Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is known for its healing power, and it has a rich history dating back to ancient eastern uses 3,000 years ago. Historically used as medicine due to its widespread healing power, tulsi leaves are now regarded by most countries as adaptogens (anti-stress agents) and have been used widely to promote health throughout the entire body.

One-quarter cup of fresh tulsi leaves (six grams) includes the following (listed in recommended daily values):

• 1 calorie
• No cholesterol
• 0.2 grams of sodium
• 0.2 grams of carbohydrates
• 31 percent vitamin K
• 6 percent vitamin A
• 2 percent vitamin C
• 3 percent manganese
• 1 percent folate
• 1 percent calcium 
• 1 percent potassium
• 1 percent magnesium

Tulsi has got the following benefits in the aspect of physical fitness:

1.Balances Hormones and Lowers Stress 

Elevated cortisol levels can be dangerous; it’s commonly known as the stress hormone, and it can have a major impact on our learning, memory, immune function, bone density, weight gain and heart disease. Luckily, tulsi has the amazing ability to regulate cortisol levels and keep hormone levels balanced naturally. Tulsi has a physical effect on the body and mental benefits as well. By drinking tulsi tea or adding tulsi to your meals, you help calm your system and keep your body running smoothly.

According to a scientific article published in 2014 in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine there is increasing evidence that shows holy basil can improve physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress. More specifically,

Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise. Tulsi has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties

2.Helps Improve Respiratory Disorders

Tulsi is generally effective in helping to alleviate almost all varieties of respiratory disorders, including working as a bronchitis natural remedy as well as a deep cough remedy for coughs that usually come on with another type of upper respiratory infection, such as the cold or flu. The components of tulsi leaves like camphene, eugenol and cineole provide relief from congestion and other symptoms of respiratory disorders. Scientific studies have confirmed that holy basil possesses impressive anti-asthmatic abilities and can make breathing easier.  

3.Good Source of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in bone health and heart health. It’s one of the main vitamins involved in bone mineralization and blood clotting, but also helps maintain brain function, a healthy metabolism and cellular health. One cup of tulsi leaves has more than your daily recommended value of vitamin K, making it a perfect source to prevent vitamin K deficiency, and can be beneficial to your bone density, digestive health and brain function.Animal studies published in the Alternative Medicine Review also demonstrate that holy basil has cardio-protective so in other words, it appears to boost heart health. 

The nutrients in tulsi can be consumed in many ways. Tulsi tea is one of those popular ways. Here is how to prepare it:

1. Lay out tulsi sprigs and leaves in a single layer on a clean dish towel or drying rack. Allow to sit for one full day to wilt.
2. Once the herb is wilted, heat water to 190 degrees F or just below boiling.
3. Place the wilted tulsi in a quart canning jar. Pour the hot water over the herbs. Cover the jar with a lid or plate to capture the volatile oils.
4. Steep at least 15 minutes.
5. Strain if desired and drink, or cool further, pour over ice, and enjoy.

The following are the benefits of tulsi tea:

• Strengthens the defense mechanisms, encourages longevity as well as improves well-being.
• Promotes heart health simply by cholesterol-reducing and high blood pressure level.
• Reduces the negative psychological and physical outcomes of stress.
• Increases the body’s efficiency in utilizing oxygen that enhances stamina, strength as well as endurance.
• Promotes respiratory health.
• Helps along with digestion as well as intestinal issues.
• Neutralizes harmful biochemical which brings about cancer, degenerative diseases and also premature aging.
• Facilitates healthy liver function.
• Reduces cell and tissue damage from sun rays, radiation therapy along with other radiation resources.
• Relieves inflammation from arthritis along with other diseases.
• Helps fight attacks.
• It will help you to sustain healthy eye-sight.
• Assists to maintain a healthy metabolism.
• Offers enhanced joint support.
• Slows the bodies aging process.

With such a great deal of benefits, tulsi tea is not only a great beverage for health that can be consumed during any part of the day but also an energy giver that can be consumed before workout.