Archive for March 11th, 2007
Basil is a herb for all seasons
Basil is one of the most commonly used of all herbs in cooking, and there are many recipes that are enhanced by this minty, aromatic plant. Many cooks like to grow fresh basil in an herb garden, for an endless supply of the freshest, best tasting herb for their recipes. Basil is quite easy to grow, and quiet inexpensive as well, so serious cooks should definitely consider growing their own basil.
Of course the dried basil found in supermarkets, whole food centers and health food stores is perfectly fine as well. The key is to buy only the top quality basil from the best manufacturers. The less processing this important herb goes through on its way to market, the more of its important health benefits it will be able to maintain.
Nutritional advantages of basil
Basil is rich in a variety of important nutrients, most notably calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin C. In addition, basil is a good source of iron, potassium and magnesium.
Basil has a long and storied history, and the name basil is actually derived from an old Greek word “basilikohn”, which translates to “royal”. This fact helps to illustrate that basil was held in quite high regard by many ancient cultures around the world, both for its great taste and its many health benefits. This high regard for basil continues to this day, with basil being a symbol of love in Italy and a symbol of hospitality in India.
Basil is believed to have significant health effects, particularly in improving the health of the cardiovascular system. In addition, basil is a particularly good source of vitamin A, which is an essential ingredient of strong eyesight and healthy skin and hair. Basil contains high concentrations of carotenoids like beta carotene, and these substances are converted to vitamin A in the body. Beta carotene offers even more benefits than vitamin A alone, and it is known to be a strong antioxidant.
Antioxidants are important because they help prevent the cell damage that occurs from so called free radicals in the body. These free radicals are a natural part of the cell cycle, and they cannot be prevented. It is, however, possible to mitigate the damage done by these free radicals by eating a diet that is rich in antioxidant vitamins like beta carotene.
What to love about basil
In addition to its important health benefits, basil is one of the most delicious herbs on the market, and it is for this good taste that basil is most well known. While basil is a staple of Italian cooking, it is used in a wide variety of recipes in other cuisines as well. If you open your favorite cookbook, chances are you will see page after page of recipes that use this versatile and delicious spice.
When choosing dried basil, however, it is important to choose those brands that have been on the market a long time, and those that are made using the highest quality manufacturing processes. That is because how spices are handled after harvesting can have a significant impact on their health benefits. Choosing the highest quality basil will help you reap the many rewards of this popular herb.
The Acai berry is a well-kept secret of the Amazon
For many years, the acai berry has been a well-kept secret, but that is beginning to change. Today more and more people are discovering the health enhancing power of this antioxidant rich food from the Amazon.
The acai berry is a dark purple berry that is very rich in a number of nutrients, including all important antioxidant vitamins. The acai berry grows naturally on the top of the many palm trees found in the rain forests of Brazil and the Amazon. The fruit of this tree is harvested in the wild by local farmers and used to make a fruit bulb with is quickly frozen to preserve its nutritional value.
The power of the acai berry
Acai berries contain very high concentrations of nutrients known as anthocyanins. These chemicals are the same ones thought to give red wine its many health benefits. In addition, the acai berry contains large amounts of protein and fiber, as well as healthy omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
It is easy to see, therefore, why the acai berry and its fruit pulp has been gaining popularity so steadily. Those concerned about their good health have long been looking for a ready source of antioxidants, protein, fiber and fatty acids, and the little acai berry contains all these important elements and more.
There are many places to purchase acai berries and the juice made from them. These sources include health food stores and whole food retailers. As the acai berry grows in popularity it is likely that even traditional grocery stores will begin to carry this special fruit and juice products made from it. For now, however, the acai berry and juice can be found mainly at specialty and organic grocery stores.
In addition, there are also a number of internet retailers who sell a wide variety of products made from the acai berry. These products include the fresh frozen juice made from the rich pulp of the acai berry, and this is one of the most nutritious product made from this antioxidant rich food.
What to look for
When shopping for acai berry products, however, it is important to buy only from the most reliable suppliers, since how the product is harvested and packaged can have a significant impact on its nutritional value. It is important that the acai berry be wild harvested, and even more important that it be quickly frozen to retain its all important nutrient value. Products that have sat on the shelf too long, or those that were packaged improperly will lose a significant portion of their healthful benefits.
Fortunately, there are a number of excellent manufacturers who sell a wide variety of acai berry products that have been harvested and packaged using the traditional methods of the farmers of the Amazon. These traditional farmers have been working with the acai berry for many years, and they understand how to harvest, freeze and package these delicious berries to retain their nutritional value and their good taste. After all, these farmers have long known of the many benefits of the acai berry, and they are eager to share those health benefits with the rest of the world.