It doesn't get better than basil in Italy...

A small garden on the way to my writing workshop in Riomaggiore, Italy.

🤸‍♀️ I have basil on my mind! 🤸‍♀️

🌱 I always associate basil with Italian food and here I am in Italy at a writing workshop and the basil flavor in the foods is more delicious here than at home.

🌱 Basil is good for a lot more than enhancing the flavor of tomatoes!

🌱Basil contains essential oils, including eugenol, citronellol and linalool that help lower inflammation.

🌱 The essential oils in basil also act as anti-microbials.

🌱 Basil essential oil contains anti-oxidants that help protect white blood cells responsible for immune function, along with fighting oxidation and slowing down aging.

🌱 Basil also contains phenolics and anthocyanins which are powerful antioxidants that protect the body from reactive oxygen species that are the main cause of cancerous cell formation.

🌱 Basil consumption has been shown to be helpful in preventing cognitive decline associated with aging. Basil contains manganese, which helps increase the electronic transmitter activity in the brain associated with mental reflexes.

🌱 Basil also contains copper, which can help stimulate the mind.

🌱 A type of basil used historically in India, called Holy Basil is an adaptogen, helping the body deal with emotional and physical stress.

🌱 Basil also helps to balance acid in the body which can improve digestion and immunity by helping the healthy bacteria flourish in the gut.

🌱 Traditionally basil has also been used to help reduce bloating and water retention, loss of appetite stomach cramps, and acid reflux.

🌱 I’m certainly not having a problem with appetite here in Italy, with or without the basil!!!

🥗 So as we go into the summer months in the northern hemisphere, make a special effort to include more fresh basil in your diet. It can be added to salads, pasta dishes, eggs, and you could even add it to a smoothie!
​
☕️ There are also some great teas out there that include holy basil as an ingredient.
How do you enjoy basil during the summer months?

---