Page 4 - ROOT May-Jun 2025

Spice It Up: BASIL
Holy Basil! Thankfully, the days of only using or even sprinkled on top of ice cream for an • Maintain healthy blood sugar levels
herbs as decoration are gone. Fresh greens unexpected twist. Dried sweet basil adds bold • Improve brain function, mood, and reduce
like basil are not only flavorful but also packed flavor to pizza, pasta dishes, meats, and stews. anxiety
with health benefits. With several popular Thai basil, on the other hand, holds up better
varieties, basil can elevate both your cooking during cooking. Its sturdy leaves are often As with any natural remedy, it is important
and your well-being. added to hot dishes during preparation, to talk to your doctor before using basil for
Basil is a staple of European and Asian making it perfect for spicy noodle bowls, stir- medicinal purposes. For example, it may
interact with medication like blood thinners.
cooking. Two of the most common types fries, and brothy soups.
are sweet basil and Thai basil. Sweet basil, You can make or buy basil-infused oil. A few Used as a seasoning or ingredient, basil is a
known for its smooth, mild flavor, is the drops of this oil can brighten hot and cold handy item to keep in your refrigerator or
classic choice for dishes like pesto. Thai basil dishes to bring some peppery intensity. pantry. Its flavors range from soft and peppery
has a stronger, slightly licorice-like taste and to bold and aromatic, making it a great addition
is often found in Southeast Asian dishes. In traditional Eastern medicine, this herb has to sweet and savory dishes.
long been used to treat a range of conditions.
When it comes to cooking, sweet basil is usually Today, scientific research supports some of Source:
used fresh. It doesn’t hold up well to heat, so these claims. Basil is rich in vitamin K and https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-thai-basil
it is often added at the end of cooking or used antioxidants, which may help: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-
raw. Fresh leaves can be blended into pesto, basil
chopped into salads, stirred into salsas and dips, • Reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease,
arthritis, and cataracts

spotlight on superfOOds:

STRAWBERRIES

A strawberry is a complete package — beautiful, powerful compounds the fruit contains. To
delicious, and packed with nutrients. Even better, get the most benefits, nibble on your berries
you can find strawberries almost anywhere! when they are at their peak of ripeness.
Strawberries are considered a superfood Strawberries are also a great choice for
because they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, sustainability. The entire fruit is edible,
and minerals. These nutrients support heart, including the green leaves on top. These leaves
brain, and digestive health. They also help contain lots of vitamin C and polyphenols,
lower inflammation and cholesterol and which are known to reduce inflammation. You
reduce the risk of certain cancers. can eat the leaves along with the fruit or add
them to smoothies, tea, salsa, and salads for a
Technically, strawberries are fruits, but they
are not true berries. That is because true subtle, earthy flavor.
berries develop from just one part of a flower, Right now is the perfect time to enjoy
while strawberries form from several parts. strawberries. They are in season and at their
Most people are more focused on how tasty best. Try adding them to your breakfast,
and healthy they are. You might already know lunch, dinner, or dessert for a healthy boost
that strawberries are a great source of vitamin that tastes as good as it looks.
C. In fact, just eight strawberries can give you
more vitamin C than an orange. They are also Source:
high in fiber and folic acid, and surprisingly, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-
they have less sugar than an apple. strawberries
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/
The red color of a strawberry comes from a the-crucial-health-reason-behind-why-you-
group of antioxidants called anthocyanins. shouldnt-throw-out-strawberry-leaves_
The deeper and richer the color, the more uk_664f4c05e4b058247fa1cb63