The herb has a strong antioxidant action and can help fight the flu
Rosemary is an aromatic herb common in the Mediterranean
region. It is a great ally for weight loss, has expectorant action, improves
inflammation and flu, and has strong antioxidant action, preventing strokes and
degenerative brain diseases. Rosemary also helps digestion and reduces gas.
Principal Nutrients of Rosemary
One of the main nutrients in rosemary is vitamin A, which is essential for the eyes and skin, prevents infections, and has a strong antioxidant action.
The spice also has vitamin C, which improves immunity, prevents skin aging, prevents strokes, has antioxidant action, and provides bone strength.
Vitamin K is also present, being relevant for blood coagulation and calcium fixation in the bones. Rosemary also has vitamins B1 and B2, both of which act in the metabolism of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids, i.e., they help the body to use these substances efficiently.
In addition, they also play an important role in the formation of the myelin sheath, which surrounds nerve fibers and allows messages between nerves.
Rosemary has phenolic compounds that have important biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic, among others.
|
Nutrients |
Chopped fresh rosemary
(1 cup or 40g) |
Dehydrated rosemary (2 tbsp.
or 6,6g) |
|
Calories |
52 kcal |
22 kcal |
|
Carbohydrates |
8,3 g |
4,2 g |
|
Proteins |
1.3 g |
0.3 g |
|
Lipids |
2.3 g |
1 g |
|
Fiber |
5,6 g |
2,8 g |
|
Vitamin A (retinol
equivalent) |
58 mcg |
10 mcg |
|
Vitamin A (SI) |
1170 IU |
206 IU |
|
Vitamin C |
8.7 mg |
4 mg |
|
Calcium |
127 mg |
84 mg |
|
Potassium |
267 mg |
63 mg |
|
Sodium |
10 mg |
3 mg |
What Rosemary Is Used For
Helps in weight loss: Rosemary tea helps people to lose weight because it has a diuretic action, contributing to less retention of liquids. In addition, the drink helps intestinal transit.
Reduces gas: Rosemary decreases the discomfort caused by intestinal gases, because it helps to expel them and reduces cramps.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action: This herb is rich in phenolic compounds that have strong antioxidant action, so they act fighting free radicals and prevent problems such as cancer, strokes, and degenerative brain diseases, and contain anti-inflammatory action.
Benefits of Rosemary in Study
- Combat the flu
- Good for people with diabetes
- Good for the joints
- Decreases stress
- Improves memory
Fighting the flu: The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo (USP) concluded that rosemary helps fight the flu virus. Still, this food has expectorant action and, therefore, is also interesting in cases of cough.
Good for those with diabetes: An initial research conducted by USP concluded that rosemary has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may have benefits for those with chronic non-transmissible diseases in which oxidative stress and inflammation act significantly, such as diabetes.
Good for the joints: Rosemary applied to the skin via compresses may help reduce joint inflammation, after all, it has anti-inflammatory action. However, more research is still needed to prove this benefit.
Decreases stress and improves memory: Some studies suggest that rosemary oil, combined with other oils, can lower cortisol levels and thus lower stress.
Rosemary from The Field
It can be said that there are two types of rosemary: the common and the field rosemary, the latter being the one to which the song "rosemary, golden rosemary" refers. This is because, while rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L) has purple flowers with petals, rosemary from the countryside (Baccharis dracunculifolia) has yellow petals.
Although they are "different" plants, both rosemary and field rosemary have the same health properties. In addition, rosemary is also used in the manufacture of some specific products, such as nerolidol-based essential oils and green propolis.
How to Use Rosemary
Rosemary can be eaten in its natural form, as a spice, in powder form, or in the form of oil. With its pungent flavor and particular aroma, it goes well with pork, fish, and chicken, as well as in soups, tomato-based sauces, or to flavor olive oil.
Rosemary Tea to Lose Weight
Preparation: Boil a liter of water. After boiling, pour a cup of rosemary and let it boil for five minutes. Then, just consume it.
Contraindications
Pregnant women can consume rosemary as a spice. However, due
to lack of evidence regarding safety, it should not be consumed in tea form,
because it can cause uterine contractions.
Risks of over-consumption
Consuming more than four cups of rosemary tea a day can cause nephritis, gastrointestinal problems, and intoxication.
Where to Buy It?
Frontier Co-op Rosemary Leaf Whole
Simply Organic Whole Rosemary Leaf
Badia Rosemary Leaves