The Nutritional Benefits of Basil
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The Basil in my Garden
Basil grows in my flower garden and my flowers like it! Every week or so I go out and pinch off a few of the top leaves to use in my salad or tomato sauce. It has a strong aromatic scent. No wonder, it's a relative of the peppermint plant. I've wondered about its nutritional benefits for awhile now, so decided to do a little research. I was right, basil's nutritional benefits are many.
Basil's volatile oils contain antibacterial agents to ward off unwanted bacterial growth. It contains flavonoids that protect our white blood cells and regulate cholesterol levels. Basil is great for the heart, helping to regulate irregular heartbeats, and also has anti inflammatory agents, which benefit those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. The antioxidants in basil protect our cell linings, while beta carotene protects our blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals.
The vitamins in basil include magnesium and potassium, for heart health, Vitamin A (beta carotene) to protect our blood vessels, Vitamin C to help strengthen our lungs (it is good for those who have asthma), and Vitamin K, which is needed for our blood to clot. Basil also contains calcium and iron! I've included a chart below to show you the vitamins contained in basil and their amounts.
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Is that where you live? My step son and his wife live in Las Vegas. My basil has survived 100 deg. days so it will probably do fine.
well, isn't it a tiny world?
We live in the S.W. off Jones Blvd.
You're keeping up pretty good with my hubs tonight, Writer 20. Thank you so much for reading them.
Susie: I love using basil when I cook. I had no idea I was doing anything healthy for myself, I only knew that basil improved the flavour of what I was cooking. Thank you!
You're welcome, Dave. Thanks for reading this hub, and now you know some things about basil that you didn't know before!
Hi Susie, very informative hub. I often make caprese salad: mozarella cheese, fresh basil and vine ripened tomatoes with a little dash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top - fresh and very delicious!
Yum, that sounds good. I love it with feta cheese. mmmmm...
OMG! I have grown tons of basil in my garden just because I love it, but had no idea that it was so beneficial. What a wonderful article on the nutritional benefits of basil. Will bookmark this and pass it on to friends and family...and facebook too!
Hi Susie, my neighbour gave me a pot of Basil just yesterday, I have it on my windowsill and it smells wonderful.
I had no idea of the nutritional benefits of Basil, great hub thank you for sharing.
Thank you both, Vocalcoach and Movie Master (my friend, Cloverleaf's mother!) Yes, basil is full of goodies to keep us healthy!
Hi Susieq! I knew it was good for us, but not how much! Great info! :) I only knew darker green veggies/herbs were high in vitamin K cos of my dad's heart. We had to try to keep them away from him and he loved his okra! I didn't know this was minty though! I think I'll pick up some fresh if they have it next time I make it to the grocer! Seems like a good natural scent for the kitchen too. I miss mom's cooking:) v-up!
Welcome, Katharella! Yes, it is good for us. I eat it fresh in green salads. Thanks for visiting!
I really like basil and appreciate all the information you included in this hub. I should try to grow some also.
Yes, it's very easy to grow and it's so good for you! Thanks for reading. Much appreciation...
Hey SusieQ42! I just love your "green" hubs. I enjoy the aroma of basil in the garden and while cooking. Fresh basil tastes best! I had no idea it has antitoxin and antibacterial benefits! Thanks for more great information!
Thanks, Lenore. I wondered about it so decided to do some research. I was surprised to find how good it is too!
This is great, I grow basil too, but I have more luck with the purple so I use the green dried that I buy. I have to watch my potassium not running too high so glad you included that info, it seems to be low enough to be safe. I will certainly be adding more more often, great hub!
It's still warm here in Florida so my basil continues to grow. I picked some the other day and put it in spanish rice. It gave it a great flavor, along with onion and garlic. Thanks for reading; so many don't have any idea how good it is!
Thanks dear Susie, for this wonderful information. You ve informed me. Great work. Voted useful, awesome, beautiful and interesting
I appreciate your support, Ubani! Come
writer20 Level 8 Commenter 9 months ago
If I had only realized Basil looked so beautiful I would have bought it before now. Thank you for the info. on it.
Really calories in the pill maybe only 7 but really?
I'll have to find out if it can thrive here in the Nevada heat and morning sun.