SuperSPICE of the Week [+ a recipe]: Rosemary
PIN IT!
What is the first thing you notice about this picture? If you are like most people, you’ll respond with “That delicious looking lamb!” or “Those buttery potatoes!” However, the last thing you’d probably mention are the twigs of rosemary garnishing both of those focal points. Now, if you were to do a taste test, the answer would probably be VERY different and that rosemary mixture would be one the first tastes you register. That’s one of the reasons why I love spices. All you need is a dash of something to change an entire dish’s taste. One thing I love the most about Rosemary, in particular, is not only how it changes the taste of whatever it’s added to, but also the texture. On top of being a delicious addition to your dinner, Rosemary is also full of health benefits that help all parts of our body!
Rosemary’s cancer fighting powers
New studies are finding a strong link between this herb and a lower risk of cancer
Chefs love Rosemary because of the delicious and unique flavor it adds to most rather plain ingredients. Scientists and nutritionists have found another reason to love it, it reduces your risk of cancer! According to a study done by Kansas State [in Manhattan], as featured in SELF magazine, Rosemary inhibits the formation of Heterocyclic Aimes [HCAs], which are carcinogenic compounds [chemicals] that are released when meat is cooked at certain temperatures, by 79%! Researchers have found that 17 different HCA’s that are created as a result of cooking muscle meats pose serious cancer risks to humans [Source]. Next time you are roasting a chicken or cooking a steak, add a dash of rosemary to prevent cancer!
Rosemary as a Natural Remedy
Along with protecting us from cancer, rosemary and rosemary oil [an essential oil made from plucked rosemary leaves] have been proven to be natural remedies to many common ailments, such as headaches, the cold and indigestion! Along with these, rosemary oil [in conjunction with a massage] has been shown to relieve the pain of muscle pain and soreness. According to Phyllis Balch, author of Prescription for Herbal Healing, rosemary can lessen the effects of Alzheimer’s disease by promoting circulation to the brain, which works to help promote memory. Balch also found that this powerful herb protects our DNA from cancerous-causing chemicals that would normally bind to and mutate strands of our precious DNA! Rosemary is also linked with higher energy and concentration level, so when you are feeling tired or unmotivated, have a cup of rosemary tea to get a jolt!
That’s one very powerful little herb, isn’t it? Well to celebrate the wonderful heath benefits of Rosemary and the coming of fall, I’m featuring a delicious and easy dinner recipe that will satisfy your taste buds as well as your desire for good health! Recipe courtesy of All Recipes.
Pork Tenderloin Studded with Rosemary and Garlic
Looks DELICIOUS doesn’t it? [Via]
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 475°.
- Combine the rosemary and garlic. Make several 1/2-inch-deep slits in pork; place about half of rosemary mixture in slits. Rub pork with remaining rosemary mixture; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place pork on a jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray. Insert a meat thermometer into thickest portion of pork.
- Bake at 475° for 20 minutes or until the thermometer registers 160° or desired degree of doneness. Let stand 5 minutes, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
Nutritional Information [per slice]: 147 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein and 342 m.g. of sodium.
Comments