Oregano - The Mountain Joy
Family:Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Part of Plant Used: Leaves
Origin: Northern Europe
History: Greek and Roman brides and grooms were crowned with a laurel of oregano due to its role as a symbol of joy and happiness.
Known Active Ingredients: Phenolic acid: rosmarinic acid; Volatile oils: thymol, carvacrol
Health Benefits: Oregano has such a good health profile that you can actually purchase “Oil of Oregano.”
The two volatile oils are known to inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for infections of the bones,joints, and gastrointestinal, urinary, and respiratory tracts, along with pus forming infections, such as boils and styes. One of these bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, can cause serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, and Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Oregano has actually been found by Mexican researchers to be more effective than drugs at treating infection by certain intestinal parasites. This herb is also a nice source of antioxidants, the active hytonutrients being thymol and rosmarinic acid.The USDA has found that gram for gram, oregano has the highest antioxidant activity of 27 herbs and actually has 4 times the antioxidants of blueberries, the antioxidant love of the nutrition community. It is also a stronger antioxidant than the synthetic BHT and BHA that are commonly added to foods.
Flavor: Oregano has a warming, pungent, sharp flavor. You know it when you taste it for sure.The sharpness of the flavor holds up well when cooked, though like most herbs, it should be added near the end of cooking.Oregano is really prominent in Greek cooking and adds some great flavor to everything from eggs to pork and lamb. A little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and oregano makes a great salad dressing.
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