Rosemary is one of the most characteristic plants in the south of Lleida and Mediterranean area, it can be easily found on any field as it adapts very well to the dry climate of our area and its aromatic leaves have been come using for many years for its healing and culinary properties.
Properties and benefits of rosemary
Rosemary is rich in dietary fibre and folic acid. It provides vitamins A, E, C and group B. It is also a source of minerals, such as potassium, calcium, iron, copper, manganese and magnesium. Two of the most important ingredients present in rosemary, responsible for many of its therapeutic actions are caffeic acid and
rosmarinic acid, both powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
Thus, the benefits that rosemary provides are:
- Anti-inflammatory effect: It is effective in reducing inflammation that can contribute to asthma, liver and heart diseases. It acts on the musculoskeletal system fighting pain in diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis, naturally decreasing the inflammatory response in sports activities, as it inhibits the enzymes that cause pain and inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant and anticancer effect: The antioxidants contained in rosemary also help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is also a rich source of vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant that contributes to enhancing this quality. In this way, rosemary helps to reduce the risk of oncological diseases.
- Properties for the digestive system: It stimulates the biliary operation, promoting the digestion processes. That is why it is very useful to consume rosemary when you have problems such as constipation or slow digestion. It also has carminative properties, stimulating the elimination of accumulated gases in the digestive tract.
Extra virgin olive oil infused with rosemary
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) infused with rosemary is made by macerating the leaves of this plant in the oil in order to improve the nutritional value, enrich the sensory characteristics and increase its shelf life.
EVOO infused with rosemary is a condiment with high nutritional quality that is ideal for incorporating into our diet, since the known cardioprotective effect of olive oil, among other qualities, is combined with the excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of rosemary, which strengthen the immune system, thus increasing the health benefits.
This infused extra virgin olive oil will be ideal for to finish dishes of white meats such as poultry or rabbit, as well as with fish and seafood such as cod and grilled prawns.