Not just pizza, here are 6 reasons why you need to add oregano to your diet

A quintessential Italian herb, oregano brings an earthy and sweet aroma and flavour to your pizza. And not just pizza, it goes well with pastas, salads, sauces, curries, and so many other foods. It holds a special place in the culinary world and for good reason. 

Oregano is a herb that belongs to the mint family. You can find it in the dried form, in oil, or even fresh, But it isn’t just a tasty spice; it also has a lot of medical properties.

Yes, you heard it right! Your beloved oregano holds many impressive health benefits. 

Here’s how oregano is beneficial for your health

Though tropically used in small amounts, oregano packs in some important nutrients, which are responsible for its string of health benefits. Oregano contains vitamin A, C, E, and K, fibre, carbohydrates, and is also a good source of minerals like folate, iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. 

It is best known for being rich in terpenes like thymol, ocimene, carvacrol, limonene, caryophyllene, and terpinene. These compounds have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

1. Cancer-fighting effects

The free radical build-up in your body may contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Oregano is a herb that provides antioxidant compounds that help to fight against the damage done by free radicals, which aids in cancer prevention. 

Sprinkle more OREGANO on your pizza. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
2. May treat diabetes

A build-up of free radicals can also trigger oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage that may result in diabetes. But oregano’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to alleviate the autoimmune inflammatory disorder that is the main cause of type 1 diabetes. In addition, a 2016 study by NCBI shows that origanum extract may help in:

  • Improving insulin resistance;
  • Restore damaged liver and kidney tissues.
3. Improves digestion

The best way to keep digestion healthy is to simply eat more fibre. Oregano is power-packed with fibre, which can be beneficial for both diarrhea and constipation. Eating it regularly may boost your digestive system.

4. Boosts immunity

Boosting immunity is everyone’s concern today. With oregano, you can easily do that. Oregano has a high amount of antioxidant compounds and various other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. These nutrients contribute significantly to boost one’s immunity.

From your diabetes to digestion, oregano can manage everything! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
5. Reduces inflammation

Chronic inflammation is considered to be a huge contributor to the occurrence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, and certain autoimmune disorders. But oregano contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help control inflammation very effectively.

6. Antibacterial properties

Oregano is a good source of antibacterial properties as well. Therefore, it has been found effective in fighting bacteria. In addition to fighting off bacteria, oregano may also protect against some infections and viruses. 

So, with these benefits, it’s clear you need to add more oregano to your diet!