Basil is not only a spice but is also recognized by traditional and modern medicine for its many health benefits, including the ability to support the excretion of uric acid - a factor that causes gout as well as joint problems.
Scientifically, basil contains many powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids, eugenol, luteolin and Rosmarinic acid. These substances have the effect of reducing inflammation, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from damage caused by the metabolism of purines in the body - the cause of uric acid formation.
In particular, eugenol in basil also helps inhibit the activity of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for converting purines into uric acid. When this enzyme is inhibited, the amount of uric acid produced is significantly reduced, helping to prevent hyperuricemia.
Basil also has mild diuretic properties, helping to stimulate kidney activity, thereby increasing the ability to excrete uric acid through urine. Thanks to this property, adding basil to your diet or drinking boiled basil water can help the body eliminate toxins, cleanse the blood and reduce the burden on the liver and kidneys.
However, it should be noted that basil is not a drug for gout treatment, but only plays a supporting role in the process of controlling uric acid levels.
People with gout or at high risk still need to maintain a low-purine diet, drink enough water and follow the treatment instructions of a doctor.
