T

spices

Thai basil

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 6.5

Rated by 11 diets

9 approve0 caution2 avoid
Is Thai basil Healthy?

Yes — Thai basil is broadly considered healthy. 9 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Thai basil is an herb used in small quantities with negligible carbs and calories. Adds flavor without impacting macros. Excellent keto-friendly seasoning.

VeganApproved

Thai basil is a fresh herb (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflorum). Entirely plant-derived with no animal ingredients or processing concerns. A whole plant food.

PaleoApproved

Thai basil is an unprocessed herb used for flavoring, available to hunter-gatherers. Contains no grains, legumes, or additives and provides phytonutrients and flavor without caloric impact.

Thai basil is a Southeast Asian herb not part of Mediterranean culinary tradition. While the Mediterranean diet encourages herbs, it emphasizes Mediterranean varieties like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sweet basil. Thai basil represents non-Mediterranean cuisine.

CarnivoreAvoid

Plant-derived herb/spice. All herbs and spices are excluded on carnivore diet as they are plant products containing plant compounds and alkaloids.

Whole30Approved

Thai basil is an herb with no excluded ingredients. It is a whole, unprocessed botanical product compliant with Whole30.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Thai basil is an herb with negligible FODMAP content. Used in small quantities for flavoring. No significant fructans, GOS, lactose, excess fructose, or polyols. Safe at all practical serving sizes.

DASHApproved

Thai basil is a fresh herb with negligible sodium, calories, and no added sugars. It adds flavor and contains beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants. Herbs are encouraged in DASH to enhance taste without salt.

ZoneApproved

Thai basil is an herb used in minimal quantities for flavoring. It contains negligible calories, carbs, protein, and fat per typical serving. It is a polyphenol-rich anti-inflammatory herb that aligns with Sears' emphasis on phytonutrients. Zero glycemic impact and enhances Zone meals without macro disruption.

Thai basil is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and volatile oils (eugenol, linalool) with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Low calorie, no added sugars or oils. Aligns with anti-inflammatory herb emphasis.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Thai basil is a fresh herb with negligible calories, no fat, and adds flavor without triggering GI distress. It enhances palatability of lean proteins and vegetables, supporting adherence to nutrient-dense meals. Used in typical culinary amounts (small handfuls), it poses no GLP-1 concerns.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus6.5Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Thai basil

Keto 9/10
  • Negligible net carbs per serving
  • Used in small quantities
  • No sugar or additives
  • Enhances flavor without macro impact
Vegan 10/10
  • fresh herb
  • no animal ingredients
  • whole plant
Paleo 9/10
  • Unprocessed herb
  • No additives
  • Minimal quantity use
  • Natural flavoring agent
Whole30 9/10
  • Pure herb
  • No added ingredients
  • Allowed seasoning
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • herb category
  • minimal carbohydrate content
  • used in small portions
DASH 9/10
  • zero sodium
  • minimal calories
  • antioxidants and phytonutrients
  • flavor enhancement without salt
Zone 9/10
  • Negligible macronutrient contribution
  • Polyphenol-rich anti-inflammatory herb
  • Zero glycemic impact
  • Enhances flavor without macro disruption
  • polyphenols and flavonoids
  • volatile oils (eugenol, linalool)
  • antioxidant activity
  • no additives
  • zero caloric impact
  • flavor enhancement
  • no GI irritation
  • supports meal enjoyment