Rosemary Tea Health Benefits That Will Surprise You

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub, which originated from South America, particularly in the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family of plants, which include mint and basil too.

The herb is used for various culinary and aesthetic reasons, but it has also caught the attention of the health-conscious for the tea it is used to prepare. 

The tea’s fragrance is invigorating and it can be combined with honey, lemon, mint, and chamomile. Not only does rosemary tea have a pleasant aroma, but it also provides several health benefits. Here are a few as listed by a recent article on Healthline.

Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties

Rosemary is composed of several polyphenolic compounds such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid. The former is used to preserve the foods that easily deteriorate in quality, organically. The two compounds also slow down the growth of cancer cells in the breast, prostate, and leukemia cancer cells. 

Antimicrobial properties also help combat infections and heal wounds. Since the tea is made from the shrub, it could potentially have the same benefit, though studies have to directly prove it. 

Aids Brain Health

A few studies, though not with human beings as the focus, and based on test-tube and animal studies alone, have found that the aforementioned compounds may prevent the brain cells from dying. 

Rosemary can improve brain damage because of stroke, according to some animal studies with little weight age. It also prevents the negative effects of brain aging by providing protection against neurodegenerative diseases. 

Lowers Blood Sugar

Rosemary tea has carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid compounds that might help lower blood sugar of diabetic patients. Some studies, though not conclusive, have shown that the compounds have similar effects to insulin on blood sugar. 

Aids Weight Loss

The phytochemical properties of the tea deactivate an enzyme that breaks down fat, called lipase, to prevent lipids from being generated. As a result, you will feel full and not eat more than required. 

Supports Digestion

The compounds in rosemary tea aid the growth of healthy gut bacteria that is needed to maintain good gut health and aid healthy absorption of food.