This is an herb in the mint family. It adds flavor to meals, and its nutrients may provide health benefits. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) plays a role in many Mediterranean, and particularly Italian, cuisines. It forms the basis of pesto and adds a distinctive flavor to salads, pasta, pizza, and other dishes. Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines also feature this herb. In the diet, sweet basil can provide vitamins, minerals, and a range of antioxidants.

Benefits

• Reducing oxidative stress
• Supporting liver health
• Fighting cancer
• Protecting against skin aging, helps to improve skin hydration and reduce roughness and wrinkling.
• Reducing high blood sugar
• Supporting cardiovascular health
• Boosting mental health
• Reducing inflammation and swelling.
• Combatting infection

Nutrition per table spoon – 2.6gm.

Calcium (mg) 4.6, Vitamin A (mcg, RAE), 6.9, Beta carotene (mcg) 81.7, Beta cryptoxanthin (mcg) 1.2, Lutein and zeaxanthin (mcg)147.0, Vitamin K (mcg) 10.8.

Beyond these nutrients, basil contains various B vitamins, traces of iron and other minerals, and a range
of additional antioxidants.