Rosemary is a popular garden herb that may improve memory by suppressing activity of a substance called acetylcholinesterase.1
If weight loss is a goals rosemary might just help with that too. A study in which mice on a high fat diet were given rosemary leaf extract found that the mice did not experience an increase in body fat and weight.2
Researchers think that rosemary is able to activate mechanisms that promote the burning of fat and sugar for energy.3
How to Use, Cook & Store Rosemary
Taste: woody
Pairs well with: parmesan, chicken, pork, potatoes, and tomato.
Great in: focaccia, tomato sauce, pizza, and grilled meats
Store like this: Store dried rosemary leaves in an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry and dark place to conserve freshness and flavor.
1. Ozarowski et al. (2013) Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaf extract improves memory impairment and affects acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities in rat brain. Fitoterapia; 91:261-271
2. Kaviarasan S, Sundarapandiyan R, Anuradha CV. (2008) Protective action of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed polyphenols against alcohol-induced protein and lipid damage in rat liver. Cell Biology and Toxicology; 24(5):391-400.
3. Harach, T., Aprikian, O., Monnard, I., Moulin, J., Membrez, M., Béolor, J. C., … & Darimont, C. (2010). Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaf extract limits weight gain and liver steatosis in mice fed a high-fat diet. Planta medica, 76(06), 566-571.
