(NaturalNews) If you love Italian food, then you are most likely enjoying the bountiful benefits of oregano. Research is showing that oregano tops the list as the most potent culinary herb on the planet. This tasty herb contains many minerals like copper, niacin, and beta-carotene, as well as other nourishing nutrients.

Oregano Shown to be the Most Powerful Culinary HerbAccording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the herb with the highest antioxidant potency is oregano, which has 3 to 20 times more antioxidant activity than the other herbs studied. Ounce for ounce, oregano is one of the most antioxidant dense foods, having 42 times the antioxidant activity as apples, 12 times more than oranges, and 4 times more than blueberries.

Oregano (as well as many other flavourful herbs including basil and rosemary) contains rosmarinic acid. This strong antioxidant helps to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, atherosclerosis, and premature aging. It is also an anti-inflammatory and a study published in the Clinical and Experimental Allergy, June 2004 showed that the oral administration of rosmarinic acid is an effective treatment for allergic asthma.

Oregano is also known to be rich in antibacterial properties, including the oils thymol and carvacrol. Research shows that these two compounds inhibit the growth of many kinds of bacteria.

Studies in Mexico have shown that oregano can help to clear giardia more effectively than Tinidazole, which is the usual drug given to treat this condition. Giardia is a common bacteria ingested through food. It can cause everything from mild digestive problems to very serious illnesses.

Researchers at the University of Ogden, Utah have found that oregano essential oil can effectively fight streptococcus, which can cause pneumonia and other infections of the upper respiratory system.

Studies have also revealed that Oil of Oregano can stop the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. Coli and salmonella. Some restaurants even put some drops of Oregano Oil in salad bars to protect them from dangerous bacteria settling into the food.

This amazing super herb can also destroy viruses and fungi, which is why it oregano oil is often used during anti-Candida (fungi) cleanses.

Raw Spaghetti

Now that you are aware of the incredible powers of oregano, perhaps you are ready to create a super herb super dish. This raw spaghetti is full power as none of the ingredients have been heated so they are in full tact.

• 10-12 sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes to soften.
  
• A handful of fresh oregano or a spoonful of dried.
  
• 2 large fresh tomato
  
• 1 large red pepper
  
• 1-2 stalks of celery
  
• 1 clove garlic
  
• (4-5 fresh basil leaves)

Blend all of the ingredients into a blender and pour on top of long strips of courgette and carrots.