Sweet Basil
It is somewhat impossible for any human to survive without the use of an extract from plants. Plants add immensely to the well-being of every individual. For instance, the foods we eat, particularly vegetables; the medicinal herbs we drink to cure diseases; body creams which moisturize the skin and prevent premature aging; soaps, which prevent us from germs, and loads of other beneficial materials are all gotten from plants one way or another. Despite this, many would choose tablets and other medicinal substances over herbs. However, research says that a large number of drugs which we take to cure ailments today are obtained from various kinds of plants.
O. Basilicum L., commonly known as Sweet Basil (Lamiaceae) and is used in both Ayurvedic (treatment based on herbal products, dietary control, and spiritual practices) and Unani system of medicine (a traditional system of healing and health maintenance observed in South Asia) [7]. In the early 1600s, the English used basil in their food and in doorways to ward off uninvited pests and evil spirits [1].
FACTS ABOUT SWEET BASIL
Sweet Basil is an annual plant. Its seed color is totally black and teardrop shaped, and it is similar to poppy seeds. The plant size is measured to be 20 to 50 cm tall. Its blossoming period is in the late summer time. The Seed swells much faster than Chia seeds. Its leaves are broadly oval in shape and with a peak and it comes in pairs up the stem [4]. “The Ocimum genus belonging to the Lamiaceae family is characterized by a great variability of both morphology and chemotypes” [5]. Moreover, Sweet Basil, asides its culinary use, functions traditionally as a natural remedy for indigestion, ulcer, diarrhea, sore throats, and kidney disorders [2].
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BASIL SEEDS?
Some of the benefits are:
- Weight loss
- Hair nourishment
- Healthy skin
- Treatment of acidity
- Treatment of diabetes
- Relieves constipation
- Stress Relief
- Lowering cholesterol levels
- Treatment of asthma and respiratory disorders [4]
Scientific studies have established that there are compounds in basil oil which are rich in potent antioxidant activity, and they work excellently for anti-aging. The essential oil is extensively utilized in several European countries and USA for flavoring food, confectionery, condiments and toiletry products such as mouthwashes and dental creams [6]. In addition, it has anti-cancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Moreover, due to the antioxidative effects, “basil is used to enhance the shelf life of many food products.” Some of its parts can also be used for preparing sausages and other meat products. “The addition of basil oil results in better flavor and color intensity and in less microbial contamination” [3].
Sweet Basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum which belong to the Family of Lamiaceae) are sacred in many Asian countries, some of which are India, Thailand, and China because of their tremendous nutritional properties. These Basil Seeds are believed to be “superfood” due to the tremendous qualities they possess for medicinal uses and their various chemical constituents.
A preparation of food model system was put to test through beef sausages. These beef sausages were prepared by using different concentrations of Basil parts with all other ingredients in equal amounts i.e. Beef (1 Kg), Salt (20g), Black pepper (12g), Gram powder (10g), Monosodium Glutamate (1g) and Sodium Nitrate (0.1g). The basil leaves and flowers were used in sausage production because of their antioxidant potential. The sausages were stored at refrigeration temperature (4 degree centigrade) and freezing temperature for 28 days! [3].
HOW CAN THE SWEET BASIL BE GOTTEN?
- Let the Sweet Basil flower bloom.
- Let it wither and turn dry.
- Tiny black seeds will be attached to the dried flower pods.
- Wait until the flowers are dried, then cut them out.
- Put them in a plastic bag and shake it.
- The seeds will be nicely collected in the bag [4].
IS SWEET BASIL NUTRITIONALLY VALUABLE?
Sweet basil is highly valuable. Some of its nutritional values are:
- It contains Orientin and Vicenin which contribute to the antioxidant benefits.
- It is rich in oils such as eugenol, citronellol, linalool, limonene, citral, and terpineol. These have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- The seeds have high levels of carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, Vitamin A and Vitamin K, and these compounds assist in the protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This indicates that the seeds play a significant role in anti-aging.
- Basils also contain a substantial amount of minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, calcium and magnesium, vitamins C and folates. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase [5].
WHAT ROLES DOES SWEET BASIL PLAY IN HUMAN WELLBEING?
The roles which sweet basils play in the human body could be attributed to the possible effects of the nutritional values of the quantity taken, that is the “nutritional analysis summary (per 100g of sweet basil seeds)” [4].
- Energy: 975 kJ / 233 Kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Vitamin K: 1714.5 mcg
- Vitamin B1: 0.08 mg
- Vitamin B2: 1.2mg
- Vitamin B3: 4.9mg
- Vitamin B5: 0838 mg
- Vitamin B9: 310 mcg
- Vitamin B complex: 54.9 mg
- Betaine: 16.1 mg
- Calcium:2240 mg
- Iron: 89.8 mg
- Magnesium: 711 mg
- Phosphorus: 274 mg
- Potassium: 2630 mg
- Sodium: 76 mg
- Zinc: 7.1 mg
- Copper: 2.1 mg
- Manganese: 9.8 mg
- Selenium: 3 mcg
CONCLUSION
Herbal mixtures are considered to be the most natural way of maintaining wellness, not just in humans but also in animals. The use of herbs has been described to be essential as they supply the body with the necessary proteins, vitamins and other materials which initiate proper growth and development. Sweet Basil is one of the herbs with a high level of nourishment. Its benefits surpass that of many medications and even food items. Beyond doubt, Sweet Basil is needed by people of all ages for wellness. Get yourself some Sweet Basil.
REFERENCES
[1] Ahmad Ch. et al., “Biological and Pharmacological Properties of the Sweet Basil (ocimum basilicum),” British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, vol.7, pp. 331-339, June 2015.
[2] R. Rezapour, B. Ghiassi Tarzi and S. Movahed, “The Effect of Adding Sweet Basil Seed Powder (ocimum basilicum L.) on Rheological Properties and Staling of Baguette Breed,” Journal of Food Biosciences and Technology, vol.6, pp. 42-46, March 2016.
[3] Zahid Sarfraz et al, “Characterization of Basil (ocimum basilicum L.) parts for antioxidant potential,” African Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 2, pp. 204-213, November 2011.
[4] Kelvin Bucktowar, Mili Bucktowar and Luchmee Devi Bholoa, “A Review on Sweet Basil Seeds: Ocimum basilicum,” World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, vol. 5, 554-567, November 2016.
[5] Vahid Maleki et al., “Physiological Responses of Sweet Basil (ocimum basilicum L.) to triple Inoculation with Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Glomus intradices and Foliar Application of Citric Acid,” Annal of Biological Research, vol. 4, 62-71, 2013.
[6] Sanjeet K. Verma et al., “Phytotoxic effects of Sweet Basil (ocimum basilicum L.) extracts on germination and seeding growth of Commercial crop plants, ” European Journal of Experimental Biology, vol.2, 2310-2316, 2012.
[7] The editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Unani Medicine,” Encyclopaedia Britannica.
