Basil One of The Worlds Healthiest Foods

Often associated with Italian or Greek cooking, basil is actually one of the most healthy of herbs. From DNA protection to anti-bacterial properties basil is amazingly versatile and health promoting.

In many plants there are active nutrients called flavonoids that protect us at the cellular level. In studies on human with blood cells; these flavonoids in basil protect cell strutures and even chromosomes from radiation and oxidation.

Basil can also protect against bacterial growth, through its volatile oils. Lab studies show that basil can restrict the growth of numerous bacteria. Essential oil of basil, can inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that are resistance to some of the more commonly used antibiotics.

Basil oils can also block the COX enzyme just like many over the counter anti-inflammatory medications. This anti-inflammatory food can provide relief for people suffering from inflammatory health problems like arthritis.

Basil and its oils can inhibit free radical damage and is a good source of magnesium which promotes cardiovascular health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax.

Basil is also a good source of iron, calcium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin K.


Reference: Worlds Healthiest Foods, whfoods.org.

Basil Recipe - Holy Basil Chicken

Holy Basil is an Asian version of basil used in Thailand and surrounding area. Basil will be our featured herb of the week at the farmers market.  The aroma and flavor are exotic, yummy and Asian. This recipe combines chicken, Holy Basil, garlic, chilies and rice. It is the real deal.

Ingredients

3 cups holy basil and a little more for garnish
2 heads garlic, mince the cloves
6 fresh Thai chilies
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch chunks
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
Fresh ground pepper
Jasmine or sticky rice

Directions

1. Mash garlic and chilies together with the flat side of a large knife. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add mixture of chilies and garlic. Cook, stir continually, until garlic is golden brown (30 seconds).
2. Add chicken pieces; cook, stir often, until chicken is fully cooked, 5 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, sugar and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add Holy Basil; cook and stir for 1 minute. Serve over rice. Use basil as garnish.

Kick it up

1. Add fish sauce.
2. Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter
3. Use Thai noodles instead of rice
4. Use shrimp instead of chicken
5. Add some cashews or pine nuts
6. Reduce chilies if you like a milder dish