Foods That Heal

Asian basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), also known as Saint Joseph's Wort, is a herb belonging to the mint family Lamiaceae often used as a seasoning in cooking. Basil is native to India and other tropical areas of Asia.

The herb is well known for its use in Italian cuisine - it is a major ingredient in pesto sauce. Basil is also commonly used Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. Basil is used in traditional Tamil medicine and in ayurvedic medicine, which is a form of alternative traditional medicine in the Indian subcontinent.

Reduce inflammation and swelling - a study presented at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's annual event, revealed that "extracts of O. tenuiflorm (Holy basil) were shown to reduce swelling by up to 73%, 24 hours after treatment".

Anti-aging properties - according to research presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester, basil has properties that can help prevent the harmful effects of aging. Holy basil extract was effective at killing off harmful molecules and preventing damage caused by some free radicals in the liver, brain and heart.

Rich in antioxidants - results of a study published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research showed that ethanol extract Ocimum basilicum had more antioxidant activity than standard antioxidants.

 

Mulberries

 Mulberries are among the food that proves beneficial to health. It is beneficial due to its dense nutrient content like antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, etc. It is effective to prevent damage to DNA cells from free radicals which are the cause of many health problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, ageing and many more. It is also effective to improve eye vision, immunity, improves memory and promotes hair health.

Ageing: Ageing is caused due to cell damage caused due free radicals. Free radicals are produced due to oxidative stress. But antioxidants leutin, zea-xanthine, carotene and phytonutrients. These nutrients neutralize free radicals and protect from ageing. Eating nutrient rich foods nourishes skin and promote healthy skin.

Cancer: Mulberries are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients which protect from cancer. It is also effective to stop the growth and spread of tumor cells.

Anemia: Mulberries are rich in iron which protect against anemia. It is effective to cure anemia.

Diabetes: Flavonoids present in mulberries proves best food to prevent sharp rise and fall of sugar level in the patient. So it is effective to prevent the complication in diabetes patient due to sugar level spike.

Heart Health: Eating mulberries prove beneficial to the heart. It strengthens the nervous system and reduces bad cholesterol thus prevent blockage in the flow of blood. So it is effective to prevent heart attack and stroke.

Immune system: Mulberry is rich in Vitamin C which increases immunity to fight against common disease like cold, flu or any infections.

Eye vision: Eating mulberries improve eye vision. It also protects the eye from free radicals which is the cause of eyesight loss and retina degeneration.

Hair: Eating mulberries strengthen, nourishes and promote hair growth. It is used to prevent early graying of hair.

Brain: Mulberries are best brain tonic to increase memory and promotes healthy brain.

Blood purifier: Mulberries are best blood purifier. It also improves blood circulation.

Constipation: Mulberries are rich in fiber which improves digestion thus prevent constipation.

Curry leaves

Curry leaves are perhaps one of the highly popular herbs used in India since times immemorial. As the name suggests curry leaves are herbs which are added to curries, stews, soups, legumes, and many such preparations. Curry leaves are an integral part of Indian cooking style where many of the traditional and contemporary recipes are incomplete without curry leaves. Curry leaves are added not just for the flavour that they add, but they also stand to provide many benefits from health point of view.

§  Diarrhoea: The carbazole alkaloids present in curry leaves play an important role in controlling diarrhoea. For this purpose, curry leaves can be taken either as juice or as a freshly ground paste.

§  Protects gastrointestinal tract: The presence of antioxidants, vitamins and alkaloids in curry leaves helps in promoting health of digestive system.

§  Controls diabetes: The number of people suffering from diabetes has increased in India in the recent years. Diabetes is not just a standalone disease and it affects many organs. So, there is a need to control diabetes. Studies on curry leaves have shown that they can help in controlling the blood glucose levels.

§  Cholesterol control: The antioxidants present in curry leaves help in controlling the LDL or bad cholesterol and aid in increasing the HDL or good cholesterol levels.

§  Better eyesight: Curry leaves are a good source of vitamin A and it is one of the most important components for maintaining good eyesight. Taking fresh curry leaves on a daily basis promotes good eyesight.

§  Reduces chemo and radio side effects: The incidence of number of cancer patients has increased in India in the recent times. Though, there are effective treatments available to reduce cancer, the side effects of the treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also be troublesome. Research on the extracts of curry leaves has shown a reduction in the side effects of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

§  Protection of liver: The process of metabolism releases several free radicals which can damage the organs, and liver is one of the very susceptible organs. Taking curry leaves on a regular basis can nullify the effects of free radicals.