Looking for ways to maintain your energy levels and fight disease? Incorporating more antioxidant-rich foods into your diet may be what the doctor ordered. And while there are many fruits, vegetables, and nuts that contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin C, an aromatic herb is a great way to add a burst of flavor to these important nutrients.
In this blog post, we’re going to find out exactly which herb can benefit your daily health – straight from the mouth of an experienced doctor! Read on and find out why adding herbal medicines to our diet can mean the difference between illness and well-being.
Well yes! There is an aromatic herb that we often use in our dishes for its flavor, but we don’t know its true power.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its aromatic leaves which are used in cooking and traditional herbal medicine. Recent scientific studies have shown that oregano has many health benefits due to its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are substances that can help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.
A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research showed that oregano extracts were able to significantly reduce oxidative stress and associated cell damage in laboratory mice. This indicates that the antioxidants found in oregano may provide protection against cell damage and inflammation that can be caused by exposure to pollutants or unhealthy diets.
Additionally, a study published in Food Chemistry found that oil of oregano contains over 42 different types of phenolic compounds and three different types of flavonoids, all of which contribute to its antioxidant activity. These phenolic compounds act as free radical scavengers, absorbing potentially harmful molecules before they can cause damage to cells and tissues, providing numerous health benefits.
Even more, research presented at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society has shown that compounds found in oregano have anti-cancer properties and can inhibit the growth of certain types of tumor cells. It is thought that this could be due to the interaction between these compounds and certain enzymes involved in the formation and growth of tumors, as well as their ability to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells intact.
Apart from its antioxidant particularity, oregano has other benefits for your health.
Although used in small amounts in the tropics, oregano contains important nutrients, which are responsible for its many health benefits. Oregano contains vitamins A, C, E and K, fiber, carbohydrates and is also a good source of minerals like folic acid, iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
It is best known for its richness in terpenes like thymol, ocimene, carvacrol, limonene, caryophyllene and terpinene. These compounds have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Can treat diabetes:
Oregano has been scientifically proven to be an effective natural treatment for diabetes. Studies have shown that oregano can significantly reduce glucose and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes, improving their overall health.
Additionally, oregano also contains antioxidants and beneficial phytochemicals that can lower blood sugar and help prevent kidney damage associated with diabetes. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe digestive issues related to diabetic complications. Although research is still being done on the long-term effects of oregano as a natural treatment for diabetes, current data shows that it could be a viable option for managing this disease.
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Improve digestion:
The best way to maintain healthy digestion is simply to eat more fiber. Oregano is high in fiber, which can be beneficial for both diarrhea and constipation. Eating it regularly can boost your digestive system.
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Antibacterial properties:
Oregano is an herb known for its strong and distinct flavor, but it also has other uses. Studies show that oregano oil has powerful antibacterial properties when used topically. It has various healing effects, ranging from healing skin infections and minor cuts to treating digestive disorders such as indigestion and diarrhea.
In folk medicine, this herb has long been used in soothing ointments and oils for minor wounds, and can relieve joint pain when added to bath water. Oregano is a versatile herb whose healing abilities go far beyond its distinct flavor – a perfect addition to any kitchen pantry or medicine cabinet!
Fresh oregano Vs dried oregano: same value, same benefits!
Although fresh oregano is more aesthetically pleasing due to its vibrant green color, the dried version has many benefits. Nutritionally, both have a similar vitamin K content, although it tends to be higher in the dried version.
Dried oregano also contains more antioxidants than fresh leaves. While both versions of oregano have antifungal and antimicrobial properties, some studies show that the potency of these compounds may decrease during the drying process. Therefore, if it is a skin treatment, as mentioned earlier, oil of oregano and fresh oregano are probably a better choice than dried oregano.
