Image source: Dr. Axe
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.
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.
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