Vegetable dishes eaten with pho can unexpectedly prevent cancer, diabetes, and high blood fat.

Not only does this vegetable add flavor to dishes, it also provides almost endless benefits, helping to prevent many chronic diseases.

Basil is an herb commonly used in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines , such as Thai and Vietnamese cuisines.

Health benefits of basil

Gillian Culbertson, a nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic (USA), said: Basil contains nutrients and compounds that can help prevent chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and more.

Basil is an herb commonly used in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines, such as Thai and Vietnamese cuisines.

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A review of 24 studies found that basil positively affects blood sugar, heart, immune, and cognitive functions.

Here, expert Culbertson shares the key health benefits of basil:

Protects against cell damage

Basil leaves are full of antioxidants, which fight damage caused by oxidative stress. This in turn helps prevent health conditions including: Cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and arthritis.

Prevent cancer

Two studies show that basil extract significantly reduces blood sugar in laboratory models of diabetes.

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Much Research has demonstrated the potential of basil essential oil to prevent certain types of cancer. One laboratory study demonstrated that basil can stop the growth of colon cancer cells. Another study found that basil leaf extract has anti-cancer properties: It blocks the ability of cancer cells to grow and divide, eventually killing them.

There is growing evidence that basil may be an effective cancer prevention tool, according to the Cleveland Clinic, says Cultbertson.

Helps control blood pressure and cholesterol

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have used basil to treat heart disease for centuries. Studies have shown it can lower high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Basil contains eugenol, an oil that can help lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, notes Cultbertson.

Improve blood sugar levels

Both human and laboratory studies have shown basil’s remarkable ability to control blood sugar. Two studies showed that basil extract significantly reduced blood sugar in laboratory models of diabetes.

Human studies also show benefits of basil in blood sugar control and diabetes, says Culbertson.

Additionally, research has shown that daily consumption of basil can enhance cognitive function, improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and reduce depression and dementia. The results were so positive that researchers concluded it was time to look into whether basil could improve Alzheimer's disease, according to Cleveland Clinic, Ms. Culbertson said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mon-rau-an-kem-voi-pho-khong-ngo-la-vu-khi-chong-ung-thu-tieu-duong-mo-mau-185250713041117711.htm