The mild temperatures in Andalusia make it possible to grow basil in winter. Soon the spice plant is on the regular menu. And with it the daily fascination for this powerful royal herb.
In addition to its use in the kitchen, the basil plant has had its importance as a medicinal herb since ancient times
Basil contains many trace elements, minerals and vitamins, such as manganese, copper and vitamin C. Especially interesting in the current health situation are the following vital substance contents (per 50 g fresh basil):
- 2.000 µg beta-carotene: This amount corresponds to half the amount of beta-carotene from carrots (carrots are at the top of the beta-carotene suppliers). Beta-carotene serves the body as a raw material for the formation of vitamin A, acts as an antioxidant to counteract e.g. inflammations, keeps the nerve cells healthy, maintains the mucous membranes and is important for vision. The body can produce about 330 µg of vitamin A from 2,000 µg of beta-carotene (daily requirement 800 µg).
- 125 mg calcium for bones and teeth (daily requirement 1,000 mg)
- 3 mg iron for blood formation (daily requirement 10 – 15 mg)
- 88 µg vitamin K – in just 20 g basil. Two large tablespoons of pesto are thus enough to cover about 100 percent of the recommended daily requirement of vitamin K (70 µg). Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone metabolism and contributes to a healthy cardiovascular system
The so-called Rotterdam Heart Study showed that people who ate foods high in natural vitamin K over an observation period of 10 years had significantly fewer calcium deposits in the arteries, which in turn led to the conclusion that a diet rich in vitamin K can significantly (up to 50%) reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Healing effect furthermore with:
- Stress
- Inflammation
- Digestive problems, stomach ailments
- Depression and mood swings
- Sleep disorders
- Migraines
- Dizziness
- Menstrual pain and menopausal symptoms
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Skin diseases
- Hair loss
- Joint pain
The healing effect comes in particular from the essential oil of basil. Its components (e.g. linalool, citral, eugenol, etc.) have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, analgesic and also anti-cancer effects.
Source, among others: Centre for Health
