Aspiring Nirvana

Basil: Facts, Health Benefits, Consumption and Side Effects

Introduction

Basil is an green plant that is native to India, Africa and Southeast Asia. It is consumed both as fresh as well as in dry form to enhance flavor in cuisines all over the world. Additionally, consuming basil provides multiple health benefits. Basil taste and fragrance varies and can be similar to clove, cinnamon or mint.

In India, one of its variety is known as Tulsi which has been treated as a sacred plant and also used as alternate medicine (Ayurveda) for hundreds of years.

Potential Health Benefits of Basil

Improve mental health by reducing anxiety
Repel bugs and treat bug bites
Reduce inflammation and stress from many diseases
Provide nasal relief during common cold
Cure stomach infection of multiple types
Promote healthy blood circulation and improve blood pressure
Help prevent certain types of cancer
Control blood sugar that helps in diabetes
Improve dental health when gargled
Support healthy liver

Options to Consume Basil

Flavor in tea, may also be combined with ginger and turmeric
Flavor in stir-fry, salad or soups
Flavor in chicken, pizza or pasta
Ingredient in basil pesto sauce or tomato sauce

Tip: Add basil in your dish at the last moment just before finishing your cooking in order to get the best flavor.

Caution

Some people have observed certain side effects like allergic reaction, possible meddling with diabetic or blood clotting medicine that may be related to consuming basil. Consult with your doctor before taking basil supplements or including it in your diet.

Final Verdict

Basil has many health benefits, but like anything else, use it as part of a holistic healthy lifestyle that includes healthy diet, proper exercise and regular doctor visit.

Re-live Ancient Mayan Civilization Ruins – Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya is a popular port for cruise shore excursions in Mexico. It offers crystal clear waters, clean beaches, authentic Mexican food, local artifacts shopping, snorkeling and plenty of kids activities including dolphin adventure.

Costa Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico

After visiting beautiful Cozumel island, we took overnight cruise journey to reach Costa Maya, Mexico. Our plan was to visit a famous Mayan Ruins site located at Chacchoben, The Land of the Red Corn. This archaeological site showcases the history of ancient Mayan city that flourished around 300 AD.

We took a guided tour and were lucky to have a local guide that was well versed in the history of the site. The one hour drive passed quickly with plenty of learning about Mayan history, including their early settlement, flourishing and eventual downfall. Serious efforts have been made in recent years to revive the ancient temples and sacred sites.

As fresh graduates of Mayan history we anxiously reached the site. The site requires plenty of walking and climbing so make sure you wear comfortable shoes, carry plenty of water and apply sunscreen. The service area at the site offers water, snacks and rest rooms.

After a short walk, we came across multiple pyramids and temples located at the site. Each pyramids had a different architecture and represented different purpose in the Mayan lifestyle. There were dedicated structures and sites for religious ceremonies, cultural events and astronomy.

Some of the famous temples of the site are Templo 24, Plaza B and Temple One. We climbed Gran Basamento and experienced stunning views of the green forest around the site. Many pyramids and temples are still covered in vegetation and excavations are continuing to restore them.

We also learned interesting details about local flora and fauna. The site is perfect blend of nature and history, encircled with palm trees and variety of unusual plants. The surrounding jungle hosts animal species like deer, fox, monkey and jaguar. Be careful if you plan to venture on your own!

On the way back we stopped at a local restaurant that served freshly-cooked authentic Mexican food. It was super tasty!! After grand fiesta, we headed back to our cruise ship with fond memories of the ancient history of a lost world.

Rating: 4* out of 5.

Helpful Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chacchoben

Impressive Health Benefits of Superfood spice Turmeric

If you aspire to consume a spice that adds delicious flavor to your meals as well as offers excellent health benefits, then you must try turmeric, aka Golden Spice.

Yellow colored turmeric is made of tropical plant root that grows mostly in Southeast Asia. It is usually consumed in a dry powder form to add flavor to meals. It has also been used for health benefits for hundreds of years, specifically in India as part of alternate-medical system, Ayurveda.

Majority of benefits from consuming turmeric are related to presence of an active ingredient curcuminoids (curcumin) that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Turmeric is also known as a good source for iron.

More and more people are consuming turmeric to reap the natural health benefits without any risky side-effects.

Potential Health Benefits of Turmeric

Build Immunity Turmeric has antioxidant properties that help build stronger immune system and treat cough and cold symptoms.

Reduce Pain Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that acts as a natural pain killer by reducing arthritis muscle pain and general soreness.

Aid Digestion Turmeric may help in assisting digestion and preventing stomach upset.

Reduce Cancer Turmeric may help kills certain cancer cells and thus lower the risk by preventing their growth.

Improve Liver Turmeric may reduce side effects of taking diabetes treatment drugs that impacts liver.

Options to Consume Turmeric

Add in milk or flavor in tea, may also be combined with ginger and basil
Flavor in rice, curries, noodles, stir fry and soups
Flavor in chicken or other meat products
Turmeric Supplements

Caution

Some people have observed certain side effects like nausea, upset stomach or diarrhea that may be related to consuming turmeric. Turmeric has a somewhat bitter taste that may not fit well with taste buds of certain people. Make sure you consult with your doctor before taking turmeric supplements or including it in your diet.

Final Verdict

Turmeric has many health benefits, but like anything else, use it as part of a holistic healthy lifestyle that includes healthy diet, proper exercise and regular doctor visit.

We hope the information in this post will be helpful in your journey of aspiring nirvana!