Basil during pregnancy - the benefits and harm

Healthy nutrition during pregnancy is a guarantee of its proper flow, safe delivery and the health of the future baby. It is the quantity and quality of food that determines the development of the fetus at each stage of its growth. Some products can bring obvious harm to the health of women and children. Regarding a number of products in future mothers, many questions arise: whether it is possible to use them during the period of gestation and in what quantity.

Basilica Basics

Many gourmets do not imagine the exquisite dishes without the presence of fragrant green basil. With the healing and taste properties of this plant, people met in ancient times. In ancient Egypt and India, it was known as a sacred plant, in Ancient Greece it was used for treatment, and in Ancient Rome it was eaten.This annual heat-loving plant has a spicy balsamic smell that resembles both cloves and allspice and nutmeg. Basil is one of the oldest spices. It is added to salads, pates, soups. From the leaves they make tea. This green goes well with meat, vegetable, dairy products. Widely used for conservation.

The food uses the following varieties of basil:

• fragrant, it is camphor or ordinary;
• Violet;
• green;
• cinnamon;
• citric;
• the black;
• red.

The composition of basil

The plant contains 1-1.5% of essential oils, which are mainly in inflorescences. The composition of these oils is determined by the place of growth. Also in the green there are tannins and minerals, glycosides, organic acids, sugars, fiber, volatile production, vitamins. The aroma of essential oil is due to the presence of eugenol, methyl chavicol, linalool, camphor and other fragrant substances.

Useful properties of basil

Basil is not just an aromatic spice, but also a healthy dietary product. It contains many vitamins and microelements, has healing properties, but not all of them will benefit during pregnancy.

The main advantages of basil:

1. The leaves of the plant contain a large amount of provitamin A. It is involved in the elimination of free radicals, which are detrimental to the female body. Beta-carotene prevents the formation of malignant tumors, slows aging.
2. Basil prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, strengthens blood vessels, improves their elasticity. This reduces the risk of developing heart disease, the activity of the heart muscle is normalized.
3. The essential oils of the plant are antioxidants, they help fight bacterial infections. The optimal combination of linolenic and oleic acids helps to resist the pyocyanic stick, staphylococcal and other infections. Extract from basil leaves is included in preparations for the treatment of herpes and other viral diseases.
4. The use of basil has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Herbal infusions with basil relieve inflammation in the intestines, reduce stomach cramps, support healthy intestinal microflora. Basil extract reduces the symptoms of heartburn, which is familiar to almost every pregnant woman.The growing uterus presses on the digestive organs, causing the stomach contents to be thrown into the esophagus. For the same reason, many women suffer from increased gas formation. The problem of flatulence can be solved by eating basil leaves or decoctions.
5. Essential oil of basil is present in painkillers and antiseptic preparations. They have an anti-inflammatory effect. These tools can be used to reduce joint pain, to relieve swelling of the lower extremities. Swelling of the legs in the second half of pregnancy is a serious symptom that should not be ignored.
6. Many drugs for pregnant women are prohibited. Tea with basil due to the high content of vitamin C is a good prevention of colds. It will help reduce the temperature, relieve cough, cure sore throat. The leaves of the plant can be added to the mixture for inhalation.
7. Basil well improves blood circulation, contributing to more productive work of the brain, facilitating the memorization process.
8. Most pregnant women have increased anxiety levels.In the first trimester of pregnancy, this is due to hormonal changes in the body and manifestations of toxicosis. The closer the term of delivery, the more a woman worries about their outcome, for the health of the unborn child. Pregnant sleep is disturbed, they have difficulty falling asleep. Basil leaves have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. 10–12 fresh leaves a day is enough to stabilize the nervous system, a woman’s mood improves. The future mother will be able to sleep more easily, her sleep will be deep and healthy.
9. Basil leaves can be used to care for the oral cavity. Dried leaves, ground into powder, are used instead of toothpaste. This tool will strengthen tooth enamel, destroy bad breath, relieve inflammation of the gums.
10. A few leaves of the plant will have a choleretic effect. For women with gallstone disease, this is an excellent alternative to drugs. Also, with the help of basil juice mixed with honey, it is possible to facilitate the grinding and removal of stones from the kidneys.
11. Basil relaxes muscles, relieves spasms. To reduce headaches, you can drink tea with basil, attach fresh leaves to the temples.
12. Antimicrobial properties of plants used in the fight against yeast and fungal infections.
13. Basil can cure otitis. Basil oil, heated to a comfortable temperature, when instilled into the ear, reduces pain and reduces inflammation.

Dangerous qualities of basil

During pregnancy, women need to be careful when consuming basil. Due to its high tonic properties, an excess of basil can provoke uterine hypertonus. And this is a direct path to miscarriage in the early stages or premature birth in the last trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the use of this green. Also, the use of basil is contraindicated in women with high blood pressure. Caution should be used this product in the presence of diabetes, thrombophlebitis, heart disease.

If you feel great, you can limit basil intake to two to three times a week in small portions. If you have any problems, consult your gynecologist. Taking into account the available acute or chronic diseases, peculiarities of the course of pregnancy, the doctor will select the necessary dose of this greenery for you.In the absence of contraindications, you can add leaves to salads and other dishes to enrich them with vitamins and trace elements. Include greens in your diet in small quantities, use caution when used.

Video: basil's benefits for the body