What Vitamins and Minerals Are in Basil?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Basil is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with dried basil leaves being particularly high in certain nutrients like vitamin K. What vitamins and minerals are in basil extends beyond a few common nutrients, encompassing a wide array of beneficial compounds for overall health.

Quick Summary

Basil offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, notably providing significant vitamin K, along with vitamin A, C, calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. This potent herb also contains powerful antioxidants, supporting everything from bone and immune health to inflammation reduction.

Key Points

Rich in Vitamin K: Basil, especially dried, provides a high concentration of vitamin K, vital for blood clotting and bone health.
Contains Essential Minerals: Basil is a source of important minerals including iron, magnesium, manganese, and calcium, supporting functions from oxygen transport to blood pressure regulation.
High in Antioxidants: Beyond basic nutrients, basil offers powerful antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols, and eugenol, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
Nutrient Differences: While fresh basil has a lighter flavor, dried basil contains a higher concentration of nutrients per tablespoon due to its lower water content.
Supports Immune and Bone Health: The combination of vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like calcium, supports a strong immune system and healthy bones.
Versatile Culinary Ingredient: Easy to incorporate into your diet, basil can be used in pesto, salads, sauces, or infused oils to boost flavor and nutrition.

Essential Vitamins Found in Basil

Basil is more than a flavorful addition to your meals; it is a nutritional powerhouse containing several key vitamins. While the total amount of nutrients depends on the serving size, even small quantities contribute positively to your diet.

Vitamin K

Perhaps the most notable vitamin in basil is vitamin K. A single tablespoon of dried basil can contain a high percentage of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting and plays a vital role in maintaining bone health. For individuals on blood-thinning medication like warfarin, it is important to monitor your intake, as high levels of vitamin K can interfere with its effectiveness.

Vitamin A

Present in the form of beta-carotene, vitamin A is another key component found in basil. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting cell growth. Beta-carotene also acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to protect the body from free radical damage.

Vitamin C

Basil contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that is vital for strengthening the immune system and protecting against infections. This nutrient supports overall immune health and helps combat oxidative stress.

Key Minerals Present in Basil

Beyond its vitamin content, basil is a source of several important minerals that are necessary for various bodily functions.

Manganese

This trace mineral is present in basil and is a cofactor for many enzymes in the body. Manganese is involved in metabolism, bone formation, and antioxidant defense systems.

Calcium

Essential for bone and dental health, basil also provides a small amount of calcium. While not a primary source, it contributes to overall mineral intake.

Iron

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen throughout the body and for energy production. Basil contains iron, making it a supportive nutrient for maintaining healthy red blood cell counts.

Magnesium

This mineral is crucial for proper muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation. Basil is a source of magnesium, which helps relax muscles and blood vessels, potentially contributing to lower blood pressure.

Comparison of Fresh vs. Dried Basil

While both fresh and dried basil contain beneficial nutrients, their concentrations differ significantly. This is primarily because the nutrients become more concentrated in the dried form.


Feature	Fresh Basil	Dried Basil
Nutrient Density	Lower concentration per tablespoon.	Higher concentration per tablespoon.
Vitamin K	Provides a percentage of the RDI.	Offers a much higher percentage of the RDI.
Other Minerals	Contains trace amounts.	More concentrated amounts of minerals like iron and manganese.
Flavor	Brighter, more delicate taste.	More potent and intense flavor profile.
Typical Use	Salads, garnishes, and pesto.	Seasoning for sauces, soups, and dry rubs.

Antioxidant Powerhouse: Beyond Standard Nutrients

In addition to its vitamin and mineral content, basil is packed with powerful antioxidants that offer a range of health benefits. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can cause oxidative stress and cellular damage. Key antioxidants in basil include flavonoids, polyphenols, and certain essential oils like eugenol and linalool. These antioxidants contribute to the herb's anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. For further reading on antioxidant properties, visit the National Institutes of Health website at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10237160/.

How to Incorporate More Basil into Your Diet

Adding basil to your diet is easy and delicious. Here are a few ways to boost your nutrient intake with this versatile herb:

Make your own pesto: Blend fresh basil with olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and cheese for a flavorful pasta sauce or spread.
Add to salads: Toss fresh, torn basil leaves into your salads for a burst of flavor and a nutritional boost.
Garnish dishes: Sprinkle chopped basil over soups, pizzas, and roasted vegetables right before serving.
Infuse oils: Create a fragrant infused oil by adding fresh basil leaves to olive oil for salad dressings or dipping bread.
Brew a soothing tea: Steep fresh basil leaves in hot water for a comforting herbal tea, with honey or lemon to taste.

Conclusion

Basil is a surprisingly nutrient-rich herb, providing a significant source of vitamin K, in addition to contributing other key vitamins like A and C. It is also a valuable source of minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, and calcium. Beyond these essential vitamins and minerals, its high concentration of powerful antioxidants provides additional health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects. Whether used fresh or dried, a small amount of basil can enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, especially in its dried form. A single tablespoon of dried basil can provide a high percentage of the recommended daily intake.

While basil is not a primary source of minerals in typical serving sizes, it does contain important ones, including manganese, iron, magnesium, and calcium.

Yes, basil is rich in powerful antioxidants, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and essential oils like eugenol and linalool. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

Yes, the essential oils in basil, such as eugenol and linalool, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Dried basil is more concentrated in nutrients per tablespoon than fresh basil because the water has been removed. However, most dishes use fresh basil in larger quantities, which can even out the nutritional contribution.

While both holy basil (tulsi) and sweet basil contain many of the same vitamins and minerals, their chemical compositions differ slightly. For instance, holy basil has higher levels of eugenol, giving it a more peppery, clove-like flavor.

For most people, consuming basil in normal culinary amounts is safe. However, due to its high vitamin K content, individuals on blood-thinning medication should monitor their intake. Basil extracts and supplements may have different effects.