If you love Italian food, then you are most likely enjoying the bountiful benefits
of oregano. Research is showing that oregano tops the list as the most potent culinary
herb on the planet. This tasty herb contains many minerals like copper, niacin, and
beta-carotene, as well as other nourishing nutrients.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the herb with highest antioxidant potency
is oregano, which has 3 to 20 times more antioxidant activity than the other herbs
studied. Ounce for ounce, oregano is one of the most antioxidant dense foods, having 42
times the antioxidant activity as apples, 12 times more than oranges, and 4 times more
than blueberries.
Oregano (as well as many other flavourful herbs including basil and rosemary) contains
rosmarinic acid. This strong antioxidant helps to prevent cell damage caused by free
radicals, reducing the risk for cancer, heart disease, atherosclerosis and premature
aging. It is also an anti-inflammatory and a study published in the Clinical and
Experimental Allergy, June 2004 showed that the oral administration of rosmarinic acid is
an effective treatment for allergic asthma.
Oregano is also known to be rich in antibacterial properties, including the oils thymol
and carvacrol. Research shows that these two compounds inhibit the growth of many kinds of
bacteria.
Studies in Mexico have shown that oregano can help to clear giardia more effectively than
Tinidazol, which is the usual drug given to treat this condition. Giardia is a common
bacteria ingested through food. It can cause everything from mild digestive problems to
very serious illness.
Researchers at the University of Ogden, Utah have found that oregano essential oil can
effectively fight streptococcus, which can cause pneumonia and other infections of the
upper respiratory system.
Studies have also revealed that Oil of Oregano can stop the growth of harmful bacteria
such as E. Coli and salmonella. Some restaurants even put some drops of Oregano Oil in
salad bars to protect them from dangerous bacteria settling into the food.
This amazing super herb can also destroy viruses and fungi, which is why it oregano oil is
often used during anti Candida (fungi) cleanses.
Raw Spaghetti
Now that you are aware of the incredible powers of oregano, perhaps you are ready to
create a super herb super dish. This raw spaghetti is full power as none of the
ingredients have been heated so they are in full tact.
10-12 sun dried tomatoes, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes to soften.
A handful of fresh oregano or a spoonful of dried.
2 large fresh tomato
1 large red pepper
1-2 stalks of celery
1 clove garlic
(4-5 fresh basil leaves)
Blend all of the ingredients into a blender and pour on top of long strips of courgette
and carrots. (naturalnews,
10.28.2008, Sheryl Walters) (see all
articles by this author) http://www.naturalnews.com/z024627.html