Perhaps with the subliminal seasonal image of Christmas trees, todays spotlight is on rosemary. Rosemary is a fresh herb that grows on an evergreen shrub, its easily - recognized needles resembling those of a pine tree. Rosemary has been prized since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Rosemary has vitamins A, B6, C, manganese, carotenoids, calcium, potassium, and iron. Aromatic oils, among them cineol and camphene, give rosemary its wonderful aroma, and contribute to the anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-infective properties of rosemary. Antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol protect the brain from oxidative damage, and may reduce the risk for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers, as well as age-related macular degeneration. By blocking the vasodilator nitric oxide, rosemary actually increases blood flow and promotes circulation, and has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, supporting mood, focus and memory. Merely smelling rosemary has been shown to improve cognitive function. Finally, rosemary aides in digestion and detoxification by the liver. Rosemary is delicious on roasted vegetables, meats, fish, in soups and sauces, in herbed butter, and infused into oils. Words of caution: high doses of rosemary can excessively raise blood pressure, inducing hypertension or pulmonary edema, thus rosemary should be used cautiously in people with underlying risk for these conditions. In high doses, rosemary can also induce uterine contractions, and ought to be consumed with caution in pregnant women. For the rest of us, rosemary is an herb with widespread health benefit. Food for thought!
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 00:16:17 +0000
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