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 - Thai Basil with Sesame Noodles

Thai Basil has that wonderful cinnamon like flavor, and beautiful dark green and purple leaves. Sounds good already. It grows rapidly and likes to be harvested to stimulate new growth. This recipe for Thai Basil and Sesame Noodles is good for the vegetarian basil lovers.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon peanut oil (or coconut oil)
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1 head of garlic, minced
3 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
1 pound angel hair pasta or Chinese egg noodles
12 scallions (green onions), thin sliced
1/2 cup chopped and roasted peanuts
1/2 cup thin sliced Thai Basil leaves

Directions

1. Heat peanut oil over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic; saute 1 minute. Set aside in a bowl. Add next 6 ingredients. Whisk to blend.
2. Cook noodle with water and salt until just tender, stirring. Drain and rinse until cool. Mix with sauce. Add green onions and mix to coat noodles. Let stand ant room temperature until flavors are mixed. Maybe 1 hour. Stir in peanuts and Thai Basil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature.

Kick it up

1. Add some finely gratted carrots
2. Add 2 heads of garlic
3. Add some Thai peppers