01/09/2019 / By Zoey Sky
According to a study, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is more than an aromatic and flavorful herb. Researchers believe that the frequent use of the herb may be one of the main reasons why most of the residents of a town in Italy live up to 100 years old.
The study is a collaboration between researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the University of Rome La Sapienza.
To date, there are many supposed ways to live longer, such as taking yoga classes or going on vacations regularly. However, the results of the study seems to be closing in on one of the most effective ways to guarantee one’s longevity.
For the study, researchers observed Acciaroli, a tiny village in Italy. At least 300 people who are around 100 years old reside in the village, and this figure accounts for an estimated 45 percent of the town’s total population.
In comparison, the average life expectancy in Italy is 78.8 years old.
The researchers acknowledged that other factors may contribute to the impressive number of centenarians in the area, and these include:
However, some experts believe that the generous use of rosemary in the region’s cuisine could be the main reason for the remarkable longevity of the village’s elderly population. This is worth considering, especially since Acciaroli mostly follows a Mediterranean diet. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean, and it is often used to season different dishes like casseroles, salads, soups, and stews. (Related: 8 Natural Healing Benefits of Rosemary.)
Jaclyn London, the Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, explained that rosemary is commonly used in the Mediterranean diet. It can be used to cook savory dishes, and it is even used to make certain desserts. She added, “There is lots of research that the plant-based, whole-foods approach is optimal for weight loss, chronic disease prevention, and longevity.”
Even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, you can easily incorporate rosemary into your cooking. London suggests that rosemary can be added to olive oil, white fish, or other dishes.
She concluded, “Herbs and spices in general can also help enhance flavor without adding extra salt, so they’re ideal for anyone at risk for cardiovascular disease.”
To prepare rosemary, rinse fresh sprigs of the herb under cold running water then pat dry. When following a recipe that requires whole rosemary leaves, remove them from the woody stems. You can also add whole rosemary sprigs if you’re making meat dishes or savory stews.
To store rosemary, put the sprigs in a plastic food storage bag with a damp paper towel. Fresh rosemary will keep for at least one week in the fridge.
This garlic and rosemary butter can be used as a topping for steak, a spread, or as vegetable butter. Alternatively, you can add it to baked potatoes or tossed pasta.
Ingredients:
Steps:
You can read more articles about rosemary and other healthy foods and herbs that can help maintain your overall health at Longevity.news.
Sources include:
Tagged Under:
aging, geriatric health, healing herbs, Herbs, herbs and spices, longevity, Mediterranean diet, natural healing, natural health, old age, older people, proper nutrition, R. officinalis, Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, seniors' health
This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author
COPYRIGHT © 2017 NATURAL CURES NEWS