Top Health Benefits of Fresh Oregano
Fresh oregano is most commonly known for its use as a topping for pizzas. However, the popularity of oregano is now being widespread because it adds a certain kind of aromatic flavor when used in cooking and preparing dishes. Not only does it add great flavor to any cuisine, there are also many health benefits of fresh oregano. Read on to find out what they are.
Anti-Bacterial Properties
Thymol and carvacrol are two of the essential oils found in fresh oregano. These essential oils are known to restrain growth of bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. This medicinal property of fresh oregano is very helpful in treating conditions like staph, colon and urinary tract infections, skin infections, sores and any infectious conditions that have grown resistant to anti-biotic like penicillin and cephalosporins.
Researchers in Mexico have found fresh oregano to be more effective in treating infections from Giardia lambia amoeba than the prescription drug most commonly used.
A Powerful Anti-Oxidant
Research shows that fresh oregano has many anti-oxidant properties and with regular intake will give you many health benefits in the long run. Fresh oregano is rich in many phytonutrients which are very powerful anti-oxidants that helps protect the body from free-radicals or oxidants that do damage to our system and repair those already done. Studies shows that on a per gram fresh weight basis, fresh oregano demonstrated four times more anti-oxidant activity than blueberries. It also helps protect the body from developing certain cancers.
Additionally, fresh oregano helps to slow down the aging process and the conditions in tandem with aging such as loss of vision and hearing, wrinkles, macular degeneration.
Other Health Benefits of Fresh Oregano
Fresh oregano is a spice that is packed-full of nutrients, which give optimal health benefits:
- The fiber contents of fresh oregano help in protecting the body from developing colon cancer as it removes the toxins that bind to it. Research also shows that fiber helps in lowering the high cholesterol levels in the body.
- Fresh oregano is a good source of iron, which helps with the body’s metabolism. It strengthens hemoglobin formation and transportation of red blood cells, muscle and brain function.
- The manganese contents of fresh oregano ensures healthy bone structure and bone metabolism. It also aids the body in the absorption of calcium.
- Fresh oregano is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for cardiovascular health. It helps protect you from developing certain heart-related diseases like stroke, and helps in lowering high cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Oregano is also good in the treatment of many skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and athletes foot. Its anti-allergenic properties give relief to allergic reactions by calming the hyper-sensitive reactions.
The best thing about fresh oregano is that it has no known side effects. When using it for cooking, add it towards the end of the cooking process so as not to lose the flavor.
References:
https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=73#purchasequalities
https://www.medicinenet.com/staph_infection/page2.htm#treated