By: Jean summer
Basil is considered one of the healthiest herbs. It’s best when fresh, and it has an impressive list of nutrients. Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting, is one of them. Just two tablespoons of basil provides 29 percent of the daily recommended value.
Basil also provides vitamin A, which contains beta-carotenes, which are a powerful antioxidant that protects the cell lining from free radical damage. Vitamin A also protects other body structures including the blood vessels, from free radical damage. This helps prevent cholesterol in blood from oxidizing which helps to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke.
Other vitamins and minerals in basil include iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium. Basil also has antibacterial properties and contains DNA-protecting flavonoids.
Basil is also anti-inflammatory, which can provide relief from arthritis.