Several health benefits you can get from oregano include the ability to improve heart health, prevent the onset of chronic diseases, detoxify the body, boost energy levels, and boosts the immune system. It can even protect you against diabetes.

What is Oregano?

Oregano is very popular in culinary arts but many people think of this herb as merely a spice that can enhance the flavor of their food. In reality, this spice is a treasure trove of health benefits that most people don’t realize at all. This perennial herb is closely related to mint considering its genus coming from the Mentha family name. This herb is commonly used to enhance the flavor of certain foods such as curries, sauces, soups, meat dishes, pasta, pizza, vegetables, and even salads.

In traditional medicine and herbal remedies from Egypt to Australia, oregano became popular for its ability to cure many health-related concerns but scientific pieces of evidence to support these claims from researchers are still pending. However, several active ingredients present in oregano have been studied and their effects on the body are redundant. Oregano oil, on the other hand, is an extremely concentrated form of oregano that is able to treat numerous health conditions. Because of its very potent composition, it should always be diluted before being used.

Now let’s take a look at what this herb can do to your health.

Health Benefits of Oregano

Boosts Immunity

The most important components of oregano consist of these two compounds, thymol, and rosmarinic acid – both considered as powerful antioxidants linked to reducing oxidative stress in the body. One of the most common causes of developing cancer and other chronic diseases is free radicals which are the by-product of cellular metabolism. Adding oregano to your diet by sprinkling dried leaves on your meals can significantly improve your immunity and eliminate free radicals keeping your body safe from the most silent and dangerous health conditions.

Antibacterial Activity

Oregano, being able to boost the immune system, has also antibacterial properties due to the presence of carvacrol and thymol. These two important organic compounds present in this herb can prevent a wide range of bacterial infections affecting the digestive system, the skin, and other parts of the body. Oregano also stimulates the production of white blood cells and speeds up metabolism that results in a faster recovery from common illnesses.

Improves Heart Health

Oregano has a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. This beneficial type of cholesterol improves your cardiovascular health. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce inflammation in your cardiovascular system and keep the balance of your cholesterol levels thus helping you prevent heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and strokes.

Detoxifies the Body

This humble herb also packs high amounts of manganese, iron, vitamin K, fiber, calcium, and other beneficial organic compounds making it an ideal herb for detoxifying the body. According to some research, oregano can help boost liver function and speed up the process of eliminating toxic substances from the body.

Improves Bone Health

Being high in calcium, magnesium, and iron, you can always ensure that regular consumption of this herb will keep your bones at the optimum condition as these minerals are the most crucial for maintaining bone health.

Increases Energy Levels

The presence of iron in oregano improves circulation because of the increased levels of hemoglobin. This helps the cells and muscles get a sufficient amount of oxygen, thereby increasing strength and energy. It also improves the functionality of metabolism due to its unique organic compounds and B-vitamins that also helps rejuvenate and energize the body.