Basil
Avoid Basil
(Ocimum basilicum)
Sweet Basil
Thai Basil
However basil, like other aromatic plants such as fennel and tarragon, contains estragole, a known carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, a teratogen in rats and mice. While human effects are currently unstudied, the rodent experiments indicate that it would take 100 to 1000 times the normal exposure to become a cancer risk.
There has been interesting research into the health benefits conferred by the essential oils found in basil. Scientific studies have established certain compounds in basil oil have potent antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties. In addition, basil has been shown to decrease the occurrence of platelet aggregation and experimental thrombus in mice. In India, it is traditionally used for supplementary treatment of stress, asthma and diabetes.
Basil consumed in culinary amounts would seem safe, but taking supplements or extracts could lead to some symptoms. Fresh Thai basil is often used in Asian dishes like in Vietnamese pho soup.
The Scientific Committee on Food from the Health & Consumer Protection Directorate took a more concerned position and concluded that:
"Estragole has been demonstrated to be genotoxic and carcinogenic. Therefore the existence of a threshold cannot be assumed and the Committee could not establish a safe exposure limit. Consequently, reductions in exposure and restrictions in use levels are indicated." Estragole is suspected to be carcinogenic and genotoxic, as is indicated by a report of the European Union.
Kale Pesto
Try making kale pesto for your pizza, pasta, or if you would like it totally raw, try making long pasta from a zucchini.