Basil is one of the low-calorie vegetables that has a special place in diets. This plant provides the body with essential vitamins and minerals while providing a little energy. Below, we will examine the detailed details of basil calories and basil nutritional value so that you can easily include it in your daily routine.
As one of the most popular aromatic vegetables in Iranian and international cuisine, basil not only adds a unique flavor to dishes, but is also a low-calorie and nutritionally valuable option. This fresh herb, with its low energy content, helps people on a balanced diet or weight control to get essential nutrients without adding too many calories. The nutritional value of fresh basil includes a variety of vitamins and minerals that play an important role in maintaining the overall health of the body. In this comprehensive article, we will take a detailed look at basil calories and basil nutritional value table to provide practical and data-driven information for including it in your daily diet.
Basil calories and basil nutritional value table
Fresh basil is one of the vegetables that has a very low calorie content, making it an ideal choice for various diets. In every 100 grams of fresh basil, there are only 23 kilocalories of energy, most of which come from protein and complex carbohydrates. The protein in this vegetable helps repair tissues, while its very low fat content does not cause any concerns about weight gain. The limited carbohydrates also provide sustained energy without suddenly increasing blood sugar. In addition, basil is cholesterol-free and can be used as a natural and healthy seasoning in a variety of foods, salads and drinks.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Calories | 23 kilocalories |
| Protein | 3.15 grams |
| Fat | 0.64 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 2.65 grams |
This combination of macronutrients shows how basil can increase the volume of a meal and create a feeling of fullness, without adding significant calories to the diet. For example, compared to other leafy greens, basil offers a good balance of plant-based protein and low energy.
Sugar, fiber, and salt in basil
One of the outstanding nutritional benefits of fresh basil is its very low natural sugar content, making it suitable for low-sugar diets or diabetics. The dietary fiber in basil helps improve digestive function and can help keep you feeling full longer. This vegetable is naturally very low in sodium, which is beneficial for people who are concerned about controlling their blood pressure. Also, the absence of cholesterol in basil makes it a safe option for heart health.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 0.30 grams |
| Fiber | 1.60 grams |
| Salt/sodium | 4.00 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Basil fiber not only helps with better digestion, but it is also effective in weight management because it absorbs water, creating more volume in the stomach and controlling appetite.

Important vitamins and minerals in basil
Basil is packed with essential vitamins that meet many of the body's daily needs. Basil is high in vitamin K, which plays a key role in bone health and blood clotting. Vitamin A helps maintain vision and skin health, while vitamin C boosts the immune system. On the other hand, minerals like calcium are essential for bones, iron for preventing anemia, and potassium for electrolyte balance in the body.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 5275 international units |
| Vitamin C | 18 mg |
| Vitamin K | 414.8 micrograms |
| Calcium | 177 mg |
| Iron | 3.17 mg |
| منیزیم | 64 mg |
| Potassium | 295 mg |
These high values indicate basil's nutritional richness, combined with its low calories, making it a natural and efficient source.
Basil calories in common servings
In everyday life, basil is often consumed fresh and in small quantities. For a more accurate calculation, it is useful to know the calories in basil in common units such as a leaf, a cup of chopped basil, or a palmful. These units help people on a calorie-counting diet to easily control their intake.
| Consumption unit | Approximate value | Basil calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 leaf | 0.5 grams | 0.1 kcal |
| 1 cup chopped | 50 grams | 11.5 kilocalories |
| 1 palm | 20 grams | 4.6 kcal |
Adding these amounts to salads or meals improves flavor without significantly impacting the overall calorie count of the diet.
Comparing the calories of fresh and dried basil
The main difference between fresh and dried basil is the concentration of ingredients due to the removal of water in the drying process. Dried basil is higher in calories and is more commonly used as a spice, while the fresh variety is more suitable for bulk consumption and is lower in calories.
| Type of basil | Calories per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| new | 23 kilocalories |
| Dry | 233 kcal |
In different cooking methods, such as adding to food in a boiled or grilled state, the calories of fresh basil remain almost constant, but if it is fried and absorbs oil, the calories may increase.
Nutritional Benefits and Uses of Basil
Basil, with its unique ingredients, has a special place in daily nutrition and can help improve the quality of the diet. This vegetable is not only flavorful, but its nutritional properties are beneficial for various groups, including ordinary people, dieters, and athletes.
- Role in weight loss: Low calories combined with high fiber make basil an effective tool for controlling calorie intake and supporting the weight loss process.
- Effect on feelings of fullness and appetite control: The dietary fiber present creates long-lasting fullness and can prevent eating high-calorie snacks.
- Suitability for weight loss diets: The properties of basil for weight loss diets include increasing the volume of food without adding much energy, which helps with diet adherence.
- Place in athletes' diet: Plant-based protein and minerals such as magnesium and potassium help with muscle recovery, provide sustained energy, and prevent muscle cramps.
- The effect of balanced consumption on daily energy: B vitamins and minerals support metabolism and maintain energy evenly throughout the day.
- Brief comparison with similar foods: Compared to mint or parsley, basil has more vitamins K and A, but offers similar calories to other leafy greens.
- Who should consume it in a balanced way? People who have special diets, such as those with low potassium, can benefit from its benefits by balancing their intake without disrupting the balance of minerals.
These uses are based on standard nutritional data, making basil a versatile and smart food.

Is consuming too much basil a problem?
Basil is safe and beneficial in normal dietary amounts (such as a few sprigs per day or up to a few hundred grams). Its low calorie content allows for greater consumption without affecting weight. However, as with any food, it is recommended to balance consumption to avoid excessive accumulation of vitamins and minerals. A variety in the diet helps to reap all the benefits of basil and keep the body in balance. Focusing on a balanced intake is the best approach for long-term benefits.
FAQ
How many calories are in basil?
There are about 23 kilocalories in 100 grams of fresh basil, making it one of the low-calorie vegetables.
Is basil suitable for a weight loss diet?
Yes, with its high fiber, low calories, and ability to create satiety, it helps with weight control and diet adherence.
What is the best way to consume basil to control calories?
It is ideal to consume fresh raw in salads, greens, or as a condiment without adding oil or high-calorie sauces.
What is the difference in calories between fresh and dried basil?
Fresh basil has 23 kcal per 100 grams, while the dried type offers around 233 kcal of energy due to its higher concentration.
Final summary
With its low calories, rich nutritional value, and diverse uses, basil is one of the best options for improving the quality of your daily diet. The basil nutrition chart shows how this vegetable can provide essential nutrients without adding unwanted calories. By understanding this information carefully and including basil in a balanced diet, you can make more informed nutritional decisions and enjoy its natural flavor and benefits. This simple approach can be an important step towards achieving a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Don't forget that you can also use food calories to find out the calories in other ingredients.
Nutritional data source: FoodData Central – USDA

