Oregano is considered a staple herb in many cuisines around the world.
It has a robust flavour and adds warmth to foods, as well as a delicate sweetness.
It is available fresh, dried, or as an oil, all of which are thought to offer substantial health benefits.
Oregano contains certain vital elements, although being taken in modest doses. One teaspoon of dried oregano provides around 8% of your daily vitamin K requirements.
Studies have revealed some of its outstanding potential benefits, ranging from assisting in the fight against infection to lowering inflammation.
This article examines six scientifically proven health advantages of oregano.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Oregano is high in antioxidants, which are molecules that assist the body battle damage caused by free radicals.
Free radical accumulation has been linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Oregano and oregano oil are strong in antioxidants, according to several test-tube experiments.
Carvacrol and thymol, two antioxidants included in oregano essential oil, can help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
Oregano, when combined with other high-antioxidant meals like fruits and vegetables, may deliver a potent dose of antioxidants that may help enhance your health.
Summary Oregano contains a high concentration of antioxidants, which can aid to prevent harm by neutralising disease-causing free radicals.
2. May Help Fight Bacteria
Certain chemicals in oregano have powerful antimicrobial effects.
In one test-tube investigation, oregano essential oil inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two bacterium species that can cause infection.
Another test-tube investigation discovered that oregano was effective against 23 different types of bacteria (8Trusted Source).
Furthermore, a test-tube investigation examined the antibacterial properties of essential oils of oregano, sage, and thyme. Oregano, along with thyme, was one of the most effective essential oils against germs.
The majority of current study has been conducted in test tubes using high doses of this herb. As a result, more research is required to evaluate how these findings may influence humans.
Summary Oregano and its constituents have been shown in test tubes to be effective against specific strains of bacteria.
3. Could Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Oregano has a lot of antioxidants. These chemicals have the potential to not only neutralise free radical damage, but also to aid in cancer prevention.
Some in vitro studies have suggested that oregano and its constituents may aid in the killing of cancer cells.
In one test-tube investigation, oregano extract was applied to human colon cancer cells, which slowed their growth and helped them die.
Another test-tube study found that carvacrol, another component of oregano, inhibited the growth and spread of colon cancer cells.
Keep in mind that these were test-tube research involving large doses of the herb and its constituents. Human trials with standard doses are required to assess its effects.
Summary Oregano is abundant in antioxidants and contains chemicals that have been demonstrated in some test-tube tests to decrease cancer cell development.
4. May Help Reduce Viral Infection
In addition to preventing germs, some research suggests that oregano and its constituents may help protect against some viruses.
Carvacrol and thymol, two chemicals found in oregano, have been linked to antiviral activity.
Carvacrol inactivated norovirus, a viral illness that causes diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach pain, in one test-tube trial within one hour of treatment.
In another test-tube trial, thymol and carvacrol were reported to inactivate 90% of the herpes simplex virus in under one hour.
While these findings are encouraging, more research into how oregano may affect viral infections in humans is required.
Summary Carvacrol and thymol, two chemicals present in oregano, have been demonstrated in several test-tube tests to reduce virus activity.
5. Could Decrease Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal immunological reaction caused by sickness or damage.
Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is thought to lead to the development of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune problems.
Oregano contains a high concentration of antioxidants, which can aid to neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation.
It also contains chemicals that have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory activities, such as carvacrol. Carvacrol reduced edoema in the paws of mice by up to 57% in one animal study.
Another animal study found that an essential oil blend of thyme and oregano reduced the frequency of inflammatory markers in mice with colitis, or an irritated colon.
Remember that these research looked at the effects of oregano and its constituents in extremely high concentrations. More research is needed to know how a normal amount affects inflammation in humans.
Summary Oregano contains a lot of antioxidants, which may help with inflammation. Animal studies indicate that oregano oil and its constituents may help reduce inflammation.
6. Easy to Add to Your Diet
Though you may think of oregano as a pizza and pasta garnish, this versatile herb may be utilised in a variety of ways.
Mix whole oregano leaves with other greens for a nutritious salad, or sprinkle the leaves on chilli, soups, or stews.
It can also be used to make fresh pesto or salad dressing, season meat meals, and flavour homemade sauces.
Oregano is available fresh, dried, or as an oil, making it a breeze to incorporate into your diet.
Summary Oregano is available fresh, dried, or as an oil, and it can be used to flavour stews, salads, sauces, meats, and other dishes.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to your health, oregano is a herb with some very significant benefits.
It is high in antioxidants and may aid in the fight against bacteria and viruses, as well as potentially slowing the growth of cancer cells and alleviating inflammation.
Current research, however, is limited to test-tube and animal investigations. More research is needed to determine its potential human impacts.
Fortunately, oregano is adaptable, easy to incorporate into your diet, and may be used in a variety of recipes in fresh, dried, or oil form.
