Basil Basics

A common plant grown in herb gardens is sweet basil or O. basilicum. Basil is an antioxidant rich plant commonly used for medicinal purposes. The crude herb can be used for seasoning food and can be consumed fresh, dried, cooked, and boiled.

This aromatic herb contains antioxidants that prevent damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidative properties are derived from the polyphenols found in the plant; chicoric, rosmarinic, m-coumaric, caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids. In a study done on rats with lung inflammation, rosmarinic acid had shown to reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs. Furthermore basil also provides small amounts of phosphorus (beneficial for bone and teeth health, and nerve function) and zinc (immunity, healing, and skin health). The most notable vitamin found in basil is vitamin K which supports healthy teeth and bones. 

Add some fresh basil leaves to brighten up your scrambled eggs or your homemade pizza. Have some basil tea in the morning with your breakfast to add a boost of antioxidants to the start of your day. It is packed with flavor and is an aesthetically pleasing addition to any dish to make it picture perfect. Growing it from home makes it cheap and easy to harvest and eat it fresh.

Sources:

Kamelnia E, Mohebbati R, Kamelnia R, El-Seedi HR, Boskabady MH. Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-oxidant effects of Ocimum basilicum L. and its main constituents: A review. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2023;26(6):617-627. doi: 10.22038/IJBMS.2023.67466.14783. PMID: 37275758; PMCID: PMC10237160.