Secret Ingredient in Italian Food

It's no secret that antioxidants help slow down the aging process, and guard against diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. But here's something you probably don't know: the single best way to get antioxidants is by seasoning your food! It may be part of the reason that a recent study of over 20,000 Greek men and women found that the more closely they followed a traditional diet, the lower their blood pressure and the lower their risk of heart disease.
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently tested the antioxidant content of various plant foods like spinach and blueberries. They had a very powerful antioxidant effect--more powerful than taking 1200 mg of vitamin C.
But then they found something that surprised them: the strongest antioxidant power came not from fruits and vegetables but from herbs! Dill, thyme, rosemary and peppermint are some of the herbs that scored highest.
But the highest-scoring herb of all was oregano. Oregano was found to have 4 times more antioxidant activity than blueberries ... 12 times more than oranges ... and 42 times more than apples!
It's easy to get oregano into you diet. I include it in all my soups, even my chili, and, of course, in all my salads. Even garlic bread can be sprinkled with oregano and mixed with lemon juice and olive oil to use as a salad dressing or marinade for chicken and fish.
My favorite is the tomato sauce grandma made using fresh plum tomatoes (rich in lycopene), garlic, red wine, fresh basil leaves and onion. Here's the recipe for all to enjoy:
Italian Tomato Sauce
5 large ripe plum tomatoes diced
4 fresh crushed garlic cloves
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup fresh chopped oregano (1 Tbsp dry)
1/2 cup chopped, fresh basil leaves (2 Tbsp dry)
1/4 cup fresh, chopped parsley (1 Tbsp dry)
1/2 cup red wine
4 ounces extra virgin olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste and add a few jolts of Louisiana Hot Sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp apple cider vinegar

In a saucepan, saute the onions and peppers in olive oil until onions are translucent. Add the garlic and saute another few seconds more.

Pour in the red wine and cook down until it's almost evaporated.

Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, parsely, black pepper, brown sugar and apple cider vinegar and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.

Tomato sauce takes on a special look when it is done. It is darker red along the sides and smells delicious - talk about aroma therapy!

The lower risk of heart disease was attributed to olive oil - a leading factor behind the benefit of the Mediterranean diet, along with fresh vegetables and fruits. The researchers theorize that polyphenols in olive oil may play an important role.
Remember that healthy eating is not about celery and carrots. Healthy eating is tasty and fills the air with moisture, and a combination of tomatoes, garlic, oregano and happiness. Grandma said, "Mangia, you'll feel better".

Grandma knew that the best medicine you'll ever find is in the healthy food you eat and the secret herbs that made it so right!