Basil is an aromatic herb in the mint family, the same family like many other beneficial, nutrient-dense herbs in the garden. Those herbs include mint, oregano and rosemary.
Obviously, basil is used to add flavor to a variety of dishes, ranging from a classic pasta with marinara and basil sauce to a simple caprese salad. But did you know that there are 35 different types of basil AND basil is chock full of health benefits? Yep, that’s right!
Let’s get to the headline and check out 10 health benefits of basil.
10. Anti-Inflammatory
9. Anti-Bacterial
8. Antioxidant-Rich
7. Anti-Stress Solution
6. Blood Vessel Protector
5. Cancer Fighter
4. Diabetes Preventer
3. Immune Booster
2. Liver Protector
1. Pain Reducer
With that said, it’s time to experiment with basil in Italian, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, etc. cuisine because it’s a versatile herb that’s tasty as the lone herb in a dish or combined with other herbs in a dish. Just remember to look for basil with brightly colored leaves to make sure that they’re fresh for a little longer of a shelf life.
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