Besides adding flavor and color to dishes, basil contains many beneficial ingredients, such as vitamins A, C, and K. Basil tea, brewed from fresh or dried basil, is also rich in nutrients and antioxidants. What are the benefits of drinking basil tea?
Promotes antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
Basil is a good source of antioxidants. These antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C, help the body fight free radical damage and reduce inflammation.
Research has shown that the antioxidants in basil may protect cardiovascular health and prevent diabetes. Furthermore, studies have shown that basil extract can help prevent DNA damage and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Helps with collagen synthesis and infection prevention.
Basil is rich in vitamin C. Every 1/4 cup (about 15g) provides 20mg of vitamin C, which meets approximately 22% of the recommended daily intake.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and an antioxidant. Studies have shown that it can help prevent certain infections, such as the common cold and mild pneumonia.
It also helps with collagen synthesis, a crucial component found in our skin, bones, muscles, joints, and other areas.
Vitamin C also aids wound healing and promotes nutrient absorption.
Helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Frequent and rapid increases in blood sugar can lead to conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.
People in some countries, such as Turkey, use basil to lower blood sugar levels due to its various antioxidants.
Recent studies have also found that abasil tea can help prevent diabetes and stabilize blood sugar levels in those who already have it. However, those with diabetes still need to avoid inappropriate foods. Drinking abasil tea alone without dietary restrictions is ineffective.
Helps Relieve Menstrual Discomfort
Women can try abasil tea to relieve various menstrual discomforts. Abasil tea contains natural compounds called apiol and myristyl ether, which can help stabilize hormones.
Scientists also believe that abasil tea is a natural emmenagogue, helping to smooth menstrual flow and alleviate related symptoms.
Helps Maintain Heart Health
Common heart diseases include high blood pressure, arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction. Heart disease can be caused by many factors, including genetics, an unhealthy diet, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Scientists believe that the antioxidants in abasil tea, such as carotenoids and vitamin C, can help maintain heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, it is important to change any unhealthy dietary habits and follow a doctor’s advice for treatment.
How to Make Your Own Basil Tea?Basil Tea Recipe
Making basil tea is simple. All you need is fresh or dried basil and hot water. The steps are as follows:
- Rinse 15g of fresh basil. If using dried basil, use only 1g.
- Finely chop the fresh basil. Dried basil is usually already finely chopped and doesn’t need to be chopped. To make your own dried basil, refer to the recipe below.
- Place the fresh or dried basil in a cup and pour in 250ml of hot water.
- After 5-10 minutes, strain the fresh or dried basil and drink. You can also place the basil in a tea strainer or similar container to avoid straining it separately.
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