Immunity Booster:
Oregano
Fun Fact: Oregano is an herb of the mint family.
Fun Fact II: Oil of oregano has been said to stop yeast growth.
Benefits:
- antibacterial
- antifungal
- provides energy
Contains:
- potassium
- zinc
- iron
- protein
- calcium
- magnesium
- fiber
- B3
- B6
- antioxidants (protect your cells from damage)
- vitamin C
- helps form collagen
- holds cells together to promote healthy teeth and gums
- vitamin E
- protects red blood cells
- prevents vitamin C and A destruction in the body
- vitamin C
Hot Tips:
- Use oregano in moderation.
- If you ingest high amounts of oregano, you might get an eczematous rash.
- If you are eating fresh oregano leaves, purchase bright green, fresh leaves. (If they are yellow and wilted, don’t buy them.)
- Eat fresh oregano leaves within 3 days of buying them.
- Store fresh oregano leaves in the refrigerator in a ventilated plastic bag (poke a few holes with a fork).
- Wash the oregano leaves right before use. Wash them under cold running water. Shake off excess water, pat dry with paper towels, and spin in a salad spinner.
- Use 3 times more fresh oregano leaves than dried oregano leaves if a recipe is calling for a certain amount of dried oregano.
- When cutting oregano leaves, roll up several leaves tightly and chop perpendicularly to the roll.
- To preserve fresh oregano leaves’ flavor and appearance, add them no more than 20 minutes before the end of the cooking process.
- Put sliced oregano leaves on salads, meat, chicken, fish, and pasta.
Tomorrow:
Stay tuned for a recipe that contains oregano, grass-fed meat, onions, and black beans!
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