What is Basil?
Basil is a culinary herb that is widely used in various cuisines around the world. The herb is known for its distinct aroma and flavor, often described as sweet, peppery, and slightly minty. Listed below are seven basil health benefits.
Origin
Basil is believed to have originated in India. It has a long history of cultivation and use in traditional Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine. From there, it spread to other parts of the world through trade and exploration. Today, basil is cultivated in many countries, including Italy, Thailand, Egypt, and the United States.
Popular Herb in Cuisines
It is a popular herb in Mediterranean and Southeast Asian cuisines, where it is used in a variety of dishes, such as pesto, pasta sauces, curries, soups, and salads. There are several varieties of basil, including sweet basil, Thai basil, lemon basil, and holy basil, each with its unique flavor profile.
7 Health Benefits of Basil
Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is an herb commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. It offers several potential health benefits due to its rich nutritional profile and the presence of various biologically active compounds. Some of the potential basil health benefits include:
Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. It also contains dietary fiber and beneficial phytochemicals. However, it's important to note that while basil may offer potential health benefits, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you have specific health concerns, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional.
Basil Phytochemicals
Basil is a popular herb used in culinary dishes worldwide. Apart from its delightful aroma and flavor, it contains several beneficial phytochemicals contributing to the potential basil health benefits. Here are some of the key phytochemicals found in the herb:
These phytochemicals have been associated with potential basil health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, antimicrobial activity, cardiovascular support, and more. However, it's important to note that the concentrations of these compounds may vary depending on factors such as the variety of basil, growing conditions, and preparation methods.
What Are The Culinary Uses Of The Basil Herb?
Basil is a versatile herb that is widely used in various cuisines around the world. Here are eight common culinary uses of basil:
These are just a few examples of the culinary uses of basil. Its aromatic and slightly peppery flavor makes it a popular herb in many dishes, adding a unique touch to various cuisines.
Vitamins and Minerals in Basil
The basil herb is a rich source of various vitamins and minerals. Here are the key minerals found in basil:
These are just a few of the many nutrients found in basil. Incorporating the fresh herb into your diet can provide you with various basil health benefits. Basil contains several vitamins. Here is a comprehensive list of the vitamins found in basil:
List all the Vitamins in Basil
Values are per 100 g of basil. These vitamins play various roles in the body, supporting functions such as vision, immune system health, energy production, collagen synthesis, blood clotting, and antioxidant protection, among others.
Herbs, Spices, and Minerals
As with everything we eat, herbs and spices work optimally in the presence of the full complement of 75+ pure hydrophilic plant-derived minerals. See this page for a complete rundown of why we need ALL the minerals mother nature ought to give us with our foods. Unfortunately, if the herbs and spices are grown on mineral-deficient soils (most commercial farm soils are), they will also lack vital minerals.
Volcanic And Glacial Soils
Those fortunate to have fresh glacial or volcanic soils added to the soil in which their herbs grow can be certain that their herbs will contain many minerals now missing in most soils around the world.
Can We Add Minerals To Grow Bags?
Yes. Our Powdered Minerals contain 75+ minerals from 70-million-year-old Senonian compost extracted from the TRC mines in Utah. Simply add a spoonful of the powder to a watering can before watering the Grow Bag. You only need to do this once because plants take the minerals in trace amounts to be incorporated into their tissues. Think about tomato plants in greenhouses: mineral-rich, juicy tomatoes every time! But growing your own herbs is just as good.
Experiment!
It’ll be worthwhile experimenting: compare the growth and yields of herbs grown in soils with added powdered minerals with those in grow bags with ordinary compost. First, of course, you must adopt the scientific approach and use controls with various mineral dosages. Then repeat the experiment with other herbs. But one thing is for sure: eating mineral-rich herbs will mean you also get to benefit from the minerals.
Links: sizzling minerals; petlife complete; root of all disease; minerals list; TRC minerals; vitamins; bioflavonoids
Synonymous terms: health benefits of basil leaf