The Health Benefits of Oregano
Health Benefits Of Oregano
Oregano has some impressive and important health benefits, including include its ability to protect the immune system, prevent the onset of chronic disease, improve digestion, detoxify the body, strengthen the bones, improve heart health, increase energy levels, and even protect against diabetes.
Oregano
When most people hear the word Orgeano, most think of a spice that flavors their food. However, this perennial plant, with the scientific name of Origanum vulgare, offers many health benefits that most people aren't aware of. Native to southwest Eurasia and the Mediterranean area, oregano has been a valuable part of both culinary and alternative medicine treatments for thousands of years.
Oregano is actually closely related to mint, and its genus is in the same family as Mentha.
Because of this familial relation, the two share similar organic components and have many of the same health benefits. The leaves of oregano are the most commonly used part of the plant, but strangely, the aroma and flavor of the leaves is far greater when the herb is dried than when the leaves are fresh, which is somewhat unusual for an herb.
In folk medicine and herbal remedies from Australia to Egypt, oregano has developed a reputation as a veritable "cure-all" for many health concerns, but the research to back up these claims is still debated. However, there are a number of potent active ingredients in oregano that have been deeply studied, and their effects on the body are no longer question. Oil of oregano is a concentrated form of oregano, and is used to treat a number of conditions, but it should always be diluted, as it is very potent. In culinary where its usage is most commonly praticed, it is used to flavor everything from soups and sauces, to meat dishes, pizza, pasta, vegetables, and even salads. We will now take a look into the diverse and impressive health benefits of oregano.
Health Benefits Of Oregano
Immune Health: Two of the most important components of oregano are rosmarinic acid and thymol, both of which are powerful antioxidants that have been closely linked to reducing oxidative stress in the body. Free radicals are the destructive byproducts of cellular metabolism that can cause cancer and other chronic diseases, so adding oregano to your diet by sprinkling it on your meals can seriously improve your immune health and keep your body a little more safe from some of the most dangerous and silent killers.
Energy Levels: By improving the functionality of the metabolism (due to its B-vitamins and unique organic composition), oregano rejuvenates and energizes the body. The increase in circulation, due to the presence of iron and increased levels of hemoglobin, helps to fully oxygenate the cells and muscles of the body, thereby increasing energy and strength.
Antibacterial Activity: Oregano also has clear antibacterial properties, which are again due to the presence of thymol and carvacrol. These important organic compounds can defend the body against a wide range of bacteria that can affect the skin, the gut, and other parts of the body. Oregano is also a slightly stimulating agent, which can increase the production of white blood cells and speed up the metabolism, making recovery from illness even faster.
Detoxify the Body: The nutrient-rich makeup of oregano, including a high content of manganese, calcium, iron, vitamin K, fiber, and a wide range of other organic compounds, makes this helpful herb ideal for detoxifying the body. Research has shown that oregano can help liver function and speed up the process of toxin elimination.
Digestive Health: Oregano is also high in fiber and can have a major positive impact on your digestive system. Fiber is an essential element of a healthy digestive system, as it can increase the bulk of your stool and stimulate peristaltic motion, which moves food through the digestive tract and excretes it efficiently. Also, fiber helps to maintain the health of the gut and increases nutrient uptake, so the food you eat provides your body with more benefit
Heart Health: Oregano is a natural form of omega-3 fatty acids, the beneficial type of cholesterol that actually improves your heart health. These omega-3 fatty acids also help to re-balance your cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, thereby aiding in the prevention of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Bone Health: As we get older, our bones begin to weaken so ensuring that we get enough vitamins and minerals in our early years is important. Calcium, iron, and manganese are some of the most crucial minerals for bone health, and oregano has significant amounts of all of them, making it great for people who want to protect themselves against osteoporosis later in life.
Warning: Although some people who are allergic to mint and other herbaceous perennial plants may experience some discomfort while eating or touching oregano, it is not commonly known as an allergenic substance and the symptoms of an allergic reaction to oregano are very mild.