.
According to the Journal of Microbiology Methods essential oil of Basil may be helpful for those who are dealing with resistance to various antibiotic drugs.
10. Basil is rich in antioxidants.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research results show that ethanol extractOcimum basilicum has more antioxidant activity than standard antioxidants.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research results show that ethanol extractOcimum basilicum has more antioxidant activity than standard antioxidants.
11. Basil has properties that can help prevent the harmful effects of aging.
According to research that was presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester England; "Holy basil extract was effective at killing off harmful molecules and preventing damage caused by some free radicals in the liver, brain and heart."
According to research that was presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester England; "Holy basil extract was effective at killing off harmful molecules and preventing damage caused by some free radicals in the liver, brain and heart."
12. Basil is a good source of magnesium.
Magnesium helps the body in a number of ways, including helping cardiovascular health and muscles.
Magnesium helps the body in a number of ways, including helping cardiovascular health and muscles.
13. Basil helps to detoxify the liver.
So what about y'all? Do you use Basil? Anyone have any additional thoughts on health benefits of Basil? Anyone have any favorite recipes for using Basil? I have been making a lot of my favorite easy and healthy basil and spinach pesto recipe that I shared a couple of weeks ago! (You can find the recipe HERE!)
Every time I travel out to California to visit my doctor, or for personal reasons, I am always amazed at the different ways that greens are creatively used. It seems like stores like Whole Foods are lined with all different salads and yummy green "concoctions". I shared on the blog a couple of years ago about the abundance of Kale salads that I saw everywhere and the benefits of eating Kale HERE, but there is an additional green that I was first introduced to out in California that for the past year specifically I have worked to get into my diet on a regular basis that has incredible benefits and that is dandelions.
Dandelions are high in lots of health benefits and there have been incredible studies done on the power of this little green to pack an important health punch. A study that was done in 2011 involving dandelion and dandelion root tea showed that there is the potential of dandelion root to be a non-toxic alternative and additive to conventional therapies as it is a possible Cancer fighter. There was an article in 2012 that stated that dandelion root extract might halt the growth of melanoma cells without inducing toxicity in non-cancerous cells, even those cells that are considered to be drug resistant. (If you are interested in reading more about this study you can find it HERE.)
There are so many amazing benefits of this little green and today I am so excited to share with y'all just a few of the powerful benefits that are found in this leafy green:
1. Rich in Calcium
Dandelions are known to be extremely rich in calcium which is helpful for the strength of bones and to help bones with age-related damage. What is amazing is that dandelions can actually contain 10 percent of the daily value needed of Calcium. But Calcium isn't just good for bone health. Calcium also is used in the body for muscle contraction, hormone secretion, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. And by consuming dandelions you will also help avoid muscle tension, tooth decay and high blood pressure.
2. Excellent Digestive Aid
Dandelions help promote healthy digestion and help to balance the beneficial bacteria in the intestines. This can help increase the stomach acid and bile to aid in digestion.
3. Helps fight Cancer
As I shared above this leafy green is known to help fight Cancer cells. Some studies are also showing that dandelion may slow Cancer's growth and prevent it from spreading.
4. Helps Combat Inflammation
Dandelion is known to help treat inflammation because it contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and phyto-nutrients that all reduce inflammation throughout the body. By reducing inflammation in the body you can help to relieve pain and swelling.
5. Boosts the Immune System
Studies have shown that Dandelion helps to boost the immune function in our bodies and helps to fight off microbes and fungi that exist.
6. Helps Lower Cholesterol
New studies are showing that dandelion helps to lower and control cholesterol levels.
7. Helps Strengthen Kidneys
Dandelion is a light diuretic that helps the kidneys to clear out waste, salt, and excess water by increasing the urine production.
8. Helps to Prevent/Treat Urinary Tract Infections
Dandelions help to prevent microbial growth in the urinary tract system.
9. May Help Prevent Cysts
Some studies show that consuming dandelions may help prevent cysts on reproductive organs.
10. Helps cleanse and strengthen the Liver
Dandelion has been shown to improve liver function by helping to remove toxins while re-establishing hydration and electrolyte balance.
11. Excellent Source of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is known to play a crucial role in helping to maintain healthy vision, and can also help with neurological function, and healthy skin. Just one cup of dandelion greens is shown to have over 100% of the daily needed vitamin a dosage.
12. Helpful for Anemia
Dandelions are a helpful source of iron and other vitamins. Iron is the integral part of the hemoglobin in the blood, but other vitamins and proteins are essential for the formation of healthy red blood cells. Dandelions help anemic people by keeping the formation healthy and strong and helping to support the body with needed iron.
13. Helps Skin Infections
The sap of the dandelion in the stem is actually a really wonderful product for your skin! Dandelion sap is highly alkaline and it is known to have germicidal, insecticidal, and fungicidal properties that can be applied directly to your skin.
If you are looking for other greens that have health benefits I have also shared about the following greens on the blog:
What about you? Have you found any amazing benefits or helpful from consuming Dandelions? Looking to include dandelions into your diet? Check out my post 9 Easy and Quick Ways to Include Dandelion Greens into Your Life by clicking HERE.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
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