Basil Fresh Nutrition Facts
Basil is a popular herb known for its aromatic fragrance and versatile culinary uses. Beyond its delightful flavor, fresh basil offers a range of health benefits due to its rich nutrient content. From vitamins A, K, and C to essential minerals like iron and calcium, basil is a nutrient powerhouse. Understanding the nutrient facts of fresh basil can inspire you to incorporate this herb into your diet more often.
Full Nutrient Table
The values below are based on a 100-gram portion, showcasing the nutritional density of fresh basil. Whether used in salads, soups, or as a garnish, fresh basil adds both flavor and a nutritional boost to your dishes.
| Name | amount | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Proximates | ||
| Water | 92.1 | g |
| Energy | 23 | kcal |
| Energy | 94 | kJ |
| Protein | 3.15 | g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.64 | g |
| Ash | 1.49 | g |
| Carbohydrates | ||
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 2.65 | g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.6 | g |
| Sugars, total including NLEA | 0.3 | g |
| Sucrose | 0 | g |
| Glucose | 0.02 | g |
| Fructose | 0.02 | g |
| Lactose | 0 | g |
| Maltose | 0 | g |
| Galactose | 0.27 | g |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium, Ca | 177 | mg |
| Iron, Fe | 3.17 | mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 64 | mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 56 | mg |
| Potassium, K | 295 | mg |
| Sodium, Na | 4 | mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.81 | mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.385 | mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 1.15 | mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.3 | µg |
| Vitamins and Other Components | ||
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 18 | mg |
| Thiamin | 0.034 | mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.076 | mg |
| Niacin | 0.902 | mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.209 | mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.155 | mg |
| Folate, total | 68 | µg |
| Folic acid | 0 | µg |
| Folate, food | 68 | µg |
| Folate, DFE | 68 | µg |
| Choline, total | 11.4 | mg |
| Betaine | 0.4 | mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0 | µg |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0 | µg |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 264 | µg |
| Retinol | 0 | µg |
| Carotene, beta | 3140 | µg |
| Carotene, alpha | 0 | µg |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 46 | µg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 5280 | IU |
| Lycopene | 0 | µg |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 5650 | µg |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.8 | mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0 | mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0 | mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.16 | mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0 | mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0 | mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0 | mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0 | mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0 | mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0 | IU |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0 | µg |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 415 | µg |
| Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) | 0 | µg |
| Lipids | ||
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.041 | g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0 | g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0 | g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0 | g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0 | g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0 | g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0 | g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.036 | g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.005 | g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.088 | g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0 | g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.088 | g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0 | g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0 | g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.389 | g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.073 | g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.316 | g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0 | g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0 | g |
| PUFA 2:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0 | g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0 | g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0 | g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0 | g |
| Cholesterol | 0 | mg |
| Amino acids | ||
| Tryptophan | 0.039 | g |
| Threonine | 0.104 | g |
| Isoleucine | 0.104 | g |
| Leucine | 0.191 | g |
| Lysine | 0.11 | g |
| Methionine | 0.036 | g |
| Cystine | 0.028 | g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.13 | g |
| Tyrosine | 0.077 | g |
| Valine | 0.127 | g |
| Arginine | 0.117 | g |
| Histidine | 0.051 | g |
| Alanine | 0.132 | g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.301 | g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.277 | g |
| Glycine | 0.122 | g |
| Proline | 0.104 | g |
| Serine | 0.099 | g |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0 | g |
| Caffeine | 0 | mg |
| Theobromine | 0 | mg |
| Name | amount | Unit |
Nutritional Charts for Basil, fresh
Nutrient Composition Pie Chart
Basil, fresh is a nutritious herb that provides a variety of essential macronutrients and micronutrients. This chart shows the proportion of different macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in the food.
Macronutrient Distribution Bar Chart
Basil, fresh contains a balanced distribution of macronutrients, including protein, fat, and carbohydrates. This chart displays the distribution of these macronutrients in the food.
Mineral and Vitamin Bar Chart
Basil, fresh is also a good source of essential minerals and vitamins. This chart illustrates the distribution of these nutrients in the food.
Amino Acid Composition Bar Chart
Basil, fresh also contains essential amino acids that are important for various bodily functions. This chart represents the composition of these amino acids in the food.
Conclusion
Fresh basil is a nutrient-dense herb that provides numerous health benefits and culinary uses. It is a source of antioxidants, essential oils, and vitamins that can enhance well-being. Basil’s versatility in cooking allows it to shine in a variety of recipes, from classic Italian to exotic Asian dishes. For more detailed nutritional information on basil, check out the USDA’s FoodData Central Source.
