Basil - Does Holy Basil Deserves To Be Part Of The Dash Diet?

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Basil definitely deserves to be mentioned in the Dash Diet book, here is why!

While some herbs are called “Queens,” basil is called the “King of All Herbs.” A native of India, basil (ocimum basiilcum) was brought most probably to Greece during the time of Alexander the Great.

Its name comes from the Greek word_ basileus_ (which means ‘king’). The herb grows to about 30-60 cm and it has lovely green leaves and white flowers (there are different basil types with different leaves color). Parts used are mainly leaves.

This fresh and highly aromatic rejuvenating basil is known by its juicy and *appetizing rich in flavor leaves. The basil has rather pleasant taste (although not all love it) and it is a great culinary herb frequently used by chiefs and consumers.

Basil can be used in soups (it is simply delicious in tomato soups), as an addition to salads, to make Italian healthy basil pesto with olive oil, mixed with other vegetables and in salad dressings.

As a preparation tip: always add fresh (fresh and young leaves have the best flavor) basil leaves at the end of cooking. Otherwise, if basil is cooked it will lose fast its aroma and leaves will become darker. To get the best out of the basil flavor, aroma and texture, add your basil as an additional flavor to your soups when cooking is done. Stir in basil just before serving.

Basil is not only excellent for cooking. It can be also used as a natural medicine to combat diseases: as a natural disinfectant, for easing nervous irritability or to calm digestive system.

Basil Benefits

Fresh basil leaves are oily and they contain essential oils such as: eugenol, falvonoids, estrageole and antioxidant activity mainly coming from flavonoids found in the green basil.

Basil is excellent herb for digestive organs and it has antimicrobial activity on intestinal pathogens. Basil also belongs to a group of herbs with anti-inflammatory, anticancer and protective properties. Here are more basil health benefits:

• Helps with the symptoms of constipation, stomach cramps, indigestion and vomiting
• Lessens depression and headache
• It can help with weight loss diet plan
• Improves blood circulation
• Easy colds, flu, coughs and sinusitis
• Relieves nausea
• Treats bad breath and headaches

Basil Dangers

Even though tasty and healthy, basil should not be used as a medicine and in big amounts, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding. People with kidney problems or liver should also avoid basil in big amounts (especially avoid basil volatile oil) because they will have troubles to eliminate it from the body.

However, when used in cooking as seasoning, basil should be safe to use.

Basil vs. Dash Diet

The Dash Diet Action Plan Book is written by Marla Heller. This is the #1 ranked book proven to lower blood pressure in no more than 14 days. The book contain valuable diet program and meal plans rich with fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and other healthy principles not only ideal for lowering blood pressure but also maintaining a healthy weight and to reduce the risk of other diseases.

No question whether or not basil, the “King Of All Herbs” deserves to be mentioned in the Dash Diet book. But, until you find that out, start enjoying already now the healthy benefits and the taste of the wonderfully flavorful pesto sauce made with basil, garlic and olive oil.

Did you know: while some say that if you carry basil in your pocket you will always attract money others claim that the scent of fresh basil causes sympathy between two people. When arguing with your lover, or want to sooth tempers with your beloved partner, rub fresh leaves against your skin.