It's all about the Basil Baby!

Mention basil and everyone knows what you're talking about. Even those that don't cook know what basil is.

So basil it is.

As far as modern day basil is concerned, it all started with pesto!  Pesto is great on pasta, pizza, fish, chicken, hey even crackers.  You can make a meal taste amazing, just by slathering basil pesto on it.

Basil has a long history steeped in ancient medicinal cures.  Yep, if you have a stomach ache, need to calm yourself or end up with scorpion bite, just slap on the basil leaves.  Whether or not you have basil in your pocket when a scorpion bites, well that's another story.

The Health Benefits of Basil

Basil is an anti-inflammatory herb that provides healing benefits and relief for those with inflammatory health issues such as, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions, IBS.

Nutrient's found in basil: Calcium, Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene,  Magnesium and Potassium.

Basil is a fantastic source for vitamin A ("pro-vitamin A") and is high in beta carotene.  Beta-carotene is a powerful anti-oxidant that protects the blood vessels from free radical damage. It also helps to prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood. Oxidized cholesterol can build up in blood vessel walls, creating the process and development of atherosclerosis, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.

Free radicals can also contribute to: asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Beta-carotene that is found in the beautiful basil leaf may help to slow down the progression of these conditions and protect the cells from further damage. Not a bad deal from such a little leaf!

Magnesium in basil helps the blood flow to the heart. It works as a relaxant for the heart muscle and blood vessels. This lessons the risk of an irregular heart beat. 

It really is all about the basil baby! 

Fast Yummy Incredibly Easy Raw Basil Pesto

You'll need:

• 3/4 - 1 cup organic raw pine nuts or walnuts (for those w/nut allergies try raw sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup fresh organic* fresh basil (de-stemmed)
• 2 - 3 Tbsp organic unfiltered cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 Tbsp organic* lemon juice (squeezed lemons)
• 2-3 small organic* garlic cloves
• 1 tsp Celtic sea salt, Himalayan salt or kosher salt**
• 1/2 cup filtered water, use a few tablespoons at a time.  You may not need all of it.

*Organic produce coding at the supermarket starts with the #8 and has 5 digits total.

**Try dulse flakes instead of salt to up your intake of iodine.

1. Add all the ingredients to the food-processor or blender. My personal favorite is: Vitamix blender.  (Great to use for smoothie's also!)
2. Pulse the mixture adding 1 Tbsp of water until you reach the desired consistency you want for the sauce. It's personal!
3. Serve & Enjoy on anything from pasta, veggies, baked potatoes, toast, fish,  AND you can use to bring down the swelling from a mosquito bite!

Not too shabby!  Basil: Get healthy, Eat Basil! 

What do you use basil for?  I'd love hear.