By 7 Reasons to Eat Oregano, According to Research
August 07, 2021 08:22Last modified August 7, 2021 09:14
Common ailments are part of life. Many of us experience back pain, knee or joint problems, and the common headache that is part of a stressful workday. People are now turning to more holistic treatments for these and other conditions that bother them on a regular basis.
Oregano It is one of the most common condiments used in cooking, and new research shows that it has many health benefits. People have reported that it improves energy levels and improves the overall functioning of the immune system.
People consume this herb for its many health benefits, including the following:
- Reduce inflammation
- Fight against cancer
- Improving digestion
- Treating common colds and viruses
- Improvement of symptoms of depression
Plus, there are other good benefits to using it in oil form. The new data suggest that it may be an effective antihistamine for seasonal allergies. The new reports provide new information on its ability to treat certain inflammatory conditions and may even reduce chronic acne. And some new statistics even hint at the idea that it can be applied as an antibacterial for common infections.
What is oregano?
In the herb garden, oregano is a woody perennial plant. Like other members of the mint family, it is hardy, easy to grow, and tasty. Gardeners often use it fresh, and because it produces prolifically, they also push it to capture essential oils or dehydrate it for use in the winter months.
Seven potential benefits of eating oregano
Oregano has a strong, spicy flavor that makes it popular for many dishes. In fact, not only is it tasty, it is made up of a compound of essential cooking oils, including pinene, limonene, carvacrol, and thymol. All of these oils have vital health functions and add flavor to every dish that contains this popular herb.
Unlike other herbs, it is as tasty dry as it is fresh. In short, the spice never loses its flavor, which is why it remains a popular staple in every grocery store. It is most often used in dishes such as aubergine and zucchini. You can even mix it with olive oil to create a unique blend as a popular seasoning.
New evidence suggests that eating this herb every day has a variety of health benefits. And since it’s a popular addition to the family dinner table, it’s something worth celebrating. The most popular benefits are shown below. After reading all about it, you may want to experiment with it on a favorite recipe.
1 – Reduce inflammation
One to study suggests that oregano reduces inflammation. It contains antioxidant properties that attack and reduce inflammation as a result of injury or infection. These properties have elements such as carvacrol. They suppress the free radicals that invade your body and cause inflammation.
2 – Fight against colon cancer
People who eat a Mediterranean diet have fewer incidents of colon cancer.
A research team wanted to know why and looked at the impact of the foods people eat in the Mediterranean region. The scientists concluded that anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the spread of colon polyps.
What is the agent that helps stop these tumors? Scientists continue to work hard to find out exactly why this helps.
An important note: the researchers used the whole oregano extract in the study, not the culinary herb.
3 – Improved digestion
If you want to improve your digestion, adding this herb to your diet could be a viable solution. One to study found oregano essential oil to be an excellent digestive aid when given to pigs. The oil is known to stabilize the flora and bacteria in your gut to reduce cramps and improve your tract. It can even help you lose weight.
4 – Treatment of common colds and viruses
New studies show that oregano can be effective in fighting most viruses, especially the common cold. This results from the concentration of polyphenols, which have antiseptic properties. These properties can act as a natural firewall for many of the invading germs that result in common infections, which may be a good reason to trust it later. Oral surgery. If you’ve always been the one to rely on antiseptic mouthwash in the toothpaste aisle, then you might consider this a reason to try a new seasoning with similar items.
5 – Fight depression
When used as an oil, it can help in fighting the symptoms of depression. Researchers are still trying to understand exactly why. Still, they find a connection. Some scientists speculate that this is due to a monoamine reuptake inhibitor found in most prescription antidepressants.
6 – Oregano essential oil has antioxidant properties
There is a lot of research that suggests that there are antioxidants found in oregano. Combine this herb or essential oil with fruits and vegetables and you can notice a real difference in your overall health.
7 – Potential antibacterial agents
Studies suggest that it houses certain organic compounds that can improve your health. Scientists note that they seem to struggle at least twenty-three strains of harmful bacteria that cause disease and infection. The results indicate that it is second only to thyme in its battle against bacterial infections and may even protect against certain infections. There are other tests that might suggest that it can reduce skin infections when included as part of your daily diet.
Other healthy reasons to eat oregano
Much of the following information is for anecdotal or traditional herbal medicinal uses. However, some of this also has science to back it up.
People use oregano for many other health reasons. Some have reported that it stops bleeding after oral surgery when taken by mouth. Other people have reported that it helps with tooth pain, which could have a connection to its strong anti-inflammatory elements. And with its non-addictive potential, you might be able to write off ibuprofen for good if it works for you.
Another good reason for its growing popularity is that it is well known for its potential healing properties as a topical. Other research suggests that it can be applied to the skin to treat inflammatory conditions such as acne or a simple rash. In some cases, it could be a possible wart removal treatment. Others have reported that oregano has the potential to relieve canker sore pain because it can reduce irritation and inflammation.
Herbs like this have been proven to help with muscle and joint pain. Again, the anti-inflammatory elements can be attributed to its ability to relieve common conditions such as muscle aches, low back pain, or chronic knee pain. But before using it, it may be best to consult with a doctor.
Final thoughts on eating oregano for better health
As with any holistic treatment, you need to do your research. Although others are talking about its positive benefits, additional scientific research has yet to prove whether oregano actually has those benefits or not. Most of the studies cited suggest that oregano, or its essential oil, is at least worth trying.
You may find that you enjoy the flavor by adding it to many salads or cooked vegetables. Eating it as part of your daily meals can bring several health benefits. Plus, it’s simply tasty and can be a great substitute for salt. It can even improve your blood pressure.
You can cook with it to prepare a wide variety of tasty dishes with good nutritional value. It is most often used in dishes such as cooked meats or chicken. You can use it to simmer in a huge pot of chili for extra flavor. The somewhat minty flavor can add a sharp balance to the hot and spicy chili pepper in the middle of winter. You can liven up your salads and pasta dishes by applying it as part of a low-fat salad dressing.
