Bengaluru: Tulasi or basil leaves are so important medically.

They can help ease throat congestion and boost immunity. 

However, in spite of all these qualities, there is a way the leaves have to be consumed. 

 

It may be a daily habit for many to chew these leaves, but chewing these leaves can be dangerous for the teeth. 

Healthshots.com notes that chewing these leaves is certainly not a good idea. 

It quoted Lovneet Batra, a renowned nutritionist from Delhi-NCR thus: “The mercury content present in tulasi is not good for your enamel. Thus, you shouldn’t chew on them.”

Tulasi leaves contain mercury content. When chewed, these leaves release the mercury content. And this mercury content can attack the teeth. Once that happens, the enamel on the teeth can be affected. It can wear off.

It is also important to note that Tulasi leaves are slightly acidic in nature. 

Having said this, what is the best way to consume? 

Well, it is easy. 

Tulasi tea is one of the best options available: 

Adding Tulasi leaves to water and heating it for 8-10 minutes should be a good one to consume. It also helps increase immunity and is caffeine-free. It also helps keep blood sugar levels under control. 

Another way of consuming it is to powder it and it and mix it with ghee. The intensity of the mixture can be varied which will have varied impact on the body. 

Tulasi juice is one of the better ways of consuming the leaves.