Basil, that humble herb that grows so easily in your yard or on your windowsill, packs a powerful health punch.
Who doesn’t love basil? We’re sure there are a few people out there, but most people love the flavor enhancing qualities of this easy-to-grow herb. It’s not only easy to grow and easy to eat, it’s also easy on your body! Here are a few benefits of one of the healthiest herbs out there: basil.
It’s chock full of vitamins.
Basil is a veritable alphabet of vitamins. It’s got vitamin A, which gives your body beta-carotenes. That’s a fancy name for antioxidants that help protect the cells lining a lot of your body from damage. Vitamin A also helps your body fend off heart attacks and stroke.
Basil also contains vitamins C and K. The latter helps your blood clot, so you could say it’s fairly important. But that’s not all! Other vitamins and minerals found in basil include potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese.
It’s a flavorful flavonoid.
Flavonoids don’t mean something is tasty. They protect your body’s cells and make it harder for harmful bacteria – think: E. coli, listeria, and staphylococcus (as in staph infections) – to grow inside you.
It could help you avoid diabetes.
Basil extracts have been found to reduce the sugars in your body.
Studies were conducted to see how the herb affects peoples’ glycemic index, and the research indicated that basil could inhibit diabetes.
It can help you chill out.
If you’re feeling stressed out, try holy basil. Adding a few leaves to your tea while it steeps releases phytochemicals, which could reduce cortisol, the chemical in your brain that makes you feel anxious.
We hope you enjoyed learning about how basil can protect your body! While you focus on keeping yourself healthy, you can put our team to work keeping your finances healthy.
Contact Tompkins Insurance to learn more about how the Tompkins Financial family can help with all of your
financial services needs.
