Basil is a familiar spice vegetable containing many essential oils and biological plant compounds. According to recent studies, basil is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and compounds such as linalool, eugenol and rosmarinic acid - active ingredients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to a certain extent.
Oxygenated stress is one of the mechanisms related to liver cell damage, especially in people with fatty liver, a high-fat diet or frequent alcohol consumption.
Supplementing with foods rich in natural antioxidants can contribute to reducing the impact of free radicals on cells.
Meanwhile, lemon is a fairly good natural source of vitamin C. Vitamin C plays an antioxidant role and supports the immune system. When combined with basil in summer drinks, lemon also helps enhance flavor and create a feeling of ease of drinking without using too much sugar.
A popular recipe that many nutrition experts consider suitable for the hot season includes:
A small handful of fresh basil leaves
1 lemon
500–700 ml of filtered water
You can add a few slices of cucumber or a little honey
Wash basil, gently rub to release essential oil, then soak in water and lemon juice for about 10-15 minutes. You can drink it coolly but should not use it too cold.
This type of water mainly helps replenish water and provides more natural antioxidant compounds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a diet rich in green vegetables, fruits and natural foods plays an important role in supporting metabolic health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Another problem is that many people mix lemon basil water with too much sugar or syrup. This can increase the amount of sugar intake into the body and unintentionally put greater metabolic pressure on the liver, especially in people with fatty or pre-diabetic liver.
Another notable point is that the effectiveness of liver protection does not come from just one type of drink but depends on the overall lifestyle. A diet rich in plants, lots of green vegetables and fewer super processed foods is associated with improving metabolic health and reducing the risk of fatty liver.
Experts also recommend prioritizing fresh and clean basil, washing thoroughly before use to limit the risk of pesticide or microbial residues.
