Basil Tea and Your Body

Every living thing on the planet is comprised of cells, millions of tiny organisms that regulate and control our bodily functions. Though we cannot see our cells, we have to take steps to protect them and ensure our long-term health. Cells can become damaged by outside forces and function improperly, leading to serious disease like cancer. A diet that consists of foods with anti-carcinogenic properties can help to reduce the amount of damage done to cells. Basil, an herb most commonly known for its culinary prowess, provides a rich source of antioxidants when made into a tea, allowing those who drink it to reduce the risk of cancer.

Free Radicals and Antioxidants

One type of outside force that can attack the cells within the body is known as a free radical. A free radical is a molecule with an uneven amount of electrons that can cause damage to other cells. The free radicals within the body will go on a rampage looking for another molecule to pair with and balance out. The problem with such behavior occurs when a free radical damages a cell in the body by stealing an electron, resulting in unstable cells causing damage to DNA and forming the roots of more serious disease.

There exist ways of neutralizing free radicals, most notably through the ingestion of antioxidants. Antioxidants consist of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and other substances that can lend an electron to a free radical, stabilizing the molecule and preventing the damage that would otherwise occur. The more antioxidants a person has in their diet, the more of a chance the body has at protecting cells, reducing the risk of disease.

Antioxidants In Basil Tea

Scientific studies with rodents have found that basil tea has both the antioxidants orientin and vicenin. These antioxidants were then given to the test subjects prior to being exposed to radiation. The study determined that the amount of damage from free radicals was greatly reduced in the rodents that were given the antioxidants. Though human testing with herbal supplements is often limited, scientists are hopeful about seeing the same results at the human level. As a preventative measure against cellular damage, basil tea stands out as a beverage full of beneficial antioxidants.