Seasoned radicals - newsbites - herbs, spices - Brief Article

Sure, fruits and vegetables are great sources of nutritious antioxidants. But did you know that herbs and spices--especially oregano--offer many times the antioxidant activity of fresh produce? And without all the extra calories of whole foods.

Of all the herbs and spices--according to the November 2001 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry--the potency of oregano ranks supreme. It offers 3 to 20 times more antioxidant activity than the other herbs studied. Plus, oregano has 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries.

Antioxidants are compounds thought to prevent chemical damage caused by free radicals--charged molecules generated by many sources such as pesticides, smoking and car exhaust. Destroying free radicals may help prevent cancer and heart disease, researchers believe. Oregano and other antioxidant-rich herbs slow the aging process and promote longevity, say experts at the US National Institute on Aging.

Other powerful herbs include dill, garden thyme, rosemary and peppermint. To get the benefits, add herbs to hot water to make potent antioxidant teas, buy concentrated herbal oils, sprinkle crushed herbs over food or simply take supplements. Generally, fresh herbs offer more antioxidants than processed ones. Pregnant women, however, should consult their health care practitioners before taking herbal supplements.