Oregano is an aromatic herb widely used as a seasoning in the kitchen, especially pasta, salads and sauces, and it can also be consumed in the form of tea or essential oil. The flavor of oregano is peculiar, giving a spicy and aromatic touch to meals.
This plant has several health benefits due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to prevent and combat some diseases. The scientific name of oregano is Origanum vulgare , and it is the leaves of this plant that are used as seasoning, which can be used both fresh and dehydrated.
Benefits of Oregano
Oregano has several properties that guarantee several health benefits, the main ones being:
- Reduces inflammation, as it contains the substance carvacrol, which is responsible for the characteristic smell and taste of oregano, in addition to exerting anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which may help the body to recover from some chronic diseases; Prevents cancer, as it is rich in antioxidants, such as carvacrol and thymol, which can prevent cell damage caused by free radicals; It fights some types of viruses and bacteria, which can cause infections such as colds, flu and urinary tract infections. Apparently, carvacrol and thymol decrease the activity of these microorganisms; It favors weight loss, as carvacrol can alter the synthesis of fat in the body, in addition to having an anti-inflammatory effect, favoring weight loss; Combats nail fungus, as it has antifungal properties; Strengthens the immune system, as it is rich in vitamin A and carotenes, therefore having great antioxidant power; Calms the airways and fluidizes secretions, this benefit being achieved mainly through aromatherapy with oregano.
In addition, oregano helps to preserve food for longer due to its antimicrobial properties, which help to prevent and control the proliferation and development of microorganisms that can spoil food.
Learn about other benefits of oregano and how to use it by watching the following video:
Nutritional information
The following table shows the nutritional composition of 100 g of fresh oregano leaves.
| Composition | Dry oregano (100 grams) | Dry oregano (1 tablespoon = 2 grams) |
| Energy | 346 kcal | 6.92 kcal |
| Proteins | 11 g | 0.22 g |
| Fat | 2 g | 0.04 g |
| Carbohydrates | 49.5 g | 0.99 g |
| Vitamin A | 690 mcg | 13.8 mcg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.34 mg | Traces |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.32 mg | Traces |
| Vitamin B3 | 6.2 mg | 0.12 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.12 mg | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin C | 50 mg | 1 mg |
| Sodium | 15 mg | 0.3 mg |
| Potassium | 15 mg | 0.3 mg |
| Calcium | 1580 mg | 31.6 mg |
| Phosphor | 200 mg | 4 mg |
| Magnesium | 120 mg | 2.4 mg |
| Iron | 44 mg | 0.88 mg |
| Zinc | 4.4 mg | 0.08 mg |
How to consume
Oregano can be consumed using fresh or dehydrated leaves, and is easily grown in small jars at home. Dry leaves must be replaced every 3 months, as they lose their aroma and flavor over time.
This herb can be used in the form of tea or to season food, combining very well with eggs, salads, pasta, pizza, fish and mutton and chicken.
In addition to being used in cooking, other ways to take advantage of oregano to improve health are:
- Oregano tea: dilution is made with 1 tablespoon of dried herb for each 1 cup of boiling water, being great for relieving cough, poor digestion, urinary tract infection and candidiasis; Honey: adding oregano to honey is great to help fight asthma and bronchitis; Oil on the skin: passing the essential oil of oregano on the nails or on the skin, together with a little coconut oil, helps to stop ringworm and works as a natural repellent; Steam: helps to fluidize the pulmonary mucus and assists in the treatment of sinusitis.
It is important to remember that oregano can be used at any age, but that some people are sensitive to this plant and may experience problems such as skin allergy and vomiting.
See how to plant Oregano
Oregano can be easily planted at home, requiring a plastic or clay pot with small holes in the bottom to drain the water, fertile soil and in a place where its leaves receive daily sunlight, as they become even more aromatic. The seeds usually germinate after two weeks, and the soil of the pot with the plant should be kept slightly moist.
If planting with an oregano branch, the lower half of the branch should first be placed in a glass of water until new roots appear, when it can then be planted in the fertile soil for the plant to grow. When the plant reaches 20 cm in height, it is ready for its leaves to be harvested and used.
To dry the leaves, just leave them spread out in a dark, warm, dry and well-ventilated place, so that they will dry naturally and have a more concentrated flavor.
Oregano omelet with tomato
Ingredients
- 4 eggs1 grated medium onion1 cup fresh oregano tea1 medium skinless and seeded tomato cubed ½ cup parmesan cheeseVegetable oilSalt to taste
Method of preparation
Beat the eggs and add the oregano, salt, grated cheese and tomatoes. Sauté the onion with the oil in a non-stick frying pan and pour the mixture, leaving it to fry without stirring to the desired point.
