While there are a lot of foods that we’ll definitely see in heaven, basil has got to be leading the list.

 What a beautiful, flavorful, versatile herb! And loaded with health benefits as well. For instance, consider this long list:

• Basil fights free radical damage; in other words, it helps slow down aging.
• Basil acts as an anti-inflammatory. Basil contains powerful essential oils, including eugenol, citronellol and linalool. These are enzyme-inhibiting oils that help lower inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.
• Basil is packed with phytochemicals, which can help naturally prevent cancer, including chemical-induced skin, liver, oral and lung cancers.
• Basil contains anti-bacterial properties, which strengthen the immune system.
• Basil essential oil has anti-microbial compounds that fight against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses. It helps protect against the candida virus and various forms of skin irritations.
• Basil also acts as a natural adaptogen. Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress and to normalize the harmful effects of stressors on bodily processes.
• Basil is considered an antidepressant because it can positively impact brain function within the adrenal cortex, helping stimulate neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones responsible for making us happy and energetic.
• Because basil is both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food, it helps muscles that control blood vessel function to contract and relax, promoting healthy blood pressure.
• Supports liver function and helps detoxify the body.
• Basil helps balance acid within the body and restores the body’s proper pH level.
• Basil extracts reduce circulating blood glucose levels and inflammation, making it protective against diabetes development and other forms of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, basil helps lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which diabetic patients are at a higher risk for developing.

 And besides being such a healthy food, there’s so much you can do with it. Besides pairing it with fresh tomato and mozzarella, or topping my pizzas with it, my #1 choice, is pesto. If you like pesto as well, you’ll appreciate this fool-proof recipe from the Food Network (www.foodnetwork.com):

 PERFECT PESTO

8 cups packed fresh basil

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (toasted walnuts will work as well)

2 to 4 garlic cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until almost smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

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And now consider many ways you can use this delicious pesto (more good stuff from the Food Network):

1. Pesto Meatballs: Mix 1 pound ground turkey with 1/2 cup each breadcrumbs and pesto, and 1/4 cup each milk and grated Parmesan. Form into small balls. Cook in a nonstick skillet with olive oil, 10 to 12 minutes.


2. Meatballs in Pesto Cream: Make Pesto Meatballs (No. 1); cook until just browned, then add 1 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup pesto and simmer until tender. Stir in 1/2 cup cream and simmer.
3. Pesto Burgers: Make Pesto Meatballs (No. 1) but form into patties and grill. Serve on toasted ciabatta rolls with pesto, mozzarella, tomato and arugula.
4. Pesto Pizza: Split a loaf of French bread and brush with pesto. Top with capicola (spiced and smoked pork shoulder cured in natural casing), shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Broil until the cheese melts.


5. Italian BLT: Spread pesto mixed with mayonnaise on toasted bread; fill with crisp bacon, sliced tomato and arugula or crisp lettuce.


6. Pesto Cream Tortellini: Simmer 1 cup heavy cream with 1/4 cup pesto in a skillet until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Toss with 12 ounces cooked tortellini and 2 cups steamed broccoli.
7. Tuna–White Bean Pasta: Cook 1 sliced garlic clove in a skillet with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 can each drained tuna and white beans, and 1/4 cup pesto. Toss with 12 ounces cooked spaghetti and some torn basil.
8. Pesto Green Beans: Toss 1 pound steamed green beans with 3 tablespoons pesto and the juice of 1/2 lemon.


9. Pesto Chicken Salad: Whisk 3 tablespoons pesto with 1/4 cup each mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir in 4 cups chopped cooked chicken, 1/2 cup chopped celery and 1/4 cup each chopped red onion, walnuts and crisp bacon.
10. Pesto Hummus: Mix 1 cup hummus with 2 tablespoons pesto. Top with chopped mint, toasted pine nuts and a dash of paprika.