It is an aromatic herb ubiquitous in Greek cooking and has significant health benefits.
With its characteristic aroma, Oregano adds an incredible flavour to Greek cuisine. As a decoction, the herb helps manage cough and diarrhea. Oregano has been used for centuries for cooking and treating different health problems.
Even its oil contributes to the body's overall orderly functioning, thanks to the antioxidant components it contains, such as thymol. Antioxidants help the body eliminate free radicals, toxic substances resulting from natural processes and environmental stresses.
The accumulation of free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage and various diseases.
Discover the most important properties of oregano:
Anti-inflammatory properties
According to an earlier review, oregano oil and its components, such as thymol and rosmarinic acid, appear to have anti-inflammatory properties. In animal studies, oregano extract reduced inflammation that could lead to allergic asthma or rheumatoid arthritis.
However, it is worth noting that the studies used concentrated extracts of oregano. In addition to oregano, rosemary also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Prevents diabetes
Valuable compounds in oregano could contribute to the management of type 2 diabetes.
The authors of a 2016 study on animals concluded that Origanum extract could improve insulin resistance, regulate the expression of genes that affect fat metabolism and carbohydrates and restore damaged liver and kidney tissues. According to the authors, some people already use oregano leaves and oil to manage high blood sugar.
Oregano's effects on managing type 1 diabetes are also considered positive. Laboratory experiments in another study concluded that an extract of oregano improved type 1 diabetes in mice. According to the researchers, this may be due to oregano's antioxidant properties, its effect on the immune system and its ability to prevent cell death.
Protects against depression
The effect of treatment with oil of oregano and other substances was examined in the laboratory by a study in rats that showed depressive symptoms due to chronic unpredictable stress.
After 14 days, stress-related behaviour improved in the oregano-treated rats. Therefore, the study authors concluded that oregano can alleviate stress-related behaviour.
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