Why comedian Lee Young-ja grows basil in her countryside home
Comedian Lee Young-ja / Captured from YouTube
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Comedian Lee Young-ja recently showed off the basil she grows at home herself.
In a recent video uploaded to her YouTube channel, Lee named basil as one of her favorite foods. Showing the basil she personally grows, she said, “The aroma is so good,” adding, “This year, I’m going to make basil pesto with it.”
Basil is especially popular among beginner home gardeners because it is easy to grow and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta and salads. Its signature fragrant taste and aroma enhance the flavor of food.
Basil is also rich in nutrients known to help reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant benefits.
Basil contains high levels of rosmarinic acid, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties. Rosmarinic acid is found in herbs such as mint and rosemary. It is known to help relieve not only general inflammation but also conditions such as arthritis and ulcers.
Basil leaves are also rich in vitamin K, a nutrient that helps prevent bleeding and strengthen bones. Vitamin K can regulate inflammatory responses in the body and may help slow inflammation-related aging. In fact, a study by Pennsylvania State University found that consuming dishes containing basil reduced inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are signaling molecules that alter immune cell metabolism and trigger inflammation.
Another notable basil compound is geraniol. Geraniol may help stimulate female hormone secretion, supporting hormone balance and easing menstrual pain. It may also help alleviate menopausal symptoms. In addition, basil’s aroma is believed to promote relaxation and help relieve headaches.
To store freshly harvested basil leaves for a longer time, trim the ends and place them in a jar of water away from direct sunlight. Making basil pesto, as Lee mentioned, is another good option.
Basil pesto is a sauce originating from Genoa, Italy, made by grinding or blending basil with garlic, cheese, olive oil and pine nuts. The word “pesto” comes from the Italian word pestare, meaning “to crush” or “to pound.”
Homemade basil pesto can help reduce concerns about excessive sugar and sodium commonly found in store-bought products. It can be used in cooking, but it also works as a simple spread on bread, making an easy alternative to jam. Spreading basil pesto on whole-grain bread may also help minimize blood sugar spikes.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.