If you want a body-lovin’ pesto, this is the one for you! This basil cashew pesto contains the ingredients needed to help battle depression and lessen inflammation in the body. How cool is that?
Basil is one herb that shouldn’t be over-looked. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds (like eugenol) that block the activity of cylcooxygenase (COX), which is the main effect of many over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), like aspirin and ibuprofen. Basil can provide symptomatic relief for any individuals suffering from arthritis, inflammatory bowel conditions, other joint-related pain and back pain.
Not only that, but cashews contain a significant amount of vitamin B6, which helps with the uptake of serotonin (the “feel good” chemical) in the body. Cashews are also an amazing source of the amino acid tryptophan, which improves serotonin uptake in the brain, acting as a direct precursor to this anti-depressant hormone (aka. serotonin). When our bodies lack serotonin, we feel anxious, stressed, and to put it bluntly, depressed.
I love this recipe as it is the perfect addition to any meal! I mix it through my salads, have it spread on homemade crackers, or just eat it straight from the spoon! It is a healthy dairy-free alternative to store bought pesto that is made with parmesan cheese and packed with oil.
Raw Basil Cashew Pesto Recipe
Ingredients:
Method:Â
5. Serve with vegetables to dip, or spiralize some zucchini and use as a pesto sauce for the zucchini noodles. Enjoy!
Cassidy Hennigan says
Hey Cloe,
Could you add a link or suggest your readers where should they learn more about depression and diet-related material? Thank you!
~ Cassidy
Cheryl Lindblad says
Great healthy recipes. Live in Sweden (am American) and love to bake and create healthy foods.