Sweet Basil Seeds- Ocimum basilicum L.
This Plant grows in warm tropical areas like India, South Asia, Pakistan, however it is now cultivated worldwide. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family which is also shared by chia seeds. Both these plant seeds can gel up when exposed to water which gives them unique uses in emulsions and as food thickening agents. The Basil seed has exceptional nutritional and health properties that we will elaborate as follows:
Nutritional profile:
Basil seeds are a vegetarian source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, minerals, polyphenols, flavonoids, and fiber.
The protein content is rich in most of the essential amino acids, except a few. The protein content of the seeds is about 10-20%.
The fiber comprises both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Basil seeds are rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
They are also rich in non-starchy varieties of polysaccharides like hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin.
Basil seeds are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have various health benefits.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects:
Sweet Basil is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that help protect against free radical mediated oxidant damage and help to decrease chronic inflammation in our bodies.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential fatty acids play an important role in curbing chronic inflammation and are protective in chronic inflammatory processes.
Anti-microbial and Anti-lipid effects:
These seeds also have inherent antibacterial effect against certain bacterial groups.
Basil seeds in experimental models, when fed to rabbits showed promising lipid lowering properties and also helped decrease lipid peroxidation, which further contributed to their antioxidant properties.
Anticoagulant effects:
Basil seeds in lab models seem to delay clot formation. Therefore, must be eaten with caution among people who are already on blood thinners.
An increase in the blood clotting time and decrease in platelet aggregation was observed in experimental models.
Appetite curbing, Prebiotic, and Anti-diabetic effects:
These seeds when consumed can help curb appetite by delaying gastric emptying and decreasing the release of sugar from ingested food. This had a beneficial effect on sugar control.
The mucilaginous gel covering that was created around the seeds when exposed to moisture aided this process.
These seeds may be a good addition to the diet of people to help with weight control and glucose regulation in conjunction with advice from a trained health care professional.
As we all know a healthy Biome or internal environment of healthy bacteria is important for healthy metabolism and immune status, therefore it is notable that these seeds when consumed offer an excellent source of prebiotic food for the gut flora.
In the above section we have discussed the benefits and properties of Basil. We must realize that this must be viewed as a food and should not be substituted for medicines prescribed by your doctor. You are what you eat, so choose wisely and live long and strong!
