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Oregano is an aromatic herb widely used in the kitchen to give a spicy and aromatic touch to food, especially in pasta, salads and sauces.
However, oregano can also be consumed in the form of tea or used as an essential oil due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which confer health benefits such as:
- Reduce inflammation: because it contains the substance carvacrol, which is responsible for the smell and flavor characteristic of oregano, in addition to exerting anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which may help the body to recover from some chronic diseases;
- Prevent cancer: it is rich in antioxidants, such as carvacrol and thymol, which can prevent cell damage caused by free radicals;
- Combat some types of viruses and bacteria: apparently, carvacrol and thymol decrease the activity of these microorganisms, which can cause infections such as colds and flu;
- Favor weight loss: carvacrol can alter the synthesis of fat in the body, in addition to exerting an anti-inflammatory effect, favoring weight loss;
- Combat nail fungus: since it has antifungal properties;
- Strengthen the immune system: it is rich in vitamin A and carotenes, therefore having great antioxidant power that helps to strengthen the immune system;
- 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 prevent and control the proliferation and development of microorganisms that can spoil the food.
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.
Learn more about oregano in the following video:
Nutritional information table
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
Dried and dehydrated oregano leaves
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. Other ways to use oregano include:
- Honey: adding oregano to honey is great to help fight asthma and bronchitis;
- Essential oil: passing the essential oil of oregano on the nails or on the skin, mixed with a little coconut oil, helps to end the ringworm;
- Steam: placing 1 handful of oregano in boiling water and breathing in the steam helps to fluidize the pulmonary mucus and helps 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.
How to prepare oregano tea
A very popular way of consuming oregano to obtain its benefits is by making tea as follows:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano;
- 1 cup boiling water
Preparation mode
Place the oregano in a cup of boiling water and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, allow to warm and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
Oregano omelet with tomato
Ingredients
- 4 eggs;
- 1 medium onion, grated;
- 1 cup of fresh oregano tea;
- 1 medium tomato without skin and seeds in cubes;
- ½ cup of Parmesan cheese;
- Vegetable oil;
- Salt to taste.
Preparation mode
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.