or simply basil. Basil is most commonly used fresh in recipes. In general, it is added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor. Important if used in cooking to place in hot liquids at the last minute because the dried herb, like the fresh leaf basil also loses most of its flavor if over cooked, and what little flavor remains tastes very different, with a weak coumarin flavor, like hay.
In the diet, sweet basil can provide vitamins, minerals, and a range of antioxidants. Its essential oil with several medicinal benefits.
One of the best health benefits of Basil is that it is another excellent source of antioxidants as well! Basil contains water soluble flavonoids called rientin and viceninare which can help to protect white blood cells. Basil is also known to help fight free radical damage.