The basil plant, scientific name Ocimum basilicim, contains health benefiting essential oils such as Eugenol, which is believed to be an anti-inflammatory remedy. Other anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits found to be in basil are Citronellol, Linalool, Citral, Limonene, and Terpineol.
Various basil types will have different benefits, but the nutritional information below offers a good general average of Daily Value health benefits contained 100 grams of the plant.
Calcium: 18%
Copper: 43%
Iron: 40%
Magnesium: 16%
Manganese: 57%
Potassium 19%
Zinc: 7%
Protein 3 grams
Vitamin A 100%
Vitamin B6 6%
Vitamin C 30%
Vitamin E 0.80 mg
Vitamin K 345% of RDA
Basil has zero daily value of polyunsaturated, saturated, monounsaturated and total fat.
Holy basil has traditionally been known to have digestive tract health benefits. In addition, it has known to be anti-stress, anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory detoxifying and help with your immune system.