13 surprising health benefits of basil

Out of the many herbs that are used for culinary purposes throughout the world, basil is one of the most wonderfully fragrant. Though you might think basil is from Italy, because of the natural association between basil and Italian recipes, the plant is actually native to India, according to Medical News Today. Cuisines in many other countries rely heavily on basil as well, such as Indonesia and Vietnam.
People frequently use the herb to add aroma to their dishes, but most don't know just how beneficial it is for your body as well as your palate. Scroll down for a list of the many benefits of basil.
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1. Protects the heart and blood vessels
The vitamin A and beta-carotene contained within basil helps with keeping your blood vessels healthy, as these nutrients can protect epithelial cells, which are prevalent inside blood vessels, according to World's Healthiest Foods. Beta-carotene can also help prevent cholesterol from oxidizing inside the blood vessels, which helps reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
2. Acts as a natural antibiotic
Nutrition and You reports that the essential oils found within basil (eugenol, citronellol, linalool, citral, limonene and terpineol) are great for fighting off inflammation and bacterial troubles. As such, World's Healthiest Foods recommends using basil in salads, as uncooked foods are more at risk of carrying bacteria and may be made safer with the presence of basil.
3. Is loaded with antioxidants
Basil is filled with antioxidants, like flavonoids, which help protect cells and fight against the growth of cancerous tumors, according to Precision Nutrition.
4. Reduces inflammation
Precision Nutrition says basil can help prevent the release of cytokines, proteins that favor inflammation through communication between cells, and nitric oxide, which helps further the inflammatory process.
5. Offers DNA protection
DNA strands have a tendency to disassemble and reassemble themselves on a daily basis to keep their cells functioning correctly, Precision Nutrition says. Basil helps protect DNA while it assembles itself, a process that can occasionally fail when chemicals or radiation get in the way.
6. Provides antiseptic properties
Nutrition and You reports that basil tea may have antiseptic properties, so it can be good to take along with medical treatment if you have an infection or a canker sore. Herb Wisdom also suggests rubbing basil leaves on bug bites for relief. Recent studies have even looked into using basil oil as a basis for an antiseptic cream.
7. Protects your vision
The vitamin A within basil is great for eye health, according to Nutrition and You, and can help protect vision. Organic Facts suggests using basil water to wash your eyes daily to fight off conjunctivitis, boils and even cataracts and glaucoma.
8. May protect from lung and oral cavity cancer
Likewise, Nutrition and You also says vitamin A is effective at holding back cancer in the lungs and oral cavity. Camphene, eugenol and cineole, found in basil, are also great at fighting infection and congestion in the lungs, according to Organic Facts.
9. May help relieve nausea 
The same basil tea mentioned earlier can also help with nausea, according to Nutrition and You. Every Green Herb also suggests mixing it with cloves for more effectiveness and an even better taste.
10. May protect from diarrhea
Food Facts says basil's antibacterial properties can help protect you from diseases like Shigella, which causes diarrhea – and worse, intestinal damage, according to Zuzka Light
11. Helps with blemishes
Studies using Thai sweet and holy basil oils found that these could be used in products to fight off acne and were thus useful as skin care products. Sweet basil in particular may be helpful.
12. Naturally relieves stress and anxiety
Medicine Hunter explains holy basil's high level of eugenol can help soothe stress by lowering corticosterone, a stress hormone. Lower corticosterone can mean better mental clarity and less stress.
13. Helps replenish iron 
Fit Life indicates a tablespoon of dried basil leaves is enough to provide 10 percent of the recommended daily iron intake, which makes it great for replenishing the valuable chemical, especially after menstruation.
Tips for cooking basil and preserving its properties 
World's Healthiest Foods has a few useful suggestions for using basil in your food, such as the basil tea mentioned previously: All you need is to seep chopped basil leaves in hot water for eight minutes for the soothing beverage. Basil is a great addition to salads and even cooked meals, for an Italian or Thai twist.
WebMD recommends using fresh, uncooked basil whenever possible, to hold onto the flavor. If the recipe needs the basil cooked, try adding it at the last minute so it doesn't lose too much of its beneficial properties.
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RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.