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Elevated levels of harmful LDL cholesterol are a problem faced by millions of people worldwide. This type of cholesterol can contribute to serious cardiovascular diseases. The good news, however, is that there is a natural way to effectively reduce cholesterol – using an herb many of us know well: basil.
Basil, often called the “queen of herbs,” has strong antioxidant and antibacterial effects and can cleanse the blood vessels without the unwanted side effects associated with some cholesterol-lowering medications.
How to grow and harvest basil
Basil is one of the herbs with a long tradition of use; its effects were known already in the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It is grown as an annual herb and you can easily cultivate it at home or in the garden. Basil requires a warm climate, but it is also possible to grow it in indoor conditions.
There are more than 60 types of basil in the world, which are divided into three main groups: wild, pink, and sweet. During growth you can gradually pinch off leaves from the top of the plant, which encourages the production of additional fresh leaves.
Basil and its effects on cholesterol
Basil is effective at lowering levels of bad cholesterol mainly due to its high content of vitamin K, which helps prevent the formation of blood clots. Two tablespoons of basil leaves contain approximately 29% of the recommended daily intake of this vitamin.
It also contains beta-carotene (vitamin A) and powerful antioxidants that protect cells and blood vessel walls from damage by free radicals. These substances help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol and its deposition on vessel walls, with basil thus contributing to the prevention of arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
In addition, basil also contains other important nutrients such as:
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Calcium
Basil is also rich in flavonoids that protect our DNA from mutations.
Other health benefits of basil
Let’s look at other positive effects of this unique herb:
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Powerful antioxidant: Basil protects cells from harmful chemical substances and prevents carcinogenic processes.
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Natural antibiotic: Thanks to its antimicrobial effects, basil is a powerful natural antibiotic. Combined with garlic, you get one of the most effective natural antibiotics.
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Vessel cleansing: Basil helps not only to prevent the deposition of cholesterol in the vessels, but also to cleanse them and keep them clear.
Other uses of basil
In addition to its effects on cholesterol, basil has other health-promoting properties. It helps with digestive problems (e.g., constipation), in the treatment of warts, in kidney diseases, for coughs, removes parasites, and relieves headaches, diarrhea, and many other ailments.
In conclusion
Basil is a unique herb with wide uses in both the kitchen and medicine. If you don’t yet have it in your garden or on your windowsill, it’s definitely worth including in your home “healing garden”.
