Nutritional values of basil
As with all herbs , do not look for calories! During a diet, herbs are recommended primarily with spices to help vary the menus and make them less monotonous while lightness. Basil, like all his friends in the aromatic garden, is a concentrate of antioxidants . Essential agents for the protection against free radicals, the antioxidants of basil prevent the appearance of certain cancers, the aging of the skin and preserve cardio-vascular diseases. Studies have even proven its hypoglycemic effect on diabetic subjects. Basil is a vitamin K mine. Necessary for the production of proteins that play on the coagulation of blood, it is also involved in bone formation. Prefer dried basil that concentrates more beneficial molecules than fresh basil.
How to integrate basil in the diet?
With hundreds of varieties around the globe, basilic surprises with its diversity: the classic basil "Roman" is the one most often found on market stalls. It is the ideal basil for pesto sauce, mixed with pine nuts, garlic , parmesan and tied with olive oil . For an original touch, do not hesitate to turn to varieties such as red basil: its culture and taste are identical to green basil, but its dark purple color promises a touch of red for a pesto unpublished. Producers compete to create new extravagant species that will be a real added value to all your dishes: basil-strawberry, basil-lemon and even basil-chocolate, these specimens will amaze you! Marinate strawberries in a syrup based on one of these basilics or sliced on fresh fruit, blow up your desserts in an original way!
