SUPER FOOD

Oregano Oregano By Christian Dischler

Oregano is an herb that’s long served as a cure to many ailments. According to Greek mythology, this meandering herb grew in Aphrodite’s garden to symbolize joy, and "ganos" translates to “joy of the mountain.” Its medicinal uses date back to the Middle Ages where people were known to chew on it to ease their toothaches and indigestion. However, this powerful herb didn’t begin its official super food “glow up” until after World War II, when American soldiers brought it home, inspired by their Italian counterparts to utilize it’s unique, robust flavor. While we all know and love oregano for its ever-important role in our favorite Italian dishes, there’s plenty of hidden health benefits within those little textured leaves. Oregano is a fighter. It helps fight against bacteria, inflammation, fungal and parasitic infections. Its most powerful form is in the oil of oregano, which is extracted from the leaves and used as an antibiotic to help our bodies fight against such intruders. Most notably, it’s been shown to effectively kill bacterial strains such as E. coli, and certain respiratory illnesses that can attack us when the seasons begin to change. Needless to say, oregano can be a powerful ally for our bodies when defending against certain colds and viruses that have begun to dominate our medical journals these last few years.

This super herb is also loaded with antioxidants, the tried and true mantle of any notable super food. These antioxidants help rid our systems of free radicals, thus decreasing our risk for cancers and heart disease. In particular, thymol and carvacrol are two antioxidants found in oregano that help mitigate damage caused by those pesky free radicals.

The writing on the wall of your favorite pizza joint is clear. Oregano is a powerful herb that seems to have as many benefits as it does mentions in your favorite recipe book. Stock up on some concentrated oregano oil this season and dilute it with water to help you ward off unwanted colds, bacterial infections and more. But also make sure you plant some in your garden like Aphrodite would, so it’s readily available to include in all of your beloved Italian dishes. The addition of this spicy and flavorful herb never hurts a dish! And it certainly won’t harm you, either.

Oregano has been shown to effectively kill bacterial strains such as E. coli, and certain respiratory illnesses that can attack us when the seasons begin to change.

• editor’s letter Spring has sprung!

Spring brings warmer temperatures, blossoming flowers and new growth. This year, we are ready for a return to health, happiness and prosperity. Inspire Health Magazine is an important source of information dedicated to the health and well-being of South Floridians. With your continued support, we are able to deliver on our mission to keep you looking better and feeling better, every day.

In this issue we introduce you to Lynda Gordon, founder of The Gordon Alliance, which honors the life and legacy of her late husband, the renowned cardiologist Dr. Michael Gordon. Lynda is also the author of the popular children’s book Coogie, The Dumpster Cat.

Those readers with gastronomic interests will enjoy reading about oregano, an herb with usage dating back to ancient times, and edamame (immature soybeans) that are packed with protein, minerals and vitamins.

Addressing an important topic during these days of pandemic, writer Amber Arevalos shares important tips for helping depressed teenagers, while Juliane Kristine Morris provides insight into the popular sleep aid melatonin.

Please remember that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and in April we observe Autism Awareness Month.

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHED BY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

publisher GRANT MILLER

executive editor MICHAEL MILLER

director of advertising AMY DONNER

marketing director KARINA HINTZ

contributing writers CHRISTOPHER PEARSON GARY RUSE

account executives GLORIA BURNS MILLER MYERS RICHARD NEIDORF FARA SAX DIANE SCHILLER GEORGIA TAIT

production & design DENISE CEBRERO ISABEL VAVREK

Inspire Health is intended for educational purposes only. Never substitute content contained in this publication for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC, and the publishers of Inspire Health neither endorse nor promote the products and services described herein. Readers should not use the information in Inspire Health for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise, or supplementation program before taking medications; and if experiencing or suspecting the onset of any health problems.

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