The Benefits of Oregano: From Flavoring Dishes to Fighting Inflammation
Oregano is a herb that provides a strong flavor and subtle sweetness to dishes. It’s available fresh, dried, or as an oil, and all forms have significant health benefits.
Although it’s usually used in small amounts, oregano is packed with important nutrients. For example, just one teaspoon of dried oregano can fulfill about 8% of your daily vitamin K requirement. Oregano is also rich in antioxidants, which help fight damage caused by harmful free radicals in the body. Additionally, oregano contains compounds that have potent antibacterial properties.
If that’s not enough, some research suggests that oregano and its components may also protect against certain viruses. For example, some test-tube studies have found that oregano can help fend off bacteria.
Inflammation can be a normal immune response to illness or injury, but chronic inflammation is thought to contribute to the development of various diseases. Luckily, oregano can help counter inflammation. It’s rich in antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. Additionally, oregano contains compounds like carvacrol that have anti-inflammatory properties.
