Mint-family(1,2) basil actually consists of 35 different kinds(1)! Ocimum basilicum is the more culinary species and includes as varieties sweet basil (most widely cultivated and familiar), bush or Greek basil, Thai basil, cinnamon basil (a Mexico native), and lettuce basil. Holy basil, found more in supplements and herbal teas as well as some Thai dishes (species O. tenuiflorum or O. sanctum)(2), has the Indian name of tulsi and has hundreds of ancient Ayurvedic herbal remedies from teas to tonics to ointments(1).
   Basil has numbers of antioxidant-containing essential oil compounds, make that hydrophobic ones (instead of dissolving in water, they are light and airy, diffuse through the air, and go through skin pores!). They lend the taste and smell; defend the plants against pests and soil pathogenic bacteria; and provide immune and other benefits when consumed(1)! Basil isn't used enough in food for vitamins and nutrients contained within to be significant, except the leaves are high in... Vitamin K, the blood-clotting vitamin! Note: those with blood-clotting issues are advised to limit use, especially when taking blood thinners. Basil in extracts tends to do the opposite as well as lower blood sugar and blood pressure(2).
   Basil compounds help fight a number of cancers, inflammation (chronic kind is the root of most disease), pathogenic bacteria not curbed by antibiotics (definitely proven!), yeasts, molds, and viruses. It is beneficial for cardiovascular health (including what mentioned above), helps unclog the liver, and helps produce detoxifying enzymes(1). Holy basil has been shown to reduce average blood sugar to the tune of about 18% in diabetic individuals(2).
  Note: as basil is commonly used with pasta and bread, our sister blog touched on issues with wheat in (link:) "Wheat and Autism." For using with basil sauces, my household especially likes chickpea pasta, which is pretty mild and has much higher protein and fiber, and cauliflower-crust pizza. We get both non-GMO and from a health food store or even supermarket.

Sources:
1. Levy, Jillian. "12 Benefits of Basil + Recipe Ideas." Dr. Axe, Dr. Axe. 6 December 2017. Web. 27 May 2020. https://draxe.com/nutrition/benefits-of-basil/.
2. McCulloch, Marsha. "Basil: Nutrition, Health Benefits, Uses and More." Healthline, Healthline Media, a Red Ventures Company. 17 October 2018. Web. 27 May 2020. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/basil.

   Chronically not eating breakfast may be a tactic used to get a morning rolling faster, or else attempt to lose weight. On the latter score, eating less period is far from the only factor in weight loss. Skipping breakfast especially means lowered metabolism, or the body lowering energy consumption to counter reduction in intake. Breakfast skippers tend to overeat anyway to make up for what they didn't consume in the morning, and just gain weight period. Note: [periodic] fasting, an effective weight loss tool, isn't the same as chronically not eating or eating enough(1).
   Besides, chronic breakfast skippers tend to be predisposed to low blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, high blood pressure, and heart attack. There are various other effects from chronically skipping breakfast. Energy, hormonal balance, memory, and mood all tend to suffer. There is even greater predisposition to hair loss (in particular with low protein consumption in the morning) or cancer(1).
   It is especially key, though, not to eat just any old thing for breakfast. [Many people don't consider that putting themselves through food penance doesn't replace fueling with the right things]. Consuming high protein and fiber in the morning specifically is a key combination, as well as consuming closer to .68 grams of protein per pound of body weight or above through the day. The brain requires amino acids - protein building blocks - to synthesize neurotransmitters for proper sleep. Reduced calorie consumption tends to affect sleep patterns, and so adequate protein during the day is especially key for weight loss. Morning protein consumption is especially key in this regard, whereas most people eat less protein at breakfast than later on(2). [I make sure, though, that I get vitamins, minerals, and otherwise a complete range nutrients at breakfast beyond just protein and fiber]

My best breakfast, with fewer dishes to wash to boot, is:
Shake
​
Sources:
1. GoMediiTeam. "10 Negative Health Effects of Skipping Breakfast." GoMedii, GoMedii. 30 January 2018. Web. 11 May 2020. https://gomedii.com/blogs/english/health-care/10-negative-health-effects-of-skipping-breakfast/.
2. "Could a Protein Shake at Breakfast Help You Sleep Better While Losing Weight?" Isagenix Health, Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 12 June 2017. Web. 11 May 2020. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/protein-shake-breakfast-help-sleep-better-losing-weight/.