Top health benefits of basil

Basil is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine and Thai cooking. Basil an extraordinary medicinal herb offers remedy for a lot of ailments including cancer.


Proven anti-oxidant and cancer fighter.


One of the top super foods,basil is medially proven to combat cancer. Flavonoids and anti-oxidant properties of basil protect cell structures from free radicals.Munching  few leaves of basil daily is good for overall health and wellness.


Are you suffering from aching joints? Then try eating basil.A research says that when it comes to easing pain and swelling due to arthritis eating basil leaves reduced joint swelling and inflammation within just 24 hours up to 73 per cent.


For asthma & bronchitis to arthritis and skin diseases take few herbal leaves (pour just-boiled water over the fresh leaves) or add to  curries or salads.


Basil prevents diabetes by reducing blood-glucose levels.


Basil oil may be used for skin care & in the treatment for acne.


Chicken basil soup: Thai style


Ingredients-

1 table spoon vegetable or olive oil
1 medium sized chilly chopped
2 teaspoon(s) finely chopped fresh ginger
3 clove(s) garlic, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper
3 tablespoon(s) low-sodium fish sauce
2 cups chicken broth
3 cup(s) water
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely diced,
1/2 kg skinless chicken thighs, finely diced
1 pack rice noodles
2tsp fresh lime juice


In a frying pan, heat oil.  Add onion  and cook for 10 minutes or until lightly brown and tender and stir well. Add 1 tablespoon fish sauce; ginger, garlic, crushed pepper, and  cook for a minute.


Add water, chicken broth and half of basil; boil the contents. Reduce the heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Uncover; and  Stir in chicken and uncooked noodles; Boil for a minute.

Remove the pan fro heat, Skim off fat. To serve add remaining fish sauce and basil and lime juice. Garnish with basil sprigs before serving. Serve with additional fish sauce. Makes about 12 -15 cups.