Whether you steep it, saute it, or soak it, oh-so-savory rosemary can elevate both your culinary skills and your health.

Why? Because not only is it one of the trendiest cooking spices, but the fragrant needle-leaved herb is also showing early promise as a cancer killer.

Antioxidant Action
Human studies are needed to confirm the effects, but in cell studies, rosemary extract has given both breast cancer and leukemia cells a real fight. That's good news about an herb we already know is chock-full of antioxidants -- those free-radical killers that help protect you from cell-level damage. (Get the skinny on protecting yourself from the aging effects of cell damage in the YOU: Staying Young Center.)

4 Ways to Get More Rosemary into Your Life

1. Stick a fresh sprig in your lemonade, or steep it in hot tea.
2. Add chopped rosemary to your tossed salads.
3. Use fresh or dried rosemary in marinades for meats or vegetables (olive oil, fresh or dried rosemary, and soy sauce make a nice, simple one).
4. Try this delicious rosemary-infused recipe from EatingWell.com: Garlic-Rosemary Mushrooms.

Everything's Coming Up Rosemary
More reasons everything's rosy with rosemary:

• It could give your brain a boost. Find out how with this aromatherapy article.
• It may make your meats safer. Here's what it does to meat.