Oregano is known to be one of the best treatments for a cough. What most people don’t actually know is that it is also beneficial for overall health. Give this article a read and you will also learn about the different health benefits of oregano. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the read!
What is Oregano?
Oregano is a popular herb which many people think of as an herbal medicine. Nevertheless, it’s also a spice that is beneficial in enhancing the flavor of various foods. Furthermore, scientifically, it is what they call Origanum vulgare. Oregano is native to Southwest Eurasia as well as in the Mediterranean region.
Oregano has been a valuable part of both alternative medicine treatments and used for culinary purposes for thousands of years. Oregano is a close relative of mint and has the same genus as the Mentha. For this very reason, both oregano and mint share a lot of similar organic components. They also have a lot of similarities when it comes to health benefits. The leaves of oregano are the most beneficial part of the herb. The flavor and aroma of the leaves are enhanced when you let them dry. This factor is what makes it different from many other herbs.
In herbal remedies and folk medicine from Egypt and Australia, oregano has established a popularity as a genuine treatment for various health conditions. There are many potent active ingredients in oregano that have been well researched and their effects on the body have been tested and verified.
Oregano oil is actually an astoundingly concentrated form of oregano and is beneficial in treating many conditions. The oil is so powerful that people must always dilute it. In the culinary application, it can be beneficial as a flavoring for curries, sauces, soups, and so many other delicacies.
Nutritional Content of Oregano
Oregano contains various important nutrients.
One teaspoon of dried oregano may have:
- 2 micrograms of vitamin K
- 33 milligrams of vitamin E
- 23 milligrams of potassium
- 09 milligrams of manganese
- 5 grams of magnesium
- 66 milligrams of iron
- 29 milligrams of calcium
- 8 grams of fiber
- 5 calories of energy
Moreover, it is also a rich source of dietary oxidants which are beneficial in protecting cells against the effects of free radicals in the body. Not just that, it is also beneficial in improving the ability of the body to fight various infections.
Health Benefits of Oregano
Here are some of the most astonishing health benefits of oregano:
- Helps in increasing energy levels. Through the improvement of the functionality of the metabolism, the body gets rejuvenated and energized. An enhanced circulation helps to fully oxygenate the muscles and the cells of the body, thus increasing strength and energy.
- Helps in improving bone health. The manganese, iron, and calcium content of oregano are essential minerals for bone health. These minerals are what makes the herb essential for those who want added protection against osteoporosis.
- Helps in detoxifying the body. Oregano is rich in various nutrients. With its high content of fiber, vitamin K, iron, calcium, and manganese, as well as some other organic compounds, it is beneficial in detoxifying the body.
- Helps in improving the heart health. Oregano is a natural form of omega-3 fatty acid. This is what makes it beneficial in improving heart health. Moreover, the omega-3s are beneficial in rebalancing cholesterol levels and reducing the inflammation of the cardiovascular system.
- Helps in digestion. The fiber content of oregano is beneficial for the digestive system. It helps increase the bulk of stool and stimulate the peristaltic motion that moves food through the digestive tract.
- Helps in boosting the immune system. The thymol and rosemarinic acid in oregano are both powerful antioxidants which are beneficial in reducing oxidative stress. Adding oregano into your diet is essential in improving immunity and keeping the body safe from various dangerous silent killers.
