Oregano is an herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. It is popularly known for its strong flavor in foods such as pizza and pasta sauce.
Beyond its culinary uses, oregano has a long history of medicinal properties and has been used to treat various ailments for centuries. Here are ten health benefits of eating oregano.
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Oregano is rich in antioxidants and compounds such as carvacrol, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is a common cause of many chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
2. Immune System Boost
Oregano contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help to boost the immune system. These vitamins and nutrients work together to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses and keep the body healthy.
3. Digestive Aid
Oregano has been shown to have gastroprotective properties, making it a popular natural remedy for digestive issues. These properties help to reduce inflammation and fight off harmful bacteria in the gut, making it easier to digest food.
4. Anti-cancer Properties
Oregano has been found to have anti-cancer properties and can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Studies have found that the carvacrol and other compounds found in oregano can help to kill cancer cells and prevent the development of tumors.
5. Respiratory Health
Oregano has been used for centuries to treat respiratory issues such as coughs and bronchitis.
The herb contains compounds that have antispasmodic properties, which help to relax the muscles in the respiratory system and alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory issues.
6. Anti-fungal Properties
The antifungal properties of oregano make it a popular natural remedy for candida and other fungal infections. The compounds found in oregano can help to kill fungal cells and prevent the growth of fungi in the body.
7. Anti-bacterial Properties
The antibacterial properties of oregano make it a powerful natural remedy for infections. The herb contains compounds that have been found to kill harmful bacteria and prevent the growth of bacteria in the body.
8. Anti-aging Properties
The antioxidants found in oregano make it a powerful anti-aging agent. These antioxidants work to fight off free radicals in the body, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
9. Pain Relief
Oregano has been found to have pain-relieving properties due to the presence of compounds such as carvacrol.
These compounds work to reduce pain and inflammation in the body, making oregano a popular natural remedy for headaches and other common ailments.
10. Heart Health
Oregano has been found to have heart-healthy properties. The antioxidants found in the herb can help to reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and protecting the heart from damage.