Short answer
Rosemary is generally good for you—it’s rich in antioxidants which may help reduce your risk of cancer. However, pregnant women should avoid taking rosemary as it could cause a miscarriage.
Recommended Alternative
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that has been popular for centuries. The name comes from an ancient Greek legend. Aphrodite was said to have it hanging around her neck when she rose from the sea, born of Uranus. She laid down next to a white rosemary bush, and the Virgin Mary appeared and spread her cloak over it. The flowers turned blue, and the shrub became known as “Rose of Mary.”
Mythology aside, rosemary has many practical uses and offers a great deal of health benefits. Most commonly, rosemary is known as a herb. It’s fragrant and provides a unique pine-like taste to foods—but that’s not all it does. In addition to aroma and flavor, rosemary is a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin B6. Iron helps metabolize proteins and prevent anemia, calcium builds strong bones, and vitamin b6 boosts your immune system while promoting overall tissue health.
Rosemary is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory composites, which help boost your immune system and fight off cell-damaging particles called free radicals. Due to their destructive nature, free radicals can have a significant negative impact on your health, causing premature aging, dementia and even cancer.
With regard to cancer, numerous studies have revealed that rosemary (in extract form) may stop cancer cells from replicated—which may inhibit tumor growth. One study found that rosemary, on its own and in combination with curcumin, helped prevent breast cancer. A second study found similar effects of rosemary on colon cancer cells.
Rosemary provides many important benefits. However, there can be too much of a good thing—extremely large doses of rosemary can lead to vomiting and spasms. In more serious cases, overconsumption of rosemary can lead to pulmonary edema and a coma.
Certain people should steer clear of rosemary. High doses of rosemary may cause miscarriage. Therefore it's not advisable for pregnant women to take any supplemental rosemary.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- pulmonary edema
-
miscarriage
Benefits
- prevents anemia
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promotes bone and tissue health
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boosts immune system
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helps fight cancer-causing free radicals
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Simply Organic Rosemary
- Pungent, herbaceous flavor
- Fresh earthy aroma
- Kosher certified
- Certified organic
- Sustainably sourced
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 08-21-2017
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 08-21-2017
Last updated: 12-01-2023
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