I know you might have known, seen, heard, or tried basil before. You may also have already used it in cooking your dishes. But have you heard of the basil seeds before? Well, actually, the consumption of basil seeds is one of the latest health trends and has been a great practice for thousands and thousands of years in various parts of the world. Even though there is no denying that there are lots of health benefits of basil seeds, it is still important to understand more about its source, its potential uses, as well as its side effects before consuming it in your diet. Give this article a read and get to learn more about this amazing seeds.
Basil Seeds: What are these?
The basil seeds are the basil plant’s seeds that are also known as the St. Joseph’s wort or the great basil. Scientifically, they call it the Ocimum basilicum. Furthermore, the basil plant is popularly known as the most famous herb here on Earth. It is a popular addition to a lot of global dishes. Nevertheless, the basil seeds are often ignored, in spite of having a rich level of powerful compounds, as well as active ingredients, which may impact the health. A number of key active ingredients in the basil seeds are the vicentin, orientin, polyphenolic compounds, phytochemicals, protein, iron, vitamin K, and dietary fiber, among other powerful antioxidants.
Moreover, basil seeds are popular seeds in various cultural cuisines, specifically as an addition to various desserts and beverages. Remember that these are the seeds from the sweet basil plant, instead of the holy basil plant. The seeds of the holy basil species aren’t usually consumed. Furthermore, the basil seeds are entirely black and tear-shaped when it is dry. It is about the same size as the chia seeds. Though these seeds aren’t usually found in a lot of places, the potential health benefits that it has been causing a certain increase in their fame. Not just that, they are also readily available in various natural health food stores.
Health Benefits of Basil Seeds
Here are some of the most surprising health benefits of basil seeds:
- Helps in relieving pain. The basil seeds are essential in reducing the severity of irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, gout, and arthritis. The active ingredients in the seeds take a very active role in a lot of common health conditions.
- Helps in improving the vision. Since it is rich in vitamin A, the basil seeds are essential for those who have failing vision. Vitamin A is a beneficial antioxidant for the retina, which helps in preventing the development of cataracts and slowing down of the macular degeneration. This is one of the best health benefits of basil seeds.
- Helps in relieving stress. If the mind races and the stress levels continue to upsurge, basil seeds plus water may help in treating it. Research shows that the regular consumption of it is essential in reducing the episodes of depression.
- Possesses cooling effects. In various Asian countries, the basil seeds are popular for their own cooling effects on the body, since they help in retaining the cold temperatures of the beverages and basically soothe the stomach.
- Helps in controlling the blood sugar level. Studies show that the active ingredients, like dietary fiber in the basil seeds, are essential in controlling the blood sugar levels. For those who are suffering from type 2 diabetes, this particular benefit of basil seed is important.
- Helps in preventing diseases. There is a remarkable amount of vitamin A in the basil seed as well as some other antioxidants. These may be beneficial in reducing the oxidative stress as well as chronic inflammation all over the body.
- Helps control the blood pressure level. Research shows that the potassium levels in the basil seed is essential indirectly impacting the blood pressure.
Basil Seeds: Side Effects
Even though there are a lot of health benefits of basil seeds, it may also come with some few side effects, just like choking hazards, and possible potential hormonal fluctuations.
- Choking Hazard. Because of the effect that liquids and water have on the basil seeds, an inappropriate ratio of the seeds to liquid may result in a large gelatinous clump, which may potentially be hard to swallow.
- Thyroid Issues. Those who are suffering from a certain imbalance or hormonal issues must not use the basil seeds. Proper consultation to the doctor is necessary.
- Pregnant women. The basil seeds may impact the hormonal levels in the body, specifically the estrogen. This may be dangerous for pregnant women as it may stimulate menstruation as well as might result in various complications in the baby.
There is no denying that the basil seeds are essential for the overall health. Nevertheless, this does not necessarily mean that you will consume it right away without consulting your doctor. You must be well aware of the possible side effects of it in your health. Even though it is a health-benefiting seed, it may also impose some negative effects on the health.
