Vibrant Purple Basil Boasts Impressive Immunity, Brain, Heart Health Perks

Exploring the Unique Health Benefits of Vibrant Purple Basil

With its royal purple hues and distinct peppery bite, purple basil brings visual intrigue and bold flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. But the benefits of this colorful basil variety stretch far beyond taste appeal. As it turns out, purple basil benefits health in multiple ways thanks to its robust nutrient and antioxidant composition. By incorporating more purple basil into your diet, you may help shield your body from chronic disease while supporting overall well-being.

What Makes Purple Basil So Nutritious?

All varieties of basil offer nutritional value. However, deep purple basil is particularly rich in certain healing compounds. As we explore major purple basil benefits below, well touch on the key nutrients and antioxidants driving these wellness perks including:

• Anthocyanins
• Phenolic acids
• Volatile oils
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin A
• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium

The Top Health and Wellness Benefits of Purple Basil

From its antimicrobial essential oils to its spectrum of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, purple basil arms your body to combat chronic diseases, infection and inflammation. Heres an overview of compelling purple basil benefits for wellness:

Lowers High Blood Pressure

Rich in volatile eugenol, estragol and linalool, purple basil helps moderate blood pressure in those with hypertension bringing it into a healthy range.

Controls Blood Sugar Spikes

Certain Purple basil polyphenols inhibit digestive enzymes that break down carbs. This effect helps blunt blood sugar spikes after carb-heavy meals.

Protects Liver Function

With high concentrations of antioxidant rosmarinic acid, purple basil shields the liver from toxin and oxidative damage supporting detoxification and healthy liver enzyme levels.

Boosts Immunity and Fights Infection

Abundant antimicrobial essential oils in purple basil, including estragol, linalool and eugenol, combat bacterial and fungal infections boosting immunity against many common bugs.

Protects Brain Cells

Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action lowers oxidative damage to brain cells from toxins and natural metabolism sustaining healthy cognition as we age.

Eases Anxiety and Depression

Adaptagenic and anti-inflammatory properties in purple basil essential oils create a mind-balancing effect that alleviates mental stress, anxiety and low mood.

Reduces Cancer Cell Proliferation

Early cell studies reveal certain purple basil extracts restrict growth and spread of cancer cells, indicating cancer-blocking potential.

How Else is Purple Basil Used?

While often deemed an ornamental basil due to its vivid purple color, this basil variety serves many culinarily and medicinally beyond health enhancement. Some prime ways to enjoy purple basil include:

Culinary Applications

• Pestos, herb spreads and sauces
• Salad dressing infusions
• Soups and broths
• Meats, fish and veggies
• Jams, fruit dishes
• Cocktails

Natural Health Remedies

• Skin salves for irritation and infection
• Anti-inflammatory tinctures
• Aromatherapy stress relief
• Digestive bitters
• Air purification

Maximizing the Benefits of Purple Basil

To reap the most wellness benefits from purple basil, follow these evidence-based preparation and consumption tips:

Add Raw or Gently Cook

Add raw purple basil at the end of cooking or gently cook to retain maximum antioxidant potency needed for health benefits.

Infuse Olive or Sesame Oil

Infusing purple basil's volatile essential oils into oil fully imparts its aroma, flavor and medicinal qualities.

Blend into Pesto Sauce

Vibrant purple basil pesto makes an antioxidant-rich topping for grain bowls, pastas, meats and fresh summer produce.

Try Herbal Purple Basil Tea

Steep tore purple basil leaves in hot water for an antioxidant anti-inflammatory tea supporting whole body wellness.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

For most people, moderate amounts of culinary basil pose little health risk. However, purple basil may cause issues in special cases:

Blood Clot Slowing

Due to vitamin K content, large intakes may exacerbate blood thinning medication effects.

Lower Fertility

Animal studies link large basil doses to uterus stimulation possibly reducing fertility requiring more research.

Allergic Reactions

Purple basils aromatic oils may trigger skin, digestive or respiratory reactions in those with plant/spice allergies.

Finding and Storing Purple Basil

Getting your hands on vibrant purple basil means keeping an eye out for this ornamental variety at well-stocked grocery stores, farmers markets and garden centers during summer months when abundant. To retain purple basil benefits at home, store freshly cut stems bouquet-style in water at room temperature out of sunlight, or wrap leaves in a dry paper towel inside an airtight bag refrigerated for around five days.

So dont reserve purple basil solely for its vivid aesthetic appeal! Incorporate more of this antioxidant-rich herb into dishes, drinks and DIY health remedies to unlock its diverse wellness perks from increasing immunity and easing anxiety to protecting your heart, brain, liver and more with daily vibrant nutrition.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.