Oregano is a common ingredient in several cuisines across the globe.
It has a robust taste and imparts warmth and a touch of delicate sweetness to recipes.
It is available in fresh, dried, and oil forms, all of which are considered to offer considerable health advantages.
Oregano is nutrient-dense despite the fact that it is normally used in tiny doses. One teaspoon of dried oregano may provide around 8 per cent of your daily vitamin K requirements.
Studies have uncovered a number of its outstanding potential advantages, including fighting microorganisms and lowering inflammation.
This article examines six documented health advantages of oregano.
Abundant in Antioxidants
Oregano is abundant in antioxidants, which are chemicals that protect the body from free radical damage.
Free radical accumulation has been related to chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
Several investigations conducted in test tubes indicate that oregano and oregano oil are rich in antioxidants.
Oregano essential oil is particularly rich in carvacrol and thymol, two antioxidants that may help reduce free radical-induced cell damage.
Oregano, when combined with other high-antioxidant meals such as fruits and vegetables, might deliver a substantial amount of antioxidants that may be beneficial to your health.
Might Help Combat Bacteria
There are chemicals in oregano with powerful antibacterial activity.
Two kinds of bacteria that may cause infections, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were inhibited in one test-tube investigation by oregano essential oil.
In a separate test-tube investigation, oregano was shown to be effective against 23 types of bacteria.
In addition, the antibacterial activity of oregano, sage, and thyme essential oils was examined in a test-tube investigation. Oregano ranked second only to thyme as one of the most effective essential oils against germs.
Current research is restricted to test-tube trials using concentrated quantities of this plant. Therefore, further study is required to evaluate how these discoveries may impact people.
Could Possess Anti-Cancer Effects
Oregano contains several antioxidants. In addition to neutralising free radical damage, these chemicals may also assist in cancer prevention.
Several studies in test tubes indicate that oregano and its constituents may help destroy cancer cells.
Oregano extract inhibited the development of cancer cells and aided in their death, according to one test-tube investigation involving human colon cancer cells.
Another test-tube research showed that carvacrol, one of oregano’s constituents, inhibited the development and spread of colon cancer cells.
Keep in mind, however, that these were test-tube experiments using large quantities of the plant and its components. To evaluate its effects, investigations on humans at usual dosages are required.
May Assist in Reducing Viral Infection
In addition to combating germs, oregano and its components may also defend against some viruses, according to test-tube research.
Specifically, carvacrol and thymol are two oregano chemicals having antiviral activity.
Within one hour of treatment in a test tube, carvacrol inactivated norovirus, a virus that causes diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
Within one hour, thymol and carvacrol inactivated 90 per cent of the herpes simplex virus, according to a separate test-tube investigation.
Although these findings are encouraging, a greater study is required to determine how oregano may affect viral infections in people.
Might Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural immunological reaction that develops in response to disease or damage.
However, persistent inflammation is thought to contribute to the development of illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
Oregano has a high concentration of antioxidants, which may help neutralise free radicals and decrease inflammation.
Furthermore, it includes anti-inflammatory chemicals such as carvacrol. In one animal research, carvacrol decreased mouse paw edema by as much as 57%.
A blend of thyme and oregano essential oils decreased the number of inflammatory markers in mice with colitis, or an irritated colon, according to another animal research.
Remember that these researchers examined the impact of very concentrated quantities of oregano and its constituents. It is necessary to do research to discover how a typical dose may affect inflammation in people.
Simple to Include in Your Diet
Although you may think of oregano as a pizza and pasta garnish, this versatile herb may be utilised in a variety of ways.
Consider combining entire oregano leaves with other greens for a nutrient-rich salad or sprinkle the leaves into chilli, soups, and stews.
Additionally, you may use it to create fresh pesto or salad dressing, to season meat meals, or to enhance the taste of handmade sauces.
Oregano is available fresh, dried, and as an oil, making it quite simple to include it in your diet.
The Conclusion
Oregano is a herb with a number of significant health advantages.
It is rich in antioxidants and may aid in the fight against germs and viruses, inhibit the development of cancer cells, and decrease inflammation.
Current research, however, is restricted to test-tube and animal investigations. It requires more study to establish its possible impacts on people.
Fortunately, oregano is adaptable, simple to integrate into your diet, and may be used in a broad range of fresh, dried, and oil-based dishes.