What specific chemical process does rosemary extract primarily counteract in foods to extend longevity?
Answer
Lipid oxidation.
Rosemary extract functions specifically as a natural antioxidant aimed at protecting fats within a food product. Lipid oxidation is the chemical degradation process where fats and oils react with oxygen, leading to rancidity, off-flavors, and loss of nutritional value. The effectiveness of rosemary extract is attributed to specific phytochemicals it contains, notably carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. These compounds act as potent free radical scavengers. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that initiate the chain reaction of oxidation; by scavenging these radicals, rosemary extract interrupts the breakdown process, thereby protecting the integrity of the fat structure in items like high-fat meats.
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