Oregano

The herb oregano is native to Europe and central Asia and is used to enhance the flavor of Mexican and Mediterranean diet cuisines.



The price paid for oregano is worth it, as this herb not only delivers a rich aromatic flavor to the meal but also offers various health benefits. It is considered a favorite herb for pizza lovers as it forms a crucial ingredient in the preparation of the pizza. Oil of oregano and dried oregano are also available along with fresh oregano in the markets.



Dried oregano however should be stored well as it tends to lose its pungency very quickly. Oregano herb is the symbol of happiness and also makes the hillsides on which it grows look more beautiful. The name oregano itself is derived from two Greek words ‘oros’ and ‘ganos’ which means mountain and joy.



Oregano has a pleasant warm aromatic flavor and the best quality of oregano is strong enough to numb the tongue, but this taste largely depends on the climatic conditions.

Health and oregano –

1. Oregano is considered an excellent source of vitamin K, besides it is also a good source of manganese, iron, calcium, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin K and dietary fiber. Carvacrol and thymol are the two main phenols present in the essential oil of oregano which are associated with strong anti bacterial properties. Both these phenols from the essential oil of oregano have been proved to inhibit the growth of various bacteria – even the ones that may cause some food borne illnesses. Some researchers also found oregano more effective against the bacteria Giardia lamblia than the common drugs prescribed to treat the infection caused by this bacterium.
2. Oregano is a good source of vitamins with antioxidant properties, besides these vitamins it also provides phytonutrients like thymol and rosmarinic acid which also have potent antioxidant properties. These vitamins and phytonutrients work synergistically to prevent the body from oxidative damage as it helps scavenge the free radicals and decrease the oxidative stress. Studies have given interesting results when oregano was tested for its antioxidant properties. It has been shown to have 42 times more potent antioxidant properties than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more to oranges and 4 times to blueberries.
   
   
   
   
3. Oregano is a very good source of dietary fiber, which helps to remove the cancer causing toxins from the colon by binding with bile and excreting them from the body. This in turn also helps to reduce the cholesterol as in the process to remove cancer toxins bile is excreted which in turn results in more bile production.