Do you know the health benefits of basil? Everyone home cook knows, what an important ingredient Basil is in the kitchen, however not everyone realize what are the great health benefits, that this ancient herb actually offers.  

Basil looks great in my kitchen, and I love the fact that I can use a fresh basil anytime I make my salads, gazpacho soups, regular soups, pasta sauces, sandwiches, etc. You can use basil in so many dishes and it always makes a difference. If that alone did not convince you enough to look into getting  your own basil plant, then let me tell you more about this “royal” herb, which has been a symbol of love in Italy, and offers incredible benefits when it comes to health. 

Basil has active components called ‘flavonoids’ that provide protection at the cellular level. These important parts protect cell structures from radiation and oxygen based damage. Flavonoids are not the only important properties of Basil.  This aromatic herb contains volatile oils made out of astragal, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, and estragole. I have no idea what all of those are. I can’t even pronounce it to be honest, however the important thing is that these substances provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth, even that have become resistant to antibiotic drugs. In addition to that, studies have shown that including basil in foods that are not cooked, such as salads, helps protect from Shigella, a very agressive infectious bacteria that causes diarrhea and may trigger significant intestinal damage, below the point at which it could be detected. 

Basil is Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

1)Pro-Vitamin A 

Cholesterol builds up in blood vessels only after it’s been oxidized, and this vitamin protects from oxidizing cholesterol in the bloodstream, and free radical damage.

2) Iron

Iron can help as a treatment of different causes of fatigue. If you have any problems with sleeping, you may have a deficiency in iron which can cure insomnia. Iron als builds concentration, and regulates body temperature.

3) Magnesium

Causes muscles and blood vessels to relax, which improves blood flow and is beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Basil is also a great source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. 

Now it should be more obvious, why it would be very beneficial to include basil in your recipes on a regular basis. I would always suggest to use a fresh herb over the dry one and especially when it comes to basil. The trick with basil is to add it into your dishes at the very end of the cooking process so that you don’t loose the aroma and flavor. 

Here are some of my recipes for you to try where I have included Basil:

Turkey Sandwich

Eggplant Parmesan Tower

Home Made Gluten Free Pizza

Enjoy 🙂

Z.