Health Benefits of Oregano
Its name comes from the Greek words OROS, which means mountain; and GANOS, which means joy. The name says it all. Its leaves are often more flavorful when dried than fresh, and it has a warm, highly aromatic, and slightly bitter taste — the perfect seasoning for both robust and light and earthy sauces, roasted vegetables, and a flavorful marinade for meat and fish. The best way to enjoy this joyous herb is in your cooking.
The value of oregano stretches far beyond flavor, however, and its antioxidant properties may confer numerous health benefits.
Oregano has shown anti-bacterial activity in several studies. Its essential oils contain carvacol, which has been shown to be effective against various serious bacterial infections. Its antioxidant components, which bolster the immune system and protect the cells against the damaging effects of free radicals can help fight infection and oregano has also demonstrated anti-cancer properties that have been studied in breast cancer patients. More recently, according to a 2014 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, it’s being studied for potential diabetes-fighting properties.
Here’s what we do know: it’s just perfect on pizza, and also this elegant easy-to-make fish recipe!
Source: Gourmet May 2006Ingredients
4 (1 ¼ inch thick) white flesh and skinless fish fillets like halibut
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 ultra thin lemon slices
½ cup dry white wine
1/3 cup/2 oz of brine-cured and pitted green olives (halved lengthwise)
1 ½ tsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh or ¾ tsp dried oregano, crumbledPreparation
Put oven rack in top third of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees. Pat fish dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat 1tbsp oil in a 12inch skillet over medium high heat until hot, but not smoking. Sear fillets, skinned side down, until browned well, 3-4 min. Transfer, seared sides up to a baking dish and top each with a lemon slice.
Transfer fish to a platter, then whisk the lemon juice, oregano, and remaining oil into the cooking liquid inside the baking dish. Season the sauce with salt and pepper and spoon over fish. Serve immediatelyNutritional Info
Calories 295
Fat 15g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Fiber 1g
