Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) not to be confused with sweet basil, is a plant that is native to India. The herb needs no introduction to anyone who has ever taken an interest in the traditional Indian medication called ‘Ayurveda’.
Due to its numerous health benefits, holy basil is called the “Mother Medicine of Nature” in Ayurveda. Research suggests that the plant can help in stress reduction, protect against infections, and support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Holy basil is not commonly used as a weight loss aid. However, some emerging research has found promising results in the herb’s role in supporting healthy weight loss. In this article, we will dive deep into exploring what holy basil is and its benefits, and analyze the role of holy basil for weight loss.
Holy Basil – Overview
Holy basil, commonly known as tulsi is an aromatic herb considered sacred in Hinduism. The plant has several medicinal properties and has been an integral part of Ayurvedic medication for ages.
The plant is an adaptogen and contains several essential nutrients including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, and zinc. Additionally, the eugenol, camphene, cineole, and camphor contents present in holy basil are thought to help open your airways and improve your breathing.
Some of the popular holy basil benefits include
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Support wound healing
- Regulate blood sugar levels
- Regulate cholesterol levels
- Ease inflammation
- Help improve memory and cognitive function
Holy Basil for Weight Loss
Holy basil has not been shown to result in weight loss directly. However, taking holy basil supplements could support losing weight in some indirect ways. According to studies, holy basil supplementation can help you control your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Which may help prevent diabetes and keep you from sudden sugar crashes which can lead to overeating.
Managing stress levels can also play a role in weight loss. When you are stressed, the body produces more cortisol (stress hormone). Having chronically high cortisol levels can increase appetite and drive weight gain. Holy basil helps lower cortisol levels which can prevent stress-induced weight gain.
Higher levels of inflammation are linked with weight gain, which often leads to insulin resistance. This means that the anti-inflammatory properties of holy basil can also play a major role in limiting weight gain.
Some early research suggests that holy basil can boost brown fat or brown adipose tissue (BAT).
BAT is rich in mitochondria which burns calories and fat. The increased fat burning can support weight loss. However, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm the specific effects.
So, incorporating holy basil into your routine may support weight loss by managing stress, regulating blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and potentially increasing fat burning. While more research is still needed, holy basil supplements seem to be a generally safe weight loss aid. Additionally, holy basil seeds (Sabja seeds) have also been shown to provide promising weight loss benefits.
Holy Basil Seeds
Holy basil seeds are black seeds, that look similar to chia seeds. It is hard to consume as its own, but people take it by soaking it in water or drinks.
The drinks that contain holy basil seeds are thought to be more refreshing than regular drinks and the chewy texture of the seeds would also make them a great addition to your drinks. Additionally, the seeds are thought to have several health benefits including:
- Weight loss aid: in addition to the above-mentioned use of holy basil for weight loss, the holy basil seeds also support weight loss. The seeds are full of fiber, which would keep you satiated for a long time.
- Control blood sugar: the seeds can regulate your metabolism and control the conversion of carbs into glucose.
- Treat acidity and heartburn: the water contents in the soaked holy basil seed can soothe the burning sensation.
- Helps relieve constipation and bloating: holy basil seeds can help facilitate a smooth bowel movement and reduce bloating.
How to Use Holy Basil?
You can either choose to grow a holy basil plant and use its leaves or you can use holy basil for weight loss supplements.
People usually take holy basil tea instead of regular tea, or coffee as a healthier alternative. You can make tea out of fresh or dried holy basil leaves by simply boiling them in water.
There are several recipes available for making holy basil tea. You can also choose the many varieties of holy basil tea available in the market. In addition to holy basil leaf, many tea manufacturers include other natural ingredients such as ashwagandha, lemon, or clove.
Holy basil supplements are available in capsule or tablet form. As with any other supplement, follow safety precautions and only use them as prescribed by a health care professional or as inscribed on the label.
Though holy basil supplements are usually tolerated very well, starting slow could be beneficial to closely monitor any unwanted side effects. Possible side effects of overdosing on holy basil supplements may include tissue damage, liver damage, seizures, etc.
Conclusion
Holy basil is a medicinal herb that has several health benefits. While more research is still needed, early studies show promising results in using Holy Basil for Weight Loss.
Holy basil helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, combat stress, and potentially increase fat burning. All of these effects can aid in losing excess body fat. Additionally soaked holy basil seeds also seem to support healthy weight loss.
However, holy basil should not be considered a magic pill for weight loss. However, incorporating holy basil into a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet could provide some additional health benefits.
Always consult a doctor before taking any new supplement or making dramatic changes to your diet. When used correctly under medical guidance, adding holy basil to your life can be a safe way to boost your weight loss goals. So, would you give the holy basil supplement a try? Let me know in the comments.
