News & tips on health, fitness and nutrition

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Rosemary Can Protect the Brain From Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Rosemary is an herb with a distinctly woody taste and fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves that can deliciously transform our food. In addition to its food enhancing properties, rosemary is a potent brain protector. Ancient Greeks believed it profoundly improved memory. Greek students used to wear a wreath while sitting examinations for potent brain power.

Recent studies have now confirmed what the Greeks knew long ago. Rosemary contains an ingredient that fights off free radical damage in the brain. This active ingredient, known as carnosic acid (CA), can protect the brain from stroke and neurodegeneration that is due to toxins and free radicals which are thought to be one of the contributors to stroke and conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Research published in both The Journal of Neurochemistry and Nature Reviews Neuroscience, has revealed that CA activates a signaling pathway that protects brain cells from the free radical damage.

Rosemary is believed to prevent normal brain aging and keep the brain youthful and sharp. This tasty herb is also thought to improve memory.

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