Basil - The Real Deal Herb

Brigitte Lotriet
Jul 1, 2016
2 min read

Herbs are often overlooked by those endeavouring to up their nutrient intake and ‘get healthier’.

Basil is one of my very very favourites as it’s easy to grow in a small pot on your balcony, allowing you a convenient and economical way of enjoying one of the yummiest of things : PESTO!

Basil is quiet a unique gem with health-protecting benefits and even anti-bacterial properties.

This is due to the flavonoids orientin and vicenin which provide protection at cellular level for our white blood cells as well as the structure of our chromosomes against radiation and oxygen-based damage. Basil also helps protect us against unwanted bacterial growth due to its oil profile. These oils (knowns as volatile oils: estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene and limonene) restrict the growth of many bacteria including Listeria monocytogenes (causes food poisoning) and Staphylococcus aureus (causes respiratory infections and sinusitis) amongst others. The eugenol in basil has an enzyme-inhibiting effect and qualifies the food as an “anti-inflammatory” that can provide healing benefits and symptomatic relief for people suffering from inflammatory bowel conditions and rheumatoid arthritis.

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. The vitamin A in Basil helps prevent cholesterol build up in the blood vessels and in turn prevents the development of heart attacks and strokes.

Studies have shown that adding basil or thyme to your washing solution at even as low as a 1% concentration resulted in a dramatic decrease in bacteria. So while scientist test this further as a natural food preservative, add basil to your cooking whenever you can - in your next salad dressings or fresh to salads as it’s not only delicious but also helps ensure the produce you consume is safe.

Here is a basic Basil Pesto Recipe I use as often as I have a good crop of Basil in my balcony pots:

Ingredients:

3/4 Good Handfuls of Freshly picked Basil (pull little stalks off but don’t get too finicky)

2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil / My Fav: Macadamia Oil

Sea Salt

Ground Black Pepper

1/2 Clove of Garlic - chopped

1 Squeeze of Lemon Juice (optional)

Method:

Grind or puree the garlic and basil leaves with a pinch of salt (add more garlic if you want the taste to pop through more). Use a food processor/hand blender or for those who enjoy working out in their kitchen mortal and pestle.
Stir in your oil of choice until you have an oozy consistency.
Season to taste and add your squeeze of lemon juice if you want to give it a little twang - and “Hey Pesto ;)”

You can add pine nuts for a fuller nuttier taste and even parmesan cheese in one handful portions if you want to make this more sophisticated for a party.