Oregano: The unsung hero of global cuisine and health benefits

Greeks sprinkle it on their favourite salad, and 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 flavour of many dishes and has remarkable health benefits. Do you have this spice in your kitchen cabinet?

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

Oregano is a 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 fibre. Oregano also contains phytosterols, which combine with sugar to form glycosides, and is used in medicine as a drug. Oregano has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Research published in the journal Phytotherapy Research shows that 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 the Greek salad. Fresh oregano, along with olives, feta cheese, cucumber, and tomatoes, creates a harmonious composition of flavours. Oregano can also be added to roasted meats and vegetarian dishes like stewed vegetables or soups.