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Basil
1998
R1998 · Romance · 1h 36mBasil is a wonderful herb with aromatic leaves. This compact plant is incredibly versatile, growing outside in the ground, in containers, or on a bright kitchen windowsill. You may start seeds indoors or grow from small pots. Learn the secrets to planting, growing, and harvesting basil.
- Overview
- Most Common Varieties
- Nutrients and Plant Compounds
- Health Benefits
- Buying, Growing and Storing
- Culinary Uses
- Safety and Side Effects
- The Bottom Line
Basil comes in many varieties. While it may not contribute significant vitamins and nutrients to your diet, it can add unique flavor to your sauces, salads, and soups.
Basil is a flavorful, leafy green herb that originated in Asia and Africa.
It’s a member of the mint family, and many different varieties exist.
Popular as a food seasoning, this aromatic herb is also used in teas and supplements which may provide a range of health benefits.
The scientific name of the basil commonly purchased for cooking is Ocimum basilicum (abbreviated O. basilicum).
There are many different varieties of O. basilicum, including (1):
•Sweet basil: The most widely grown, popular basil, renowned for its use in Italian dishes. Commonly sold dried in supermarkets. Has a licorice-clove flavor.
•Bush or Greek basil: Has a strong aroma but mild flavor, so it can be substituted for sweet basil. Forms a compact bush with small leaves and grows well in a pot.
•Thai basil: Has an anise-licorice flavor and is commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian dishes.
•Cinnamon basil: Native to Mexico. Has a cinnamon-like flavor and scent. Commonly served with legumes or spicy, stir-fried vegetables.
As recipes demand relatively small amounts of basil, this herb contributes few vitamins and minerals in typical diets.
Here is the most notable nutrient content of 1 tablespoon (around 2 grams) of sweet basil (2, 3):
Though dried basil is more concentrated in nutrients, you use less in recipes compared to fresh. Therefore, neither is a significant source of most nutrients — except vitamin K.
Basil also supplies beneficial plant compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other health properties (4, 5).
In addition, these compounds give basil its “essence” — or distinct aroma and flavor. That’s why oils derived from basil and other plants are called essential oils (4).
Summary
Basil is not only a popular folk remedy for ailments like nausea and bug bites but also widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and other holistic medicine systems (4, 6, 7).
Today, scientists study potential medicinal benefits of basil. Extracts or essential oils of basil, which provide concentrated amounts of plant compounds, are typically tested instead of whole leaves (8).
Though fresh basil gives stronger flavor, dried basil is less expensive and more convenient. You can also buy basil frozen into recipe-portioned cubes in the freezer section of stores.
Sweet basil is most widespread, but you may find other varieties at farmers markets or ethnic markets, such as Asian food stores. Alternately, try growing your own.
You can grow basil anywhere with nighttime temperatures above 60℉ (15.5℃) for at least two months. Basil is sensitive to cold and likes sun exposure all day.
You can cultivate basil from a seed planted in dirt or a stem cut from another plant that you put in water until roots start to grow. Basil will flourish in a garden or patio pot that drains well.
Harvest basil leaves as you need them, but don’t simply pluck them from your plants. To encourage proper growth, cut the stem toward the bottom so that only two to four leaves remain on the plant.
Put fresh basil stems in a jar with tap water to keep the leaves fresh for a few days. It’s debatable whether you should refrigerate fresh basil, as cold temperatures can discolor the leaves.
Basil gives zest to tomato dishes, salads, zucchini, eggplant, meat seasonings, stuffing, soups, sauces and more.
Pesto — a creamy, green sauce — is one of basil’s most popular uses. It’s typically made from crushed basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil and pine nuts, though dairy-free options are also available. Try it as a dip or sandwich spread.
Basil complements other herbs and spices such as garlic, marjoram, mustard, oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper, rosemary and sage.
If you have fresh basil, take only the leaves — not the stem. It’s generally best to add fresh basil at the final step of cooking because heat can diminish the flavor and bright green color (36).
If a recipe calls for fresh basil but you only have dried, use just 1/3 of the measurement, as dried is more concentrated.
If you’re cooking without a recipe, use the following amounts per 1 pound (450 grams) of food as a general guide (2, 3):
Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted.
Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot. High intakes could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin (37).
If you’re taking a blood thinner, aim to consume consistent amounts of vitamin K daily so that your doctor can regulate your medication. Eating foods made with a lot of basil — such as pesto — could make this difficult (37, 38, 39).
In contrast, basil extracts — such as those found in supplements — can thin your blood, leading to problems if you have a bleeding disorder or an upcoming surgery (40, 41).
Additionally, people taking blood pressure-lowering drugs or diabetes drugs should use caution with basil supplements since they may lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Your doctor may need to decrease your drug dose (18, 34).
Avoid holy basil if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Animal studies suggest that holy basil supplements may negatively affect sperm and trigger contractions in pregnancy. Risks during breastfeeding are unknown (42, 43).
Basil comes in many varieties. While this herb may not contribute significant nutrients to your diet, it can spice up your meals.
Though holy basil is typically added to herbal teas and supplements, studies suggest that sweet basil may provide similar health benefits, such as stress reduction and blood sugar control.
Keep in mind that more studies in humans are needed on both types of basil.
Try growing basil on your own and add it to sauces, salads and soups — your taste buds will thank you.
Basil (/ ˈ b æ z əl /, also US: / ˈ b eɪ z əl /; Ocimum basilicum / ˈ ɒ s ɪ m ə m b ə ˈ z ɪ l ɪ k ə m /), also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide.
- Yvette Brazier
- Reducing oxidative stress. Antioxidants are essential for eliminating free radicals from the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that develop as a result of metabolism and other natural processes.
- Supporting liver health. A 2015 study in rats concluded that antioxidants in a powdered preparation that included tulsi, or holy basil, had a positive impact on liver health.
- Fighting cancer. A review published in 2013 looked at whether tulsi, or holy basil, could prevent cancer. The authors concluded that the phytochemicals in holy basil may help prevent certain types of skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers.
- Protecting against skin aging. According to research published in 2011, sweet basil has properties that might help protect the skin from some effects of aging.
Jul 3, 2023 · Health benefits of basil include: Reduction of oxidative stress. Basil is full of antioxidants. Sweet basil contains a compound called eugenol, and lime and lemon basils have limonene.
Benefits of basil may include helping prevent chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease. Basil is also good for your blood pressure and blood sugar.
People also ask
What is Basil good for?
What is a great basil?
Is Basil a nutrient?
Is Sweet Basil better than holy basil?
Feb 28, 2022 · Basil is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries. It has a wide variety of health benefits, including reducing oxidative stress, improving cognitive function, and fighting cancer. Basil is also effective at treating skin conditions and respiratory problems.
