My basil plant has been growing like gangbusters and this evening was time to harvest the two cups of basil leaves required to make a fresh pesto sauce that I could use to make one of my favorite pizzas – pesto pizza (tonight’s pesto pizza was topped with fresh roma tomato slices and roasted broccoli and cauliflower)! The basil leaves were hearty with a beautiful, deep rich green color. As I combined the fresh basil leaves in my Vitamix along with walnuts, garlic, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and water, I began to wonder how my body will benefit from this wonderful herb. Here’s what I found out:
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- Basil has the same amount of iron as spinach (0.8 mg/cup raw leaves) and is also rich in vitamin K, calcium, and vitamin A.
- Basil helps detoxify the liver.
- Basil has phytochemicals that may reduce stress by lowering cortisol, a stress hormone.
- Oils in basil help combat bacteria that causes acne, and basil is effective as an organic alternative in treating dry skin, psoriasis, and acne.
- Basil promotes heart health. Basil is rich in carotenoids, including beta-carotene, antioxidants that prevents damage from free radicals, including oxidation of cholesterol. Basil is an excellent source of magnesium, which helps relax blood vessels, improving blood flow.
- Basil is loaded with antioxidants, which help protect against premature aging, skin issues, and some cancers.
- Basil contains flavinoids that may protect DNA by protecting cell structures and chromosomes from radiation and oxidation.
- Basil has antibacterial properties that boost the immune system and have been shown to stop growth of bacteria, including some that have become resistant to antibiotics. Basil prevents bacterial infections when applied to wounds. Try adding basil to your salad dressings to help ensure your veggies are safe to eat.
- Basil has anti-inflammatory properties that help block cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme responsible for inflammation (swelling) and pain. It’s the same enzyme blocked by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin Celebrex, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Basil is an ideal treatment for arthritis.
- Basil promotes a healthy GI tract. Basil relieves inflammatory bowel disease and is helpful in treating indigestion, constipation, and stomach cramps.
- Basil also treats cold, flu, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and sinus infections.
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