Tulsi has been widely grown and used in India since ancient times. In other countries as well, it has various medicinal and culinary uses. If you are looking for a different type of herb to add to your diet, then you should consider basil. In addition to nutrients, this herb also contains essential oils that are said to have healing properties. You can find dried basil leaves packaged as a condiment in stores and supermarkets. but fresh basil leaves are more wholesome And can give you many benefits. Learn more below.
Read also: 7 Easy Tips for Making Hot Sauce from Scratch
Is Tulsi good for health? Top Benefits of Tulsi
Prevents Digestive Problems
Basil contains the phytonutrient eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Basil can help calm your system and prevent stomach problems, It can especially help relieve indigestion and bloating. Tulsi can also balance the pH level of the body and promote overall gut health.
Tulsi has anti-inflammatory properties. photo credit: unsplash
good for your liver
Tulsi has detoxifying properties that help cleanse your system and keep it functioning well. Basil is also said to support liver health and may help prevent fat build-up liver,
Increases immunity
Tulsi has antibacterial properties that can protect you from many types of infections. It is also rich in antioxidants that may help prevent free radical damage, reduce oxidative stress and boost your immune system.
Read also: Sugar Not Sweet To Skin: 5 Side-Effects Of Sugar You Should Know
can help diabetics
Research suggests that basil may help control blood sugar levels. It has a low glycemic load, and thus can be useful for diabetics. The essential oils present in basil can also lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
can help with weight loss
Basil is low in calories and can boost your metabolism. Given its detoxification and digestion-friendly properties, it becomes even more useful for people who are on a weight loss diet.
Apart from these benefits, Tulsi is also known to promote skin and heart health. Now, here’s how you can consume more of it:
Here are 5 healthy and interesting ways to include Tulsi in your daily diet:
as a drink
Basil is often consumed in the form of a decoction or a special herbal tea. You can make a simple decoction using basil, ginger, turmeric (haldi) and water. Read more about Here. You can also make tea by boiling basil leaves in water. Later, just add honey as per your taste. Get more information Here.
You can also add basil to drinks like cucumber juice, just add some basil leaves to the blender while preparing it.
Make fresh basil juice at home. photo credit: iStock
as sauce
One of the most convenient ways to consume more basil is to make chutney with it. Then you can pair it with all your favorite foods and snacks. Even you can store it for longer time than you can store the leaves. This recipe combines the goodness of basil with coriander, onion and apple! Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Click here for full recipe
spread as a dip
Give your ordinary hummus a green twist by adding some basil to it. You can then use it like any other dip or spread. It is made in olive oil and contains very little cheese. Find the full recipe Here,
Pesto Recipe: This sauce is usually made with basil, but other greens can be used as well. photo credit: iStock
as pasta sauce
One of the best ways to consume basil is in the form of Italian pesto. It is especially popular as a pasta sauce. To make it healthier, you may want to reduce the amount of cheese a bit. This refreshing sauce is packed with nutrients and flavors you’ll find hard to resist. Click here for recipe.
when cooking chicken or fish
You can also add basil to chicken or fish dishes. Take Gka Prow Gai, for example. This is a Thai chicken dish that relies heavily on the flavor of basil. Click here for recipe. Another dish that you can try is Tulsi Ajwain Mahi Tikka. This wonderful fish appetizer gets its flavor from basil as well as carom seeds (ajwain). full recipe Here,
You can use the above chutney/dip to make basil flavored sandwiches. Or you can just add chopped basil to your usual stuffing, like in this cheese sandwich (recipe here,
There are so many delicious ways to savor this herb, so you better get started!
Disclaimer: This content provides general information only including advice. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult an expert or your own physician for more details. NDTV does not take responsibility for this information.