Rosemary

Last year I purchased a few herb plants because on the Food Network and also when chefs visit The Today Show, they are always talking about using fresh herbs. Now mind you, I am not much of a cook and so this is all fairly new to me. But because I am very interested in cooking healthier meals, I'm trying to learn as much as I can from the experts. Anyway, I was just looking at my rosemary plant this morning and noticed that it is really starting to spread and I realized that I have not used it at all for cooking! Not good. So, I did a Google search for recipes using rosemary and naturally found a bunch. This one in particular caught my eye and I plan on cooking it this week:  Black Lemon Chicken
Here's my rosemary. The aroma is so divine.

Health Benefits of Rosemary

Note: This information was obtained from NaturalNews.com

Rosemary contains caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid, both of which are potent antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory agents. Rosemary is also a good source of antioxidant vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) and other important antioxidants.

In addition, rosemary contains 19 chemicals with antibacterial action and a number of volatile oils which reduce the airway constriction induced by histamine - the chemical culprit of asthma and other allergy symptoms. Notably, rosemary has long been used to treat asthma.

The volatile oils in rosemary also help reduce inflammation that contributes to liver and heart disease. Herbalists think that rosemary may also help ease breast pain by acting as a natural drying agent to
 fluid  filled cysts.

Some other important health benefits for rosemary are:

*Due to its antioxidants, rosemary can help prevent cataracts.

*The natural acids present in rosemary help in protecting the body`s cells and DNA from free radical damage.

*Rosemary stimulates liver enzymes which help inactivate estrogen hormones, which can  cause breast cancer.

*Rosemary extract helps prevent age-related skin damage such as wrinkles.

*Rosemary encourages enzymes which flush harmful toxins out of the liver and the body.

*When consumed on a daily basis, rosemary extract can improve kidney functions, increase urine flow and preserve essential minerals such as sodium and potassium.

*Rosemary oil is used to stimulate hair growth, boost mental activity, relieve respiratory problems and pain, and reduce disorders in menstrual cycle, menstrual cramps, peptic ulcers, urine flow, prostate, gall bladder, intestine, sperm mobility, leukemia and kidney stones.

Cautionary notes:

*Medical professionals have recommended to not exceed two 400 mg rosemary capsules up to three times a day.

*Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid large quantities of rosemary. Rosemary has been known to affect the fetus and lead to miscarriage.

*Rosemary oil can be allergic, thus it would be advisable to consult with a qualified naturopathic professional before using it.

*People who suffer from high blood pressure or epilepsy should not take rosemary supplements.


Learn more:http://www.naturalnews.com/030814_rosemary_herbs.html#ixzz1vRIEbmOL