aetaToday’s fast food, which is undoubtedly gaining momentum in the daily diet of almost every individual, is unthinkable without pizza. This dish can be found in various forms and combinations today, but we will rarely find basil on it – an herb that is one of the three components of the original Margherita pizza. However, here basil can be found as part of various sauces, soups and salads. In addition to being used in food, basil can also boast of its medicinal properties. Considering its wide application, it is not surprising that its name comes from the Greek word basileus meaning king.
Meet the king of spices!
Common basil (lat. Ocimum basilicum) is an annual herbaceous plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae). It originates from the tropical areas of Central Asia, and this makes basil quite suitable for cultivation on our continent. It can grow up to 60 cm in height, its leaves are oval, and its stem, leaves and flower calyx are covered with fine hairs. And yes, it produces flowers, although many of you have probably never seen them, and they can be reddish, yellowish or white. However, what basil is most recognizable for is certainly its characteristic aromatic smell.
Basil is much more than a pleasant smell
Like most of the plant species from the mint family, basil’s chemical composition is rich in essential oil, which is responsible for its aromatic smell and distinctive taste. The main active components of the essential oil are monoterpene compounds such as estragole, citronellol, geraniol and eugenol. These components are often used in the production of perfumes, so basil has historically been important in perfume and fragrance manufacturing. However, other uses have also been found for these monoterpenes.
Citronellol and geraniol are important repellents (they repel insects), and eugenol is used as a local antiseptic and anesthetic. As plants produce essential oil to protect themselves, we can also protect ourselves from numerous pathogenic bacteria by consuming basil. In addition, the components of basil essential oil have a positive effect on the digestive tract, which is why this plant is excellent against flatulence and for stimulating appetite.
Antioxidants: the main weapon against disease
In addition to the components of the essential oil, basil can boast of a rich antioxidant composition. The most important antioxidants are anthocyanins – phenolic compounds that protect our body from the negative influence of free radicals, i.e. they have an anti-inflammatory effect. This effect leads to slowing down aging, lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood and reducing the risk of developing tumors. Also, antioxidants have a very favorable effect on the health of the heart and blood vessels. Some studies have proven the hypoglycemic effect of basil, so it can also be used to manage diabetes.
The application is safe, but…
Basil is most often used in food, when it helps the most in stimulating digestion and appetite, as well as in inflammation of internal organs. If it is used as a tea, it will have the best effect on diseases of the respiratory tract and alleviating the symptoms of colds and asthma. Tea can also be consumed before going to bed, which will facilitate sleep and achieve a calming effect on the individual. Although basil is generally safe to use, it should be avoided by pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant. On the other hand, essential oil and extracts of basil should not be combined with antidiabetic and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Grow it in your own home
Basil is a plant whose cultivation requires a lot of attention, so it is important to provide it with plenty of sun and water. Since the ideal temperature for germinating basil is 18-20 °C, anyone can grow it in their home. So, it is necessary to invest some effort in growing this plant, but in return you get not only a delicious spice, but a great source of health. Basil can be used in various dishes and is considered quite safe for consumption; except for pregnant women who should avoid it. On the other hand, before using certain medicinal preparations of basil (such as extracts), it is important to consult with health professionals.
Literature
https://www.britannica.com/plant/basil
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-general-science/science-basil, pristupljeno 2. veljače 2024