Basil is a flavorful, leafy green herb that originated in Asia and Africa. It’s a member of the mint family, and many different varieties exist. Popular as a food seasoning, this aromatic herb is also used in teas and supplements which may provide a range of health benefits.
Is basil as healthy as spinach?
Spinach is slightly richer in carbohydrates and appears to be a part of more scientific studies than basil. On the other hand, basil has more protein and fats. Although the difference in vitamin or mineral quantities is not very significant, spinach contains more vitamins, while basil is slightly higher in minerals.
What food category is basil?
Basil is an herb in the mint family. It adds flavor to meals, and its nutrients may provide health benefits. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) plays a role in many Mediterranean, and particularly Italian, cuisines. It forms the basis of pesto and adds a distinctive flavor to salads, pasta, pizza, and other dishes.
Is basil a healthy green?
Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits come from these antioxidants, as well as its essential oils.
Is basil considered a vegetable?
Herbs are a subset of vegetables, and they are generally composed of strong and flavorful leaves of certain plants, such as dill, oregano, thyme, parsley, sage, cilantro and basil.
Can I replace spinach with basil?
Spinach is fresh, tasty, and milder in its flavor profiles than fresh basil. You can substitute spinach leaves for basil leaves in most applications of the fresh herb, and the resulting dish is very similar. That being said, there are so many possibilities with cooking. It’s all about what works best for you!
Can you eat basil like lettuce?
There are so many kinds of basil to grow including lettuce basil. This plant produces enormous, crinkled leaves that are the perfect size for sandwiches. In fact, the leaves are so big and tasty, they can make a flavorful lettuce replacement.
What type of vegetable is basil?
basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour meats, fish, salads, and sauces; basil tea is a stimulant.
What health benefits does basil have?
Having antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties, basil helps maintain skin health, boosts digestion and detoxifies the body. It also helps in the prevention and cure of diseases like cancer, diabetes and other heart conditions. Fresh basil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, Manganese, Calcium, and essential oils.
What are the side effects of basil?
Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure.
Can you eat too much basil?
Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted. Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot. High intakes could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin ( 37 ).
Is basil good for your liver?
Basil may help prevent fat build-up in the liver and keep your liver healthy. Basil may help prevent fat build-up in the liver and keeps your liver healthy. Basil also helps restore the body’s natural pH levels and feeds healthy bacteria within the gut microflora.
Is eating basil good for you?
Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese; a very good source of copper, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), and vitamin C; and a good source of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids making it quite nutrient rich!
Do herbs count as greens?
Since herbs are plants just like vegetables, they are physically, biochemically and nutritionally quite similar to leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach and kale. Yet we typically do not eat fresh herbs in the same ways and quantities as vegetables.
Which herb has the most health benefits?
Here are 10 of the world’s healthiest herbs and spices, supported by research.
- Ginger Can Treat Nausea and Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties.
- Fenugreek Improves Blood Sugar Control.
- Rosemary Can Help Prevent Allergies and Nasal Congestion.
- Garlic Can Combat Sickness and Improve Heart Health.
Does cilantro count as a leafy green?
The term “leafy greens” does not include herbs such as cilantro or parsley.
Is basil high in iron?
Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It’s also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Is fresh basil better than dried?
Herbs like dill, parsley, and basil lose or change flavor when dried. Parsley, when dried, loses all of the fresh flavor that makes it worthwhile as an herb. Dehydrated basil, on the other hand, tastes more like mint than fresh basil — a flavor that won’t complement your pasta dish very well.
Is basil high in fiber?
Helps you meet your fiber quota.
Just 1 tablespoon (13 grams or 0.5 ounces) of basil seeds supplies 7 grams of fiber — 25% of the RDI.
Is basil a diuretic?
Being a diuretic, basil also keeps urination problems at bay. Basil extracts are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Basil leaves are packed with essential oils like eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene which help the pancreatic beta cells (i.e. cells that store and release insulin) function properly.
Can you eat fresh basil leaves in a salad?
Fresh herbs can add an unexpected punch of flavor to any salad. (Even healthy protein-packed salads!) Because herbs are easily grown in small containers indoors, you can have access to fresh basil, cilantro, chives and other herbs all year long.