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 - Lemon Basil Aioli

Lemon basil is one of those must have herbs after the mainstay herbs are in. The citrus highlights and flavor are very unique. This recipe for Lemon Basil Aioli is great on chicken or fish. Basil will be our herb of the week at the Farmers Market.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup finely chopped Lemon Basil
2 tablespoons of mayonnaise (make your own)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
3 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients together and let the flavors combine. Refrigerate if not used right away.

Kick It Up

1. Add a clove of black garlic
2. Make your own mayonnaise
3. Use lime juice instead of lemon