Basil AKA the Garden of Youth

Fun Facts

-Basil has been known to neutralize free radicals (which cause oxidative damage in your cells)

-It normalizes levels of cortisol, lowers blood pressure, and decreases creatine kinase (super high stress enzyme) 

-Helps the heart by reducing LDL and triglycerides

-Helps acne by killing the bacteria that cause it

Also helps protect against: 

-Cancer

-Diabetes

-Eye problems

-Pain relief

-Wound healing

-Gout

-Ulcers

-Malaria 

Many people think basil originated in Italy, but it originated in India. The Italians, however, did use basil in many recipes and invented pesto.

You can buy it fresh or ground. If you buy a basil plant, water it often and keep it in warm sunlight. 

Use dried basil in cooking and fresh basil in the last few minutes of cooking, or a cold dish, like this one:

 

Try:

Adding basil to sanwhiches

Put fresh leaves in a bottle of white wine vinegar with olive oil for dressing

Making pesto!