Oregano: The flavorful spice with surprising health benefits

Greeks sprinkle it on their favorite salad; Italians add it to pizza and pasta. It also works well in our cuisine, especially for soups, sauces, or fish. Of course, we're talking about oregano, which significantly enhances the flavor of many dishes and offers remarkable health benefits. Do you have this spice in your kitchen cabinet?

Oregano is one of the most popular spices in the world. This humble plant, which can even be successfully grown on a balcony, has many valuable properties that can be useful in everyday life.

Oregano is a true treasure trove of nutrients. It contains potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as B vitamins. Additionally, it contains tannins, thymol, carvacrol, and dietary fiber. Oregano also contains phytosterols, which combine with sugar to form glycosides used in medicine. Oregano has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

According to research published in the journal "Phytotherapy Research," oregano supports the treatment of liver, breast, and lung cancer. Moreover, scientists from Long Island University in New York have proven that carvacrol present in oregano can destroy prostate cancer cells.

Oregano also lowers blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Regular consumption of this spice can help combat chronic cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. It also benefits the digestive system by easing stomach pains and aiding digestion. In natural medicine, oregano is used as a bloating remedy and stimulates appetite.

Without oregano, many Mediterranean dishes are out of the question; it's especially popular in Italian and Greek cuisine. It is added to pizza, spaghetti, casseroles, and salads. Oregano pairs excellently with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and other herbs such as basil or thyme. Its distinctive, slightly bitter taste gives dishes a unique aroma.

One popular recipe using oregano is Greek salad. Fresh oregano, olives, feta cheese, cucumber, and tomatoes create a harmonious composition of flavors. Oregano can also be added to roasted meats and vegetarian dishes like stewed vegetables or soups.