Oregano, Antioxidant and Antibacterial

Oregno, Greek origin

Also known as:

• wild marjoram
  

Oregano's Main Nutrients

• Antioxidant:    Phytonutrients (thymol, rosmarinic acid), Vitamin K
  
• Other:               Phytonutrients, Vitamin K, Manganese, Iron
  

Interesting stuff on Oregano

Native of:

• Greece
  

Now Found\Grown in:

• Many parts of the world
  

While it is more well known in Italian cuisine, its origin is thought to be from Greece, or ancient Greece, to be more precise.

Herbs and spices are known for their high contents of antioxidants, for a comparison, it is said that:

•  1⁄2 teaspoon of dried oregano contains the antioxidant equivalent to, 1⁄2 cup of sweet potatoes
• per gram (fresh weight):

                o 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples
                o 30 times more antioxidant activity than potatoes

                o 12 times more antioxidant activity than oranges

                o  4 times more than antioxidant activity blueberries.                                                                                    

Due to the small volume of the herb needed to obtain the same amounts of antioxidants, it will be easier to incorporate herbs and spices into one's diet. What more, it will enhance the taste of the foods!

Like the saying goes ... "It doesn't take much to get healthy!"

Parts of Oregano that can be used:

• Leaves - fresh and dried
  
• Stalk - fresh and dried
• Seeds
• Oils (from seeds)

Examples of Health Benefits of Oregano

• Antioxidant capabilities
• Anti-bacterial