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Introduction
*Oregano is a perennial plant Origanum vulgare, native to Europe and Mediterranean regions.
*It is called ‘wild marjoram’ in many countries, though it is distinctively different to marjoram in its flavor and fragrance.
*The fresh and dried aromatic leaves of oregano are used to flavor the meat, vegetable dishes and other foods like sauces, soups, stews, etc.
*Dried oregano leaves are just as fragrant and flavorful as the fresh ones.
*They have a warm, aromatic, pungent, slightly bitter taste and impart an aromatic pungent flavor to the dishes.
*Buying and storage: Select good quality dried oregano leaves or make your own by drying the fresh oregano leaves in shade at home. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place in a cupboard. They keep well for several months.
Is it raw?
Yes, all dried oregano leaves in the supermarket are raw.
Health Benefits
1. Fresh and dried oregano leaves have volatile oils thymol and carvacrol, which have antibacterial properties, and are shown to inhibit stubborn bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
2. The phytonutrients, thymol and rosmarinic acid, present in oregano leaves act as strong antioxidants that can fight against the free radicals in the body.
3. Very good source of beta-carotene, which is a precursor of Vitamin A. It enhances the eye sight, fights against acne, results in smooth radiant skin.
4. Very good source of Vitamins C and E, which along with beta-carotenes acts as antioxidants, scavenge the free radicals, preserve the integrity of cell membranes and prevent the damage caused by them.
5. Good source of magnesium that helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms of asthma, migraine headaches, tension, soreness in muscles.
6. Very good source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in the production of energy and antioxidants defenses.
7. Good source of other minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese, which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body.
8. Moderate source of soluble dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon, and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, etc.
9. Oregano leaves used for steam inhalation clears the sinuses and nasal and laryngeal congestion. A herbal tea made with oregano leaves is also used to clear upper respiratory tract congestions.
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