Basil Seed: Yes Indeed Eat This Seed!

by Mila McManus MD

Yes, indeed, eating basil seeds is good for you. For centuries, they have been used as a natural remedy in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.

Have you ever heard of eating basil seeds? They are indeed very good for you! Basil seeds have been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries as a natural remedy for indigestion, ulcers, diarrhea, fever reducer, and protection against radiation. They stimulate the nervous system and protect against oxidative DNA damage and gene mutations. Other names for them are sweet basil, sabja, and tukmaria seeds.

Nutritional Benefits

These tiny black seeds aren’t just for growing basil herbs but are deeply nutritious edible seeds. Similar to chia seeds, basil seeds are a nutritional powerhouse and are often referred to as a superfood or a functional food. Check out these impressive nutrition facts!

Basil seeds:

Are lectin-free, unlike the chia seed. For information about lectins, look here.
Are a substantial source for calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Contain significantly higher concentrations of vitamin E than flaxseeds.
Are an excellent antioxidant.
Are anti-inflammatory and have anticancer properties.
Are full of healthy unsaturated fat, quality protein, and all of the carbohydrates are fiber, making them ideal for maintaining stable blood sugar.
Are high in soluble fiber, including pectin, which nourishes favorable gut bacteria, promotes satiety, helps with blood sugar control, and improves cholesterol. Basil seeds have TWICE the fiber as chia.
Are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. One tablespoon provides the recommended daily intake.

Using Basil Seeds

It’s best to soak basil seeds for 15 minutes [1 Tablespoon in 8 ounces of water or other liquid] before using them in recipes, unless the recipe contains a lot of liquid, such as a soup, in which case pre-soaking would not be needed. The seeds will triple in size and then can be added to smoothies and protein shakes, used in homemade lemonade and other drinks, soups, salad dressings, yogurt, puddings, and oatmeal. If using them in baked goods, you can grind them and use them to replace part of the flour rather than adding them soaked. They also can be used as an egg replacer; 1 tablespoon soaked in 3 tablespoons of water will replace one egg in a recipe. You will find many recipes on the web as well as numerous quality brands.

Yes indeed! Eat this seed, and be well.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/basil-seeds

Calderón Bravo H, Vera Céspedes N, Zura-Bravo L, Muñoz LA. Basil Seeds as a Novel Food, Source of Nutrients and Functional Ingredients with Beneficial Properties: A Review. Foods. 2021 Jun 24;10(7):1467. doi: 10.3390/foods10071467. PMID: 34202798; PMCID: PMC8303141.

By Mila McManus MD|2025-03-12T06:09:48-06:00March 13th, 2025|Articles, General|

CM Core*: Cardiometabolic Health

CM Core is designed to address several factors associated with ideal cardiometabolic health and backed by extensive clinical research. The combination of berberine and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) helps to maintain heart function, metabolism, antioxidant status, and lipid and glucose levels. It provides a powerful formula for those seeking to optimize the multiple mechanisms of cardiovascular and metabolic health.

CM Core enhances cell signaling for efficient ATP (energy) production and supports blood sugar balance. It also supports healthy cholesterol levels.

Berberine is a plant extract that has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for over 2500 years. It has a broad range of health-promoting properties. It can be found in the roots and stems of plants such as goldenseal, goldenthread, and barberry. Berberine works to support normal blood pressure, normal heart contraction and rhythm, as well as healthy cholesterol levels. It has also been shown to promote uptake of glucose without requiring insulin. This promotes better glucose usage within the cell.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a nutrient required for cellular metabolism, specifically the breakdown of carbohydrates and fatty acids. ALA supports blood sugar balance by activating a major regulator of cellular energy called AMPK. Lipoic acid is also an antioxidant, supports nerve and liver health, and is important for circulatory health.

As your provider if CM Core is right for you!

*Taken from the product information sheet at https://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/cm-core/

By Mila McManus MD|2021-05-03T16:26:34-06:00May 5th, 2021|General|

Product of the Month Resveragen™

Klaire Labs®

Resveratrol is found in plants where it is designed to help increase the life span of the plant by making them resistant to disease, injury, and stressors. In the human body, resveratrol is known for a host of anti-aging protective benefits including[1]:

Combating damaging free radicals in the body
Reducing inflammation
Has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
Has an especially potent neuroprotective effect
Improves mitochondrial health by promoting autophagy (self-cleaning), see Main Article
Protecting against depression
Improving brain blood flow and suppressing brain inflammation
May be able to make cancerous tumors more vulnerable to conventional cancer treatments (i.e. chemotherapy and radiation) and reduce side effects of treatment

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant activity found in grapes, wine, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, mulberries, pomegranate, ginger, and organic dark chocolate or raw cacao. The typical 5-oz glass of red wines contains about 0.5 mg trans-resveratrol. It would take approximately 500 glasses to obtain what is found in one capsule of Resveragen. Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) root extract has been concentrated and standardized to 50% trans-resveratrol. Each capsule provides 250 mg elemental trans-resveratrol[2].

To clarify, drinking wine is not the way to ensure optimal levels! Unfortunately, the alcohol counteracts the resveratrol benefit by elevating insulin levels and having neurotoxic effects. While muscadine grapes are known for high levels of resveratrol, most of which resides in the skin and seeds, this is also a high sugar source, detrimental to your glucose levels, especially if you are insulin resistant. In addition to the foods listed at the beginning of the article, you may want to look into itadori tea, also made from the Japanese knotweed. Optimal levels may best be accomplished through supplementation and should be discussed with your functional medicine provider.

[1] https://articles.mercola.com/vitamins-supplements/resveratrol.aspx

[2] Klaire Labs, 2019 Practitioner Product Catalog, Resveragen, pg. 82.

By Mila McManus MD|2020-11-10T08:43:25-06:00November 10th, 2020|General|

Supplement of the Month: Glutathione

Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant and is found in virtually every cell of the human body. It is an extremely important cell protectant. This heavy lifter bolsters antioxidant action, promotes detoxification and fortifies the immune system. As the formation of free radicals exceeds the body’s ability to neutralize and eliminate them, oxidative stress occurs. A primary function of glutathione is to alleviate this oxidative stress. Food sources of glutathione are few and oxidative stress and depletion can outpace the body’s need for it.

Glutathione is most prevalent in the main detox organs of the human body which are the liver, lungs and kidneys. Glutathione can become depleted as the body neutralizes the oxidizing effects of battling viruses, bacteria, heavy metal toxicity, radiation, certain medications, and even the normal process of aging. A correlation has been made between increased vulnerability to infection (chronically ill) and glutathione depletion. Glutathione can bind to toxins, heavy metals, solvents and pesticides and help the body to excrete these substances through urine or bile. It also protects the lungs against airborne pollutants and the intestinal lining from absorption of industrial chemicals.

Especially for glutathione, liposomal preparations are important. Liposomes are delivery vehicles for transporting substances into the body effectively by facilitating absorption both in the mouth, skin and digestive tract.

At TWIHW, we offer three glutathione products. One is Essential Pro Liposomal Glutathione Softgels, which are taken orally. We also offer Researched Nutritionals Tri-Fortify Liposomal Glutathione sublingual gel which comes in two flavors and is placed under the tongue. Finally, we also can dose glutathione through IV preparations.

By Mila McManus MD|2020-04-12T09:40:00-06:00April 14th, 2020|Articles, General|

Foods that Defend You

We usually think of our food as a source of nourishment in the form of protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Are you aware that there are many foods that have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties which help to attack and destroy unwanted visitors such as the common cold, disease-causing bacteria, and yeast? Here are some of the best food antimicrobials that can work in your defense on a daily basis:

Coconut Oil

The best source for caprylic and lauric acids, coconut oil provides antifungal and antibacterial protection whether ingested or applied externally. Butter from grass fed cattle is another excellent source of these acids while olive oil contains Oleuropein, also known to be an effective anti fungal.

Garlic and Onions

Known for their antibacterial properties, these two foods have been used all over the world to treat major and minor diseases. The active ingredient is sulfur which serves to reduce inflammation, protect against pathogens and cancer, and is also a strong anti-oxidant, attacking free radicals in the body.

Cabbage (and other relatives)

While all vegetables and fruits offer good sources of Vitamin C, which serves as a natural antibiotic and antioxidant, cabbage takes first place in this category. A one-cup serving of cabbage offers 75% of the daily-recommended amount of Vitamin C and is also rich in sulfur. Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, horseradish, and Brussels sprouts are also top notch choices included in this family of protective foods.

Fermented (Living) Foods

This old-world tradition of preserving foods is not very common today though it is making a come back as health practitioners and nutritionists gain renewed respect for probiotics and the importance of the protective role they play in the health of the human body. Fermented foods provide extremely high doses of probiotics compared to what can be found in most probiotic supplements. To learn more about fermented foods, click here.

Herbs

Be sure to include as many herbs as possible every day as you prepare and season your food. Here are some of the most powerful and also easy to incorporate options: Allspice, Basil, Caraway seed, Chili pepper, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, Curry, Dill, Fennel, Ginger, Marjoram, Mint, Mustard, Nutmeg, Oregano, Parsley, Pepper, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme, and Turmeric.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-08-02T09:42:07-06:00August 2nd, 2014|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|