Alfalfa: Types, what it is for, benefits and tea (how to make it)
Alfavaca (Ocimum basilicum) plays a role in many Mediterranean and particularly Italian cuisines . It forms the basis of pesto and adds a distinct flavor to salads, pasta, pizza and other dishes. Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines also feature this herb.
In the diet, Alfavaca can provide vitamins, minerals and a variety of antioxidants. Its essential oil may also have medicinal benefits.
Alfavaca is available in many grocery stores , while other varieties have different flavors and fragrances.
In this article, learn more about the health benefits and nutritional values of Alfavaca and how to make its tea .
type of basil
The scientific name for basil commonly purchased for cooking is Ocimum basilicum (abbreviated O. basilicum ).
There are many varieties and types of basil :
- Basil: The most cultivated and popular basil, known for its use in Italian dishes. Commonly sold dry in supermarkets. It has a licorice-clove flavor.
- Greek Basil: It has a strong aroma but mild flavor, so it can be substituted for sweet basil. It forms a compact shrub with small leaves and grows well in a pot.
- Thai Basil: It has an anise-licorice flavor and is commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian dishes.
- Basil with Cinnamon: Native to Mexico. It has a cinnamon flavor and aroma. Commonly served with spicy and fried vegetables or vegetables.
- Lettuce Basil: Features large, wrinkled, soft leaves with a licorice flavor. It works well in salads or mixed with tomato and olive oil.
The basil plant commonly used in herbal supplements and teas is holy basil – sometimes called tulsi – which is the species O. tenuiflorum, also known as O. sanctum.
It is added to some Thai dishes because of its distinctive flavor(1Trusted Source).
Nutritional value
Alfavaca is a highly nutritious herb. It provides around 20 calories per 100 grams of its consumption. It contains essential oils that provide soothing aroma and health benefits.
It is a source of dietary fiber, protein and contains mostly water. Various vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C , Vitamin E and Vitamin K can be found in it. Alfalfa is also a good source of minerals such as zinc, calcium, manganese , magnesium, iron and potassium.
benefits
Alfavaca may provide health benefits in the diet, as a herbal medicine and as an essential oil .
include treating snakebites, colds, and inflammation in the nasal passages – a common effect of colds, for example. [1]
Alfavaca provides some macronutrients, such as calcium and vitamin K, as well as a variety of antioxidants.
Alfavaca , for example, has a high concentration of the chemical agent eugenol. This gives them a clove-like scent, in addition to having high concentrations of limonene, which gives them a citrus aroma. Amboseugenol and limonene have antioxidant properties. [2] [3]
Colds:
One of the benefits of Alfavaca is the improvement of the immune system. Its leaves are used to treat colds.
It is recommended to chew them for the relief of colds and flu.
Alfavaca ‘s strong antibiotic properties protect the body against bacteria and infections caused by them.
Benefits digestion:
Alfavaca contains eugenol . This chemical compound has anti-inflammatory properties that ensure your digestive tract is healthy.
Alfavaca benefits your digestive and nervous system, ensuring optimal digestion and a proper pH balance in your body.
Anti-bacterial properties:
Basil protects the body from various bacterial attacks.
It contains various oils like stragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene and limonene which help in preventing bacterial infections.
These oils have a strong aroma that kills microorganisms in the body.
Fight inflammation in the body:
Basil has potent anti-inflammatory properties and essential oils such as citronellol, linalool and eugenol help heal a number of health conditions including inflammatory bowel conditions, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, consuming basil can also help treat headaches, fever, cold and cough, flu, and sore throat
Heart:
Research done with basil has shown that it can be very beneficial for the heart.
It contains magnesium, which helps increase blood vessel flexibility and improves blood flow.
It contains anti-oxidants that help lower LDL cholesterol level and increase HDL cholesterol.
Alfavaca is also a source of vitamin A and contains beta-carotene, which protects epithelial cells from free radicals and prevents oxidation of the blood in the body.
It also prevents the formation of plaque and accumulation of fats in the walls of the arteries.
Prevent cancer:
Alfalfa is rich in antioxidants that restrict the growth of cancer cells.
It contains polyphenolic flavonoids like orientin and vicenin which protects against harmful free radicals and prevents the oxidation process in the body.
This helps to decrease the occurrence of skin cancer.
Antioxidants do not cause any damage to normal cells and damage cancer cells in the body.
Several vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin E also help in preventing cancer like breast cancer.
Improve memory:
Alfavaca helps to improve a person’s holding power. It is rich in corticosterone, which helps improve memory.
Alfavaca helps in triggering cerebral circulation, thus reducing brain damage.
It also helps in strengthening the nervous system, it is even known to relieve stress.
Do you already know our youtube channel? Then check out the video talking a little more about Alfavaca:
For the skin:
Alfavaca has anti-microbial properties that make it really beneficial for skin health.
It can be applied directly on insect bites, cuts, wounds and can also be used in the treatment of leucoderma.
Alfavaca has several antioxidants and essential oils that help in slowing down the aging process and skin blemishes.
It protects against free radicals and nourishes the skin. Due to its anti-bacterial properties it can be applied directly to pimples and is also effective against eczema.
Cough relief:
Alfavaca is an ingredient in syrups and expectorants. Sore throats can also be relieved by gargling water boiled with the leaves of the plant.
The herb is even effective for other respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
Vision improvement:
Vitamin A present in Alfavaca has antioxidant properties, highly beneficial to eye health.
Only 100g of fresh Alfavaca correspond to the recommended daily dose of Vitamin A for the body.
Stress:
Alfavaca leaves are also said to decrease stress.
Experts recommend chewing 10 to 12 Alfavaca leaves , twice a day, to prevent stress and problems arising from this malady.
Helps control diabetes:
If you have diabetes, add basil to your diet for sure. It slows down the process of releasing blood sugar while helping to control diabetes.
According to many animal and human studies, basil can also help fight other health complications associated with diabetes, including hyperinsulinemia (high amount of insulin in the blood), excess body weight, etc.
Acne:
Other benefits of Alfavaca are the prevention of acne breakouts and speeding up the healing process of skin wounds.
Its extract helps to eliminate bacteria present in the dermis, which result in clogged pores, the main cause of acne.
Properties of Alfavaca reduce skin inflammation and are used in the treatment of other conditions such as ringworm, psoriasis and insect bites.
The herb is considered excellent in the prevention and treatment of skin cancer.
tea recipe
How to make basil tea
Basil tea is simple to make and can be combined with ginger and lemon to make it tastier. The ideal is to prepare it at night, thus avoiding insomnia.
Ingredients:
- 300 ml of filtered water
- 1 full tablespoon of basil leaves
- ½ squeezed lemon (optional)
- 1 piece of ginger (optional)
How to prepare:
- Bring the water to a boil, and when it starts to bubble, add the basil leaves, ginger and lemon.
- Leave to infuse for 5 minutes.
- Strain and it’s done.