Garlic and Basil

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19 November 2010

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Health Benefits of Garlic and Basil

Cooking with fresh herbs and spices

can boost immune systems, reduce cholesterol,

and help protect against cancer

Garlic has long been known as an effective deterrent to vampires. There aren’t many peer-reviewed studies (okay, there are none) to support this claim but there are plenty of studies to back up its health benefits.

Garlic and Cardiovascular Disease

“Consumption of garlic or garlic oil has been associated with a reduction in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Studies suggest that an intake of between half and one garlic clove per day can reduce cholesterol by 9%.” That news comes from a 2006 supplement published by The Medical Journal of Australia, which adds that garlic extract has been associated with anti-clotting and small reductions in blood pressure.

The Journal points out some of the historical uses for the herb: “Garlic was used by herbalists during the plague. Later, Louis Pasteur (1822–1895 CE) found that it killed bacteria, and it was even used on the battlefields to prevent gangrene.”

Meanwhile, the Nutrition Journal in India published a study in November 2002 that backs the claims for this wondrous little member of the onion family: “Garlic and its preparations have been widely recognized as agents for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and other metabolic diseases, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hyperlipidemia (elevation of lipids in the bloodstream), thrombosis, hypertension, and diabetes.”

Mixed with basil, olive oil, and parmesan, garlic makes a wonderful pesto. Served with baked potatoes, pasta, or on a crusty baguette it makes a far more appealing way to take medicine than a jab in the bottom with a needle.

Basil Fights Cancer

Basil is an integral part of the famed Mediterranean diet, for which many health benefits have been touted. It contains antioxidants known as polyphenols. These are known to combat free radicals that cause damage to blood vessels. Free radicals are also a factor in asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

A lot of other claims are made for this exquisitely flavoured herb many having to do with the digestive system.

Again, The Medical Journal of Australia says basil is one of several herbs that appear to offer protection against cancer. “Herbs and spices (or their fractions and constituents) with known anti-carcinogenic effects in animal models of cancer include turmeric, basil, rosemary, mint, and lemon grass.”

The Journal adds that oral treatment of basil-leaf extract caused an increase in several anti-cancer compounds. “Moreover, basil-leaf extract was effective in inhibiting carcinogen-induced early-stage cancers in the skin and forestomach of mice.”

At The Herb Spiral, they love basil and not just because it tastes yummy. “The oil extract from basil,” it says on its website “has been found to provide protection against growth of many pathogenic bacteria which are posing a major health problem through their resistance to commonly used antibiotics.”

Image credits

Fotoos VanRobin

Sanjay Acharya

Sources

“Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices.” Linda C. Tapsell et al, Medical Journal of Australia, 2006.

“Effect of Garlic on Cardiovascular Disorders: A Review, Sanjay K. Bannerjee et al, Nutrition Journal, November 19, 2002.

“Five Healthy Herbs.” Flannery Dean, Sympatico.ca

Cinnamon is said to have anti-inflammatory powers, and to help fight type-2 diabetes and heart disease.

Turmeric, used a lot in Indian food, has been linked to slowing breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.