Oregano is an outstanding health-promoting herb that has been used for thousands of years. It is high in antioxidants and may help fight off bacteria and viruses, potentially reduce the growth of cancer cells and help alleviate inflammation.
Not only does oregano provide flavour for food, but it has also been noted for its powerful phenol antioxidants and their microbial-balancing benefits.
Two of the most important components of oregano are rosmarinic acid and thymol, both of which are powerful antioxidant compounds that can help support a healthy immune system.
Oregano has another powerful compound, carvacrol, which can help with healthy microbial balance, and acts as a major phenol antioxidant.
Oregano naturally contains a slightly stimulating agent that can positively influence microbial balance to keep the body in equilibrium. It contains pinene, limonene, ocimene, and caryophyllene to help support healthy microbial balance and healthy immune system function.
5 Science Informed Reasons to Include Oregano in Your Dog’s Diet:
- Rich in Antioxidants – Oregano is high in antioxidants, which can help prevent damage by neutralizing disease-causing free radicals. (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- May Help Fight Bacteria – studies have found that oregano and its components may be effective against certain strains of harmful bacteria including Escherichia coliand Pseudomonas aeruginosa and numerous others. (7, 8, 9)
- May Have Anti-Cancer Properties – Oregano is high in antioxidants and contains compounds that have been shown to reduce cancer cell growth in some test-tube studies. (2, 10, 11)
- May Help Reduce Viral Infection – carvacrol and thymol are two compounds found in oregano that have been shown to decrease the activity of viruses. (12, 13)
- May Reduce Inflammation – Oregano is high in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation. Animal studies show that oregano oil and its components could help reduce inflammation. (15, 16, 17)
