Oh Oregano!

We all know that oregano is a wonderful cooking herb used in many cultures for its savory flavor.  But did you know that is has many health benefits too?

Oregano is a natural source of vitamin K.  Vitamin K is important for blood coagulation, and in metabolic pathways in bone and other tissue.

Oregano is a mineral powerhouse!  It is high in many important minerals including manganese and iron.

Oregano is a strong antioxidant!  Studies show that oregano as 42 times more antioxidant activity than

apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries.  Antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals and promote healthy cells.

Need more fiber?  Oregano is rich in bulk fiber in its fresh form so add it to your recipes to keep elimination regular…naturally.

Oregano has awesome antibacterial properties too.  Oregano contains thymol and carvacrol, both potent antibacterial oils that have been known to inhibit the growth of bacterias like  Pseudomonas aeruginosa  and Staphylococcus aureus .  Researchers in Mexico have compared a common prescription drug, Tinidazol, to oregano in fighting Giardia lamblia, an intestinal parasite.  In fact they found it to be more effective than the drug in fighting this bacterium.

If that isn’t enough to convince you of oregano’s awesomeness…did you know that oregano is a great source for Omega-3 fatty acids.

So get out there and get your oregano garden started – there are so many varieties to choose from.