Many people have used oregano in recipes to add flavor to their dinner table, but did you know that this aromatic herb is also a source of incredible health benefits? Oregano means βmountain joyβ and is popular in Spanish and Mediterranean cooking.
Using fresh oregano in your dishes adds extra fiber to your meal. The fiber aids in lowering cholesterol levels and helps to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Research has also shown that oregano is an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting and bone building. Oregano is also a good source of manganese and a good source of iron, and calcium.
RResearch is being done on oregano and its antioxidant ability. Oregano contains thymol and rosmarinic acid, which are phytonutrients and others. These phytonutrients have been shown to function as potent antioxidants that prevent oxygen-based damage to cell structures throughout the body. Scientists have been looking at the antioxidant ability of oregano versus the two synthetic antioxidants regularly added to food. (BHT-butylated hydroxytoluene and BHA-butylated hydroxyanisole) Research has been promising and has shown that oregano has a stronger capacity than synthetic ones. Plus, oregano has demonstrated 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges, and 4 times more than blueberries on a per gram basis.
Research has shown that oregano has some fantastic anti-bacterial properties. Oregano contains the oils thymol and carvacrol, which have been studied and shown to inhibit and slow down the growth of bacteria. These oils are effective against bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Researchers in Mexico have compared a commonly used prescription drug, Tinidazole, with oregano against the amoeba Giardia lamblia. In this study, oregano turned out to be more effective against this amoeba than the prescription drug.
Oregano has also been studied for its antiviral activity. Recently a study was conducted where a spray that contained oregano proved to be quite effective in “immediately” relieving symptoms of upper respiratory infections. Oregano oil can be helpful for those with colds and the flu. Research has found that oregano seems to make the body produce more sweat to detox, and if you consume oregano, it may help your lungs clear themselves of unwanted and unhealthy phlegm.
