31 Days of Raw: Day #6 - Basil

31 Days of Raw: Day #6
Basil

 HERBS! They had completely skipped my mind until I started thinking about medicinal plants. I love fresh herbs, but use dried herbs as well (also known as spices).  This season (and honestly, it’s so hearty, almost any season) you can find plenty of basil. I’m a huge fan of anything Italian or Mediterranean, which basil is always used amply. I try to always keep a fresh basil plant on hand at all times and not eat it completely.  There are SOOOO many wonderful  basil recipes, but I picked an exceptionally easy one for today.  Let’s find out what makes basil so incredible first, though. ;)

Basil

 
Cultural Fun Facts
Native to India, basil was held in great reverence and was used by Indians to swear their oaths in court upon, as well as renown for it’s healing propertieis. 

In Italy, on the other hand, it symbolizes love.  

Italian suitors signaled their love by courting with a sprig of basil in their hair. In Mexico it is carried around in the hope of returning a lover’s roving eye.

Digestion:
Today herbalists recommend basil for nausea and motion sickness, because of basil's antispasmodic properties. Basil's strong taste promotes the production of saliva, letting the body digest food properly.  Anti-bacterial substances in basil can also help clear up infection of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Basil has been found to be particular effective in preventing and treating Shigella, a bacteria that can cause infectious diarrhea.

Respiratory System
Fresh basil contains folic acid, and dried basil is a good source of potassium, iron and calcium. Dried basil is also good for the respiratory system and can be used to treat nose and throat infections.

Immune System
Basil is very low in calories and contains no cholesterol, but is very rich source of many essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.  Basil leaves contain many notable plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.    Basil herb contains many polyphenolic flavonoids like orientin and vicenin. These compounds were tested in vitro laboratory studies for possible anti-oxidant protection against radiation-induced lipid per-oxidation in mouse liver.   Basil herb contains exceptionally high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin A, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zea-xanthin. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS)  that play a role in aging and various disease process. Zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions. Vitamin A is known to have antioxidant properties and is essential for vision. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin A known to helps body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.  Vitamin K in basil is essential for many coagulant factors in the blood and plays vital role in the bone strengthening function by helping mineralization process in the bones.

Anti-Inflammatory
Eugenol, a compound in basil acts as a COX inhibitor, in much the same way as anti-inflammatory drugs do. It therefore has applications in pain management and arthritis treatment.Basil leaves contains many health benefiting essential oils such as eugenol, citronellol, linalool, citral, limonene and terpineol. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Heart Health   
The vitamin A in basil helps protect blood vessel walls from damage. It is also a rich source of magnesium, which helps lower blood pressure.  Basil herb contains good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.  Basil leaves are an excellent source of iron, contains 3.17 mg/100 g of fresh leaves (about 26% of RDA). Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

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Basil, Tomato & Onion Salad

• 2 containers of cherry or grape tomatoes (heirloom is my favorite)
• 10-12 leaves of basil
• 1 red onion
• 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Half your tomatoes, shred or dice your basil, dice red onion fine, toss together with your oil and vinegar and sprinkle some salt and pepper on top to your own tastes.  Voila, very healthy and DELICIOUS! 

Variations:
1. I used to love fresh mozzarella in this salad as well
2.  Place it all in your food processor and pulse - bruchetta topping.
3. Add spinach to those to make it a heartier salad.

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