The Benefits of Basil

I know I have shared with y'all how much I love greens and the health benefits of so many of them. Today I am so excited to share with y'all just a few of the health benefits of adding basil to your diet! 

1. Basil contains a unique array of active flavonoids which help provide protection for us at the cellular level. 
"Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage." (whfoods)

2. Basil can help with breakouts.
Aesthetician Rena Revivo, who is the chief excutive officer of Spa de Soleil suggests this blemish-fighting fix:
 "Boil a handful of fresh basil leaves in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes; let the liquid cool. Dip a cotton ball into the liquid, pat it on your breakout zones, wait 10 minutes, then splash with water; repeat once or twice a day."

3. Basil contains lots of wonderful nutrients, especially vitamin k.
Look at this chart below for the amazing nutrients that are found in basil!

Basil, chopped, fresh
0.50 cup
(21.20 grams)

Calories: 5
GI: very low

NutrientDRI/DV

 vitamin K98%

 manganese12%

 copper9%

 vitamin A6%

 vitamin C5%

 calcium4%

 folate4%

 iron4%

 omega-3 fats3%

 magnesium3%

4. Basil contains high quantitites of (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP). 
According to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology these high quantities may be useful in treating arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.

5. Basil also provides a good amount of Vitamin A. 
Vitamin A helps provides powerful antioxidants that protect the cells lining a number of numerous body structures, including the blood vessels. 

6. Basil has anti-anxiety effects.

According to James Duke (PhD) who is the author of the book "The Green Pharmacy", Basil has phytochemicals that help to lower cortisol, which is a hormone that is secreted when you are tense and anxious. 

7. Basil can help with PMS symptoms. 
Basil is a super source of iron (1 tablespoon of dried basil or 2 cups of fresh basil leaves provide 10% of your daily value which is equal to spinach) and eating this will help replenish iron lost. 

8. Basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth in the body. 
This is not only due to the flavonoids, as mentioned above but due to the various oils that are found in Basil. 

9. Essential Oil of Basil, which is obtained from Basil leaves has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. 
According to the Journal of Microbiology Methods essential oil of Basil may be helpful for those who are dealing with resistance to various antibiotic drugs. 

10. Basil is rich in antioxidants. 
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research results show that ethanol extractOcimum basilicum has more antioxidant activity than standard antioxidants. 

11. Basil has properties that can help prevent the harmful effects of aging. 
According to research that was presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester England; "Holy basil extract was effective at killing off harmful molecules and preventing damage caused by some free radicals in the liver, brain and heart."

12. Basil is a good source of magnesium.
 Magnesium helps the body in a number of ways, including helping cardiovascular health and muscles. 

13. Basil helps to detoxify the liver. 

So what about y'all? Do you use Basil? Anyone have any additional thoughts on health benefits of Basil? Anyone have any favorite recipes for using Basil? I have been making a lot of my favorite easy and healthy basil and spinach pesto recipe that I shared a couple of weeks ago! (You can find the recipe HERE!)