Oregano: a "remedy" in our kitchen!
We all cherish the palatable aroma and flavor which oregano adds to our food, but how many of us grasp the true value of this herb in our diet?
Antimicrobial-antiseptic action: Oregano owes its strong antimicrobial and antiseptic action mainly to the compounds that contribute to its distinctive aroma; carvacrol and thymol. Thus, by adding oregano to our daily meat or salad, for instance, we welcome a potent ally to our diet, safeguarding our body against viruses and bacteria. It also comes to no surprise that nowadays oregano is widely used as an additive in animal feed as it has been proven to contribute to healthy gut flora, shielding animals from various intestinal infections.
In short, scientific research has shown that the essential oil of oregano is effective against a vast array of pathogens (Listeria, Staphylococcus, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, etc.), it exhibits antiseptic properties, and overall it acts as a bactericide, fungicide and herbicide.
Antioxidant-anticancer action: Oregano is one of the richest culinary plants in antioxidants, including vitamin C. The essential oil of oregano has been found to offer a triple effect; it protects fatty foods from damage by oxidation, as an antioxidant itself it offers health benefits when absorbed through the intestinal tract and it protects other antioxidants in foods, such as anthocyanins. Its consumption thereby helps battle cell damage while slowing down the aging process. At the same time, antioxidants are known to bind the harmful free radicals and thus prevent the onset of various forms of cancer.
In addition, oregano contains polyphenols, some of which are low molecular weight compounds (caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, protocatechuic acid or ferulic acid), that potentially protect and stabilize bigger anthocyanin molecules, the principle active ingredient in fruit extract of cranberry, or raspberry for instance.
Analgesic - anti-inflammatory action:
Medical research has found oregano to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to relieve menstrual cramps and arthritis pains. Some practitioners even recommend oregano as a treatment for depression.
Additional benefits: Traditionally the infusion of oregano is deemed to have stimulating, diuretic and expectorant effects, and it facilitates the digestion process. As a poultice, oregano can treat various skin conditions such as fungal infections, psoriasis and itchiness.
All these qualities of oregano – as well as so many others not mentioned here – plus its distinctive palatable aroma, render oregano one of the most important and essential aromatic plants in Greek cuisine. So, add some oregano to your food, it’s good for you!
References:
[Oregano essential oil as an inhibitor of higher fatty acid oxidation]. - PubMed - NCBI
Oregano Essential Oil as an Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Additive in Food Products. - PubMed - NCBI
[Oregano: properties, composition and biological activity]. - PubMed - NCBI
