In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about the role of antioxidants and how they can contribute to shielding and improving human health. Numerous scientific studies and reports claim that certain foods are rich sources of antioxidants and of course among them could not be missing herbs!

What are antioxidants and how do they work in our body?

Let us be transported to the amazing world of atoms and molecules and assume that molecules are small societies. Every society consists of many units, atoms (each atom has protons – positively charged and electrons – negatively charged).

In every society, there are people who do not disturb its proper functioning and anarchically cause problems. In the first case of atoms that do not disturb the proper functioning, we consider atoms whose charge is neutral (protons are equal to neutrons), while anarchists are atoms (free radicals) that for some reason carry a free electron.

This difference pushes these individuals to want to upset the balance, seeking either to extract an electron from somewhere else or to give their extra charge to another person. The result is that these few disturbances of society cause major malfunctions that can lead to total and irreparable disasters;

Society gives signs and asks for help from external partners. The help is provided through soldiers who have in their quiver weapons against “bad” people (free radicals) and are called antioxidants! In short, antioxidants offer our body protection against free radicals that are responsible for creating a variety of diseases (such as cancer) and premature aging.

 

The allies of the human body

Our body has the ability to protect itself from its enemies, however, it needs the appropriate support through the food we receive to strengthen it and offer it extra weapons in the daily battles it gives. Weapons such as Vitamins, Carotenoids, and Polyphenols, which you will find in foods such as fruits and vegetables.

According to recent scientific studies, but also based on reports from the past, among the products with significant antioxidant activity are a variety of herbs. Herbs that are either used as ingredients of natural medicines or consumed as herbal teas or ingredients/spices in culinary creations can only prove beneficial to the human body.

 

Knowing herbs of the Greek land with antioxidant action

Although the list of herbs with antioxidant properties is long, if we would like to single out 5 of them, characteristics of the Greek land, with reports from the scientific community about their antioxidant action, we would single out the following.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare):

Oregano is undoubtedly the most famous herb of Mediterranean cuisine. It has a strong antioxidant effect, which according to studies is maintained in both fresh and dried form. Both the dried parts of the plant and its essential oil are traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders, indigestion, and rheumatoid arthritis. Its antibacterial and antioxidant action is due to two main components of its essential oil, carvacrol, and thymol.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):

The characteristic foliage of rosemary, in addition to the beautiful aromas it gives, is accompanied by a multitude of medicinal properties that man has appreciated from an early age and is still trying to take advantage of. The European Union has approved rosemary extract as a safe and effective natural antioxidant for food preservation. In addition, according to modern studies, the carnosic acid contained in rosemary can protect the brain from various diseases related to aging and neurodegenerative conditions.

 

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris):

The aromatic and medicinal properties of thyme make it one of the most popular herbs not only in Greece, but worldwide. In addition to its use in cooking, it is consumed as an herbal tea, but also as an ingredient in natural medicines. According to research, thyme extract can be used as an antioxidant in both food and medicine, replacing the corresponding synthetic substances.

Sage (Salvia fruticosa):

Sage is an herb used since ancient times in folk medicine. Modern studies justify the belief of our ancestors in the properties of this unique herb and certify its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus):

The dittany, endemic plant of Crete is one of the most important plants of the island, known worldwide for its medicinal properties. The properties of dittany had been studied since antiquity and continue to this day. Summarizing the main ones, dittany is considered: Antioxidant, healing, emmenagogue, digestive, diuretic, antispasmodic, astringent, sedative of the nervous system, antibacterial, antifungal.

The list of herbs with antioxidant properties is long and herbs are often studied under the microscope of science in order to further study their medicinal properties. And it is truly amazing that all these herbs have been known for thousands of years and we have not yet fully discovered their well-hidden secrets! In any case, their daily use, either in our food or as herbal teas, can only prove to be beneficial, contributing to the shielding and strengthening of our body.