Basil
Don’t you just love tomato and basil salad? Besides it’s yummy flavour, Basil also offers great health benefits. It is a good source of vits K, A and C, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron.
Basil contains flavonoids providing anti-oxidant protection. This reduces oxidative stress and strengthens the immune system. It’s volatile oils offer anti-microbial, antibiotic benefits (great for cuts and skin infections), and anti-inflammatory effects, strengthening the digestive tract, and the nervous system; Basil restores the body’s natural pH levels, helps an upset tummy, reducing bloating and water retention. It may also help reduce arthritis and fibromyalgia type pain.
In Chinese Medicine, Basil is seen as warming, reducing wind-cold symptoms, easing cold type asthma characterised with clear white mucus and a pale face. It’s calming effect, especially when consumed in tea form, helps relax, de-stress and focus the mind.
One small area of concern: Basil contains a chemical, estragole, when consumed in large amounts may be unsafe for the liver; also remember basil acts as a blood thinner!
To avoid leaves getting brown patches, store basil in damp paper on the top shelf of the fridge; cooler temps may hasten the browning!
Enjoy fresh basil in pesto, salads and Mediterranean dressings; in cooking add it at the end; in dried form it hasn’t got much flavour. Me? I love basil not just for its health benefits but really for its distinct aroma and flavour.
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