What are the benefits of eating basil?

Answer 1

Basil has two major phytonutrients: flavonoids and volatile oils. Basil can:

• Protect your DNA: The unique array of flavonoids found in basil provide protection at the cellular level. Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids in basil. In studies on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures and chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage.
• Fight infection: The volatile oils in basil, which contain estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene, protect against unwanted growth of numerous bacteria, including: Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Essential oil from basil leaves inhibit strains of bacteria from the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas, all of which are widespread and highly resistant to antibiotics. Washing produce in solution containing just 1% basil essential oil reduces the number of Shigella, an infectious bacteria that triggers diarrhea and may cause significant, undetected intestinal damage. It makes good sense to include basil and thyme in more of your recipes, particularly for foods that are eaten raw, such as salads. Adding fresh basil to your next vinaigrette will not only enhance the flavor of your fresh greens, but will help ensure that the fresh produce you consume is safe to eat.
• Fight inflammation: The eugenol component of basil's volatile oils can block the activity of an enzyme in your body called cyclooxygenase (COX). Many over-the-counter non-steriodal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), including aspirin and ibuprofen, work by inhibiting this same enzyme. This enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies basil as an anti-inflammatory food that can provide relief for people with health problems like rheumatoid Arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.
• Promote cardiovascular health: Basil is a very good source of carotenoids such as beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a more powerful anti-oxidant than retinoid vitamin A and protects epithelial cells (the cells that form the lining of numerous body structures including your blood vessels) from free radical damage. It also helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in your blood stream. Oxidized cholesterol builds up on blood vessel walls, causing atherosclerosis, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The beta-carotene in basil may also help to slow the progression of Asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis while protecting cells from further damage. Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax, thus improving blood flow and lessening the risk of irregular heart rhythms or a spasms of the heart muscle or a blood vessel.

Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and a very good source of iron, calcium and vitamin A. In addition, basil is a good source of dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium.

Basil is a very flavorful and strong-scented herb, so it will add a nice twist to your meal.