Health Benefits of Basil

10. Helps Fight Stress

Basil also helps in the fight against stress. One medical journal article noted that animals who received fresh basil for 30 days showed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzymes known as superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione. Furthermore, the basil slowed down the depletion of these same enzymes in response to stress. In another medical article, animals who ate basil had a decrease in the level of cortisol, a known stress hormone found in the adrenal glands. Furthermore, basil prevents the adrenal glands in the animals from increasing in size during stress periods. These studies suggest basil has a natural adaptogen, or ability to help the body adapt to stress.