Page 30 - April 2024

Cooking for Healing: Spices

Basil

Basil, known scientifically as Ocimum
basilicum, is a popular culinary herb

with a variety of health benefits. It’s
bright taste makes it popular in both raw
and cooked dishes. It is also a very easy

and popular herb to grow in a garden.
It can grow easily in the ground or in a

small container, inside or outside. Along
with it’s popularity and ease to grow, here
are some of the potential benefits of basil:

Rich in Antioxidants: Basil contains

essential oils such as eugenol,
linalool, and citronellol, which
possess antioxidant properties. These

antioxidants help neutralize harmful free
radicals in the body, reducing oxidative

stress and lowering the risk of chronic
diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Compounds found in basil, such as

eugenol, have anti-inflammatory
effects. Consuming basil may help
reduce inflammation in the body,

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