Could rosemary be the key to a longer life?
Before we start to dive into the nutrition and the health claims of this herb, let me first tell you about some very interesting people. In a small town called Acciaroli in Italy. A small population of roughly 2,000 live. 15% of these people are all over 100 years old and 1 out of every 60 people is aged 90 or older. This is a phenomenal ratio compared to, for instance, America where just 0.02 per cent of the population will live that long.
What is even more remarkable is the fact these elderly people have seen very little of diseases such as cataracts, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Along with living a longer life, Dr Maisel said “The sexual activity among the elderly appears to be rampant!”
Researchers have tried to sum up the reason for these people’s longevity. Along with the possibility of concentrated super genetics. Researchers have also found that the people of Acciaroli consume an outstanding amount the herb rosemary. Some people believe that the Acciarolian’s meditation based diet and outdoor lifestyle may be responsible for the long disease free life!
So, now we have learnt about these people and their amazing
longevity. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits and research
behind this ‘superherb’ the Acciaroli people eat with mostly every meal.
- Rosemary has been found to have a large number of anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants are thought to fight off disease causing ‘free-radicals from the body.
- Some believe the compound within rosemary called Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole ) is thought to be responsible for the lack of Alzheimer’s and memory issues for the elders of Acciaroli, as it may act in the same way as the drugs licensed to treat dementia, causing an increase in a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. One study from 2013 found that simply sniffing rosemary improved memory as much as 75 percent.
- Some studies have also indicated that the rosemary oil is antimicrobial, fighting off bacteria and fungi in test tubes.
- There’s even the possibility that many of the various other compounds in rosemary such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid could slow the growth of cancer cells.
- The herb is believed to soothe inflammation throughout the entire circulatory system, Balance blood pressure, and prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Rosemary Nutrition
Source: (USDA National Nutrient data base)
Andrew Cooper
