Not only delicious, these are 5 benefits of basil leaves for health: uses, side effects, interactions

Indonesian people may already be very familiar with basil leaves. Usually, this one leaf is often used as chili sauce or various other snacks. Apart from the delicious taste, the aroma of this leaf is also fresh. If processed in the right way, these leaves can be a delicious snack.

However, it does not only offer pleasure. In fact, these leaves also have many health benefits, you know. So, what are the benefits of basil for health? Come on, find out the answer here.

The difference between basil and basil

Basil leaves are a tonic plant that is still in the same family as basil or mint leaves. No wonder the basil and basil leaves look similar at first glance. Although they are often said to be similar, basil and basil leaves have different appearances.

Basil tends to have a thicker texture with larger, fatter leaves. Another case with basil, which has thinner and elongated leaves. Apart from that, basil also has a distinctive strong aorma like lime.

In Indonesia, basil is used as an additional spice for pepes or fresh vegetables. While basil is used to add flavor to pasta, various fish preparations, or salads that are often served in Italian culinary.

Benefits of basil leaves for health

Here are some health benefits of basil leaves that are a pity to miss.

1. Relieve stress

Of the various herbs used in traditional medicine, basil is one of the most widely recognized for its properties. Many studies have found that these leaves can help deal with physical, metabolic, and psychological stress with a combination of medications prescribed by doctors.

These leaves are known to help protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from exposure to industrial pollutants, heavy metals, too heavy physical activity, to psychological stress.

These leaves are also known to help fight metabolic stress by controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid levels because they have antianxiety (anti-anxiety) and antidepressant properties.

2. Counteract free radicals

Free radicals are chemical compounds that are unstable and highly reactionary. You can be exposed to free radicals from the food you eat, the drugs you consume, your daily activities, and exposure to pollution.

If free radicals are allowed to accumulate in the body, this will be a problem. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, chemical reactions carried out by free radicals in the body can cause cell membranes and tissue to be damaged, thereby increasing the risk of various degenerative diseases. One of them is cancer.

The good news is, the flavonoid content in basil leaves, namely apigenin, can be used as a free anti-radical. Using these leaves regularly is known to help reduce a person's risk of developing neoplasms (tumor formation and growth), as well as liver cancer.

However, further research is still needed to confirm the benefits of basil leaves as anti-tumor and anti-cancer.

3. Prevent DHF

Often with the outbreak of dengue fever, there is one way you can do to prevent the spread of the infection.

Research shows that this leaf extract can be used as an intekside in mosquito coils to prevent mosquito bites Aedes aegypti the cause of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). The content of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and essential oils in these leaves is known to be toxic to mosquitoes.

Although the effectiveness of natural inteksides from this leaf extract is still lower than the manufactured insecticide products, the potential benefits of this one basil leaf can be a consideration for you to naturally repel insects at home.

Still, further research is needed to confirm the benefits of this one basil.

4. Other benefits

Apart from those already mentioned above, these leaves are also claimed to have benefits for eliminating bad breath and body odor, improving digestion, relieving inflammation, and nourishing the skin.

However, the various benefits of basil leaves are still not clinically proven. So, many other studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Tips for processing basil leaves into delicious food

Besides being delicious raw, these leaves can also be processed into various types of dishes, you know. About the taste, of course, you don't need to ask anymore, because it is definitely delicious and makes you more appetizing. Here's a recipe you should try at home:

Anchovies and basil grilled rice recipe

Ingredients for roasted rice

• 250 grams of brown rice, washed
• 120 grams of virgin coconut milk
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 pieces of lemongrass, bruised
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 5 spring onions
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Red / cayenne pepper according to taste
• Toothpick / broom stick that has been cut to taste
• Salt to taste
• Banana leaves to taste, steamed briefly so that the leaves are not stiff

Ingredients for sauteing anchovies

• 200 grams of unsalted small anchovies, soak them so they are not too strange
• 4 bunches of basil leaves
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 5 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1 lemongrass
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 pieces of lime leaves
• Chili, types and amounts according to taste
• Sugar to taste
• Salt to taste

How to saute anchovies

• Heat a frying pan then saute the anchovy until cooked or slightly dry. Remove and drain.
• In the same skillet, saute shallots, garlic and chilies until fragrant.
• Put the anchovies in the pan, stir until evenly distributed.
• Add bay leaves, lemongrass, gram, lime leaves, and sugar. Taste, then remove the anchovies.

How to make brown rice

• Puree shallots, garlic, and red chilies using a pestle or blender.
• Heat a skillet then saute the ground spices together with bay leaves and lemongrass. Wait a few moments for the aroma of the spices to smell good.
• Put the brown rice that has been washed clean in the pan. Add salt and coconut milk. Stir fry briefly.
• Move the sauteed brown rice into the rice cooker (rice cooker).
• Enter enough water and cook until cooked.
• When the rice is cooked, mix the sauteed anchovies and basil leaves.
• After that, wrap the rice in banana leaves. To make it neat and not easily come off, use a toothpick / stick to lock the banana leaves.
• Prepare charcoal or you also grill it over hot Teflon.
• Bake over low heat. Wait a few minutes until the banana leaves look wilted and slightly burnt.
• Grilled rice is ready to eat. You can make chili sauce to make it even more delicious.
• Eat the grilled rice while it's warm.

Well, can't wait to try, right? However, pay attention to the portions you eat, yes. Do not let it because it is too good, your portion of food becomes out of control. Remember, eat in moderation.