
by partyvan
- Health Benefits
- February 2, 2015
- Post Views: 787
Learn About
Rosemary
Benefits
Health Benefits
- Rosemary leaves contain certain phyto-chemical (plant derived) compounds that are known to have disease-preventing and health-promoting properties.
- The herb parts, especially flower tops contain phenolic antioxidant rosmarinic acid as well as numerous health benefiting volatile essential oils such as cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl acetate, α-pinene, etc. These compounds are known to have rubefacient (counterirritant), anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-fungal and antiseptic
- Rosemary leaves provide just 131 calories per 100 g and contain no cholesterol. Apart from nutrients, this humble herb contains many noteworthy non-nutrient components such as dietary fiber (37% of RDA).
- The herb is exceptionally rich in many B-complex groups of vitamin, such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin. It is one of the herbs that contains high levels of folates, providing about 109 µg per 100 g (about 27% of RDA). Folates are important in DNA synthesis and when given during the peri-conception period can help prevent neural tube defects in the newborn babies.
- Rosemary herb contains very good amounts of vitamin A, 2924 IU per 100 g,about 97% of RDA. A few leaves per day in the diet, would contribute enough of this vitamin. Vitamin A is known to have antioxidant properties and is essential for vision. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin A is known to help the body protect from lung and oral cavity cancer.
- Rosemary herb parts, whether fresh or dried, are a rich source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and blood Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
- This herb is an excellent source of iron, which contains 6.65 mg/100 g of fresh leaves (about 83% of RDA). Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- Rosmarinic acid, a natural polyphenolic antioxidant found in rosemary, has been found to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant Apart from the rosemary, other popular herbs like sage, peppermint, oregano and thyme also contain appreciable levels of rosmarinic acid.
- Its herbal oil is also being used externally as a rubefacient for soothing painful ailments in gout, rheumatism and neuralgic conditions.
- Rosemary herb extractions, when applied over the scalp, are known to stimulate the hair-bulbs and help prevent premature baldness. It forms an effectual remedy for the prevention of scurf and dandruff.
- Rosemary tea is a natural remedy for nervous headache, colds, and depression.
Rosemary (dried)
Nutrient
Unit
Value per 100 g
Proximates
Water
g
9.31
Energy
kcal
331
Protein
g
4.88
Total lipid (fat)
g
15.22
Carbohydrate, by difference
g
64.06
Fiber, total dietary
g
42.6
Minerals
Calcium, Ca
mg
1280
Iron, Fe
mg
29.25
Magnesium, Mg
mg
220
Phosphorus, P
mg
70
Potassium, K
mg
955
Sodium, Na
mg
50
Zinc, Zn
mg
3.23
Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid
mg
61.2
Thiamin
mg
0.514
Riboflavin
mg
0.428
Niacin
mg
1.000
Vitamin B-6
mg
1.740
Folate, DFE
µg
307
Vitamin B-12
µg
0.00
Vitamin A, RAE
µg
156
Vitamin A, IU
IU
3128
Vitamin D (D2 + D3)
µg
0.0
Vitamin D
IU
0
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated
g
7.371
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated
g
3.014
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated
g
2.339
Cholesterol
mg
0
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)