Tag: Estragole risk

Most people only consume basil in small, culinary amounts, but excessive or concentrated ingestion can lead to health complications. While generally safe in moderation, knowing what happens if you eat too much basil is crucial, especially for individuals with certain health conditions or those taking specific medications.

Tarragon, while a popular culinary herb, contains a compound called estragole, which has been linked to potential toxicity in animal studies at high doses. Understanding what happens if you eat too much tarragon is crucial for safe consumption.

According to dietary guidelines, incorporating 1–2 tablespoons of fresh basil daily as part of your vegetable intake is aligned with optimal health benefits. This culinary herb is a powerhouse of antioxidants and nutrients, but like many natural products, moderation is key when considering how much basil is safe to eat daily.

While basil is generally safe in culinary amounts, basil leaves contain a small amount of estragole, a compound that has been shown to potentially increase the risk of liver cancer in animal studies when consumed in extremely high, concentrated doses. Understanding the difference between moderate culinary use and excessive intake is key to enjoying this herb safely.