5 Benefits Of Basil Leaves In Addition To Lowering High Blood Sugar

Ilustrasi (Asya Vlasova / Pexels)

JAKARTA - Basil leaves are often found in fresh vegetables. But actually this plant can be found in various recipes in the archipelago. The fragrance of this basil leaves does add flavor to food.

Apart from its use in culinary, it turns out that basil leaves can provide health benefits. Such as for example as herbal medicine and as an essential oil. Traditional uses include the treatment of snake bites, colds, and inflammation inside the nasal passages, for example the effects of the flu.

According to research, basil does contain several macronutrients, such as calcium and vitamin K, as well as various antioxidants. Another type of basil is tulsi, or holy basil (Ocimum Sanctum). This herb plays a therapeutic role in Tamil and Ayurvedic medicine, which is mostly practiced in Southeast Asia. Well, here are the benefits of basil leaves for body health:

Supports liver health

A 2015 study in mice concluded that the antioxidants in a powder form, including basil leaves, have a positive impact on liver health. Scientists applied the powder after using the poison to cause liver damage.

Fight cancer

A review published in 2013 looked at whether basil leaves could prevent cancer. The authors of the review concluded that the phytochemicals in basil can help prevent certain types of skin, liver, mouth and lung cancer. Basil leaves that enter the body can increase antioxidant activity, change gene expression, trigger cell death, and slow cell division.

Protects aging skin

Basil leaves have health benefits for both women and men. The results showed that including basil leaf extract in topical skin creams can improve skin hydration and make the face smooth and reduce wrinkles. But these benefits can only be obtained if the basil leaves are extracted into powder, not when consumed.

Lowering high blood sugar

Some traditional medicine practitioners generally recommend basil leaves to help regulate blood sugar levels. The results showed that basil leaves can help treat the long-term effects of high blood sugar.

Fighting infection

Various traditional medicine practitioners have used basil as an antimicrobial agent, and several scientific studies support its use. Researchers have concluded that certain preparations of basil oil can help treat or prevent certain types of infections.

Even though it has a myriad of benefits, basil leaves must still be consumed fairly, especially for pregnant and lactating women. Because basil leaves can affect fertility and stimulate uterine contractions in pregnant women.