Nutritional Information for Basil
Adding basil (and other spices/ herbs) to a dish not only increases the flavor, but it quickly increases the antioxidant content of the meal. Basil contains beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant often looked at for its ability to help inhibit cancer growth.
Benefits of Basil
Cancer Prevention Benefits
Extracts of basil leaves have been found to be protective against radiation, in vitro. It works as an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects, able to quench free radical damage. There are many flavonoids, polyphenols and tannins found in basil extracts that are associated with an ability to lower cancer growth in various types of cancerous cells. Rosmarinic acid, chicoric acid and caftaric acid are other compounds studied for their anti-cancer effects.
Eating fruits and vegetables have been shown to provide cancer protection. Some of the natural compounds in these foods have been targeted to see how they may affect cancer cell growth, in vitro. Herbs and spices like basil, chili peppers and curcumin (active ingredient in turmeric) seem to have active compounds that can alter the initiation and the progression (growth) of cancerous cells that affect the digestive system. Lastly, another in vitro study found that basil has been known to lessen the toxic effects of a carcinogen on white blood cells – immune cells.
Men's Health Benefits
Cell studies have found basil may help lower blood pressure and blood clotting, two factors commonly associated with heart health. Other cell studies have shown that basil may have antidiabetic properties. Once again more human trials are needed to confirm findings.
Ways to Use Basil
- Add fresh basil in smoothies, salads, stews and even yogurt!
- Try our recipes that contain basil
- Add dried or fresh basil to Italian dishes (marinara sauce, eggplant, etc.)
- Pile fresh basil leaves to a mashed chickpea sandwich
- Toss dried or fresh basil in your pasta sauces or pasta salads
- Add fresh or dried basil to minestrone soup
- Toast a baguette slice, brush with extra-virgin olive oil, top with sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves
- Infuse water with basil and lemon slices (option: add strawberries)
- Make homemade pesto. Serve on sautéed veggies and whole wheat or bean/lentil noodles
Resources for Basil
American Institute for Cancer Research: www.aicr.org
Nutrition Facts: www.NutritionFacts.org
Physicians Committee: www.pcrm.org
USDA Nutrient Database: Basil
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