Oregano is an important part of the Mediterranean diet. While it does make your recipes tasty, it also has many health benefits. It may have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Moreover, oregano may help improve digestion. It may also have the potential to manage diabetes, relieve the symptoms of depression, and improve heart health.
What is Oregano?
Oregano is a popular herb and its scientific name is Origanum vulgare. It helps to enhance the flavor of your food and also boost your overall health.
Oregano is native to southwest Eurasia and the Mediterranean area. It has been a culinary ingredient and an alternative medicine option for thousands of years. Interestingly, it is closely related to mint as it belongs to the same family- Lamiaceae. For this reason, the two share many similar organic components and have many of the same health benefits. [1]
The leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant. Its taste ranges from bitter, zesty, and astringent to sweet and mild. The flavor depends on the climate it grows in. The aroma and flavor of the herb are better in its dried form rather than the fresh one.
Aside from being used as an herb, it is also available in other forms like essential oil and capsule. Oregano oil is an extremely concentrated form of oregano and as it is very potent, it should always be diluted. [2]
| Serving Size : | |
|---|---|
| Nutrient | Value |
| Water [g] | 9.93 |
| Energy | 265 |
| Energy [kJ] | 1107 |
| Protein [g] | 9 |
| Total lipid (fat) [g] | 4.28 |
| Ash [g] | 7.87 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference [g] | 68.92 |
| Fiber, total dietary [g] | 42.5 |
| Sugars, total including NLEA [g] | 4.09 |
| Sucrose [g] | 0.91 |
| Glucose (dextrose) [g] | 1.9 |
| Fructose [g] | 1.13 |
| Galactose [g] | 0.15 |
| Calcium, Ca [mg] | 1597 |
| Iron, Fe [mg] | 36.8 |
| Magnesium, Mg [mg] | 270 |
| Phosphorus, P [mg] | 148 |
| Potassium, K [mg] | 1260 |
| Sodium, Na [mg] | 25 |
| Zinc, Zn [mg] | 2.69 |
| Copper, Cu [mg] | 0.63 |
| Manganese, Mn [mg] | 4.99 |
| Selenium, Se [µg] | 4.5 |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] | 2.3 |
| Thiamin [mg] | 0.18 |
| Riboflavin [mg] | 0.53 |
| Niacin [mg] | 4.64 |
| Pantothenic acid [mg] | 0.92 |
| Vitamin B-6 [mg] | 1.04 |
| Folate, total [µg] | 237 |
| Folate, food [µg] | 237 |
| Folate, DFE [µg] | 237 |
| Choline, total [mg] | 32.3 |
| Betaine [mg] | 9.8 |
| Vitamin A, RAE [µg] | 85 |
| Carotene, beta [µg] | 1007 |
| Carotene, alpha [µg] | 20 |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta [µg] | 7 |
| Vitamin A, IU [IU] | 1701 |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] | 1895 |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] | 18.26 |
| Tocopherol, gamma [mg] | 24.42 |
| Tocopherol, delta [mg] | 0.92 |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] | 621.7 |
| Fatty acids, total saturated [g] | 1.55 |
| 10:0 [g] | 0 |
| 12:0 [g] | 0.25 |
| 14:0 [g] | 0 |
| 16:0 [g] | 0.79 |
| 18:0 [g] | 0.51 |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] | 0.72 |
| 16:1 [g] | 0 |
| 18:1 [g] | 0.71 |
| 18:1 c [g] | 0.71 |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] | 1.37 |
| 18:2 [g] | 0.75 |
| 18:3 [g] | 0.62 |
| 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) [g] | 0.62 |
| Phytosterols [mg] | 203 |
| Tryptophan [g] | 0.2 |
| Threonine [g] | 0.32 |
| Isoleucine [g] | 0.44 |
| Leucine [g] | 0.78 |
| Lysine [g] | 0.5 |
| Methionine [g] | 0.13 |
| Cystine [g] | 0.11 |
| Phenylalanine [g] | 0.45 |
| Tyrosine [g] | 0.3 |
| Valine [g] | 0.59 |
| Arginine [g] | 0.45 |
| Histidine [g] | 0.14 |
| Alanine [g] | 0.5 |
| Aspartic acid [g] | 1.01 |
| Glutamic acid [g] | 0.98 |
| Glycine [g] | 0.52 |
| Proline [g] | 1.71 |
| Serine [g] | 0.31 |
| Sources include : USDA [3] | |
Nutrition in Oregano
Oregano is packed with some interesting and healthy nutrients. A teaspoon of dried oregano leaves contains protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. It is a good source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. It contains many other nutrients and compounds like vitamin K, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and folate. [4]
The essential oils in this herb contain terpenes like thymol, ocimene, carvacrol, limonene, caryophyllene, and terpinene. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [5]
Health Benefits of Oregano
The health benefits of oregano include:
Possibly Rich in Carvacrol
Oregano is a rich source of a compound called carvacrol. It is also found in many aromatic plants like thyme, bergamot, and pepperwort. Research suggests that it has therapeutic benefits and it has been used in folk medicine for many health conditions. [6]
Multiple studies show that carvacrol has potentially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It also helps in fighting lifestyle diseases and food-borne illnesses. [7] [8]
Fresh as well as dried oregano is used in Mediterranean cuisine. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Potential Antibacterial Activity
Oregano may have potential antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Research published in the Process Biochemistry journal suggests that these properties may be due to the presence of thymol and carvacrol in the herb. These compounds may help defend the body against a wide range of bacteria that can affect the skin, gut, and other parts of the body. [9] [10]
Also, a recent 2019 study showed that these compounds help to prevent Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria from developing in dairy and meat. [11]
Research led by the Harvard Medical School showed that the oils in oregano are able to fight against 11 microbes that had developed resistance to antibiotic drugs. [12]
While these properties of oregano and its other forms are potentially therapeutic, more research is needed to confirm if a dietary addition of this herb can be beneficial.
May Relieve Depression
Oregano and its essential oil may help in uplifting your mood.
A study conducted on rats in 2019 showed that oregano essential oil may help in reducing depressive-like behavior which results from chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). [13]
Carvacrol, found in this herb, is linked to improving dopamine levels in mice. It is also found to help generate feelings of well-being when taken on a regular basis in a low concentration. [14] [15]
The British Journal of Nutrition [16] also suggests that extracts made from oregano leaves may help in enhancing mental wellbeing.
May Help Manage Diabetes
Oregano herb can help you in managing diabetes.
A 2019 study mentions some in-vitro and in-vivo antidiabetic effects of this herb. It found that oregano helps in lowering high blood sugar levels. [17]
Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder. Research suggests that oregano extracts help to alleviate it through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [18]
May Aid in Digestion
A teaspoon of oregano contains about 0.5 grams of fiber. Although it’s a small amount, it may have a possibly major impact on your digestive system.
Fiber is an essential element of a healthy digestive system, as it can increase the bulk of your stool and stimulate peristaltic motion, which moves food through the digestive tract and excretes it efficiently. Also, fiber helps maintain the health of the gut and increases nutrient uptake, so the food you eat does more for you! [19]
May Improve Heart Health
Oregano can help protect your heart.
Multiple research studies show that oregano extracts may help in regulating blood pressure. [20]
It is also helpful in reducing hyperlipidemia, which is a condition characterized by high levels of fat in the blood. [21]
While many essential oils from herbs help in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, not many studies have been conducted on oregano extracts or essential oils.
Possible Antioxidant Potential
According to a 2017 study published in the Plants journal by a team of Mexican researchers, herbs like oregano contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that help to alleviate chronic diseases. [22]
Oregano also contains rosmarinic acid and thymol. Both of these act as powerful antioxidants that help in reducing oxidative stress in the body. Thus, adding it to your diet may help improve your immune system! [23]
Oregano Uses
It is used to flavor everything from soups, sauces, and curries, to meat dishes, pizza, pasta, vegetables, and even salads. Oregano has a strong taste. So remember to add it a small amount and gradually increase if required.
Simple ways to use oregano in different recipes are mentioned below.
- Salads: Mix some fresh oregano leaves in your salads.
- Sauces: You can use dried oregano in your sauces for an additional flavor.
- Seasoning: Oregano is a great way to season your roasted dishes like roast chicken or Brussels sprouts.
- Topping: You can chop oregano finely and add it to your pizza, curries, and soups.
Also, here are a few recipes that you can try.
- Soothing Oregano Tea
- Homemade Oregano Oil
- Delicious Cheese Garlic Bread
- Mouth-watering Stuffed Mushrooms
- Zingy Keto Salad Dressing With Mustard
Protip: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano = 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano
If you are looking for handy oregano substitutes, here are some.
Word of Caution: Oregano is likely safe for most people. However, if you are on medications for bleeding disorders or diabetes, we suggest you consult with your doctor before having it. [24]
People who are allergic to mint and other herbaceous perennial plants may experience some discomfort while eating or touching oregano. It is not commonly known as an allergenic substance. Also, the symptoms of an allergic reaction to this herb are very mild. [25]
So toss some oregano into your next meal and reap its health benefits.
