6 reasons sprinkling oregano on your pizza is a good idea!

Sprinkle little oregano on your food to spice up the flavour and also attain the amazing health benefits of this herb.

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Updated: October 8, 2014 7:17 pm

Oregano, known as ajwain ki pattiyan in Hindi, is a spice that is sprinkled over pizza and soups to enhance its taste and flavor. This culinary spice that is widely used as a preservative is packed with numerous nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. Apart from enhancing the taste of foods and beverages, oregano also has many health benefits, here are some of them. Also Read - Have blackcurrants daily to control your diabetes: A few interesting ways of adding it to your diet

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It improves heart health Also Read - Can eating applesauce protect against chronic disease?

Oregano is a natural source of potassium, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that play a key role in improving heart health. While potassium helps in maintaining a normal electrolyte balance in the body and controls rapid heart rate, antioxidants are believed to aid in the prevention of heart disease by lowering oxidative stress. Apart from that, omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of heart disease by acting as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent — making oregnao an elixer for the heart.

It relieves respiratory tract disorders

Oregano has the highest amounts of antioxidants than any other dried herb or spice, making it the perfect natural remedy to get rid of respiratory tract disorders like cough, asthma and bronchitis. It also acts as a potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent that effectively relieves sore throat and nasal congestion.

It aids in digestion

Indigestion or gastro-intestinal problems are commonly caused due to improper functioning of digestive enzymes and unhealthy eating habits. But a dash of oregano added to your food not only improves the entire digestive process, but also facilitates the intestinal secretion of the enzymes. Apart from that, this herb also acts as a natural remedy for heartburn, bloating, vomiting and diarrhea.

It prevents infections

Oregano is known to be an excellent source of Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, which helps the body fight infections by eliminating harmful free radicals from the body. The essential oils from oregano contain two active ingredients known as thymol and carvacol that inhibit microbial growth and prevent against various infections. Also, yeast infections like vaginitis, oral thrush and urinary tract infections can be effectively dealt with the help of this wonderful herb.

It relieves skin problems

This herb acts a powerful herbal remedy to combat itchy skin, allergies, acne, oily skin, psoriasis and skin rashes. so, if you are suffering from any skin problems, apply oregano oil on the affected area on a regular basis to ease the inflammation and irritation.

It lowers blood sugar levels

Oregano also has an anti-diabetic effect since it interferes with the working of the enzyme responsible for regulating blood sugar levels in the body. Therefore, people with type 2 diabetes should include oregano into their daily diet, thereby helping control blood sugar levels naturally.

Tip: A good way to incorporate oregano into your diet is to either have a cup of oregano tea everyday or add this herb to your food.

Image source: Getty Images

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References:

Singletary, K. (2010). Oregano: overview of the literature on health benefits.Nutrition Today, 45(3), 129-138.
Valenzuela B, A., Sanhueza, J., & Nieto, S. (2003). Natural antioxidants in functional foods: from food safety to health benefits. Grasas y aceites, 54(3), 295-303.
Health benefits of herbs and spices: the past, the present, the future. Australasian Medical Publishing Company, 2006.
Craig, W. J. (1997). Phytochemicals: guardians of our health. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 97(10), S199-S204.