Is Oregano Bad For You?
Also Known As: Origanum vulgare
Short answer
A member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, oregano has several potential health benefits. It could, however, be dangerous for people with certain conditions (see below).
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
The term “oregano” is somewhat of a misnomer as it can refer to several varieties of oregano. However, the form most Americans are familiar with is the Greek oregano used in Greek and Italian cuisines. Let’s start with the good news. Using a bit of oregano in your food is a great way to lower cholesterol, due to its high fiber content. LDL cholesterol binds to dietary fiber and is then taken out of the body. Also aiding the digestive system are compounds that stimulate gastrointestinal juices necessary for digestion. Like other herbs, oregano has an abundant supply of antioxidants, including flavonoids such as vitamin A, carotenes, and lutein. These help rid the body of free radicals that might otherwise cause heart disease, cancer, and other diseases resulting from damage done to the DNA. Also assisting in the fight against free radicals is vitamin C, another vitamin found in large quantities in oregano. Besides its role in collagen formation, vitamin C boosts the immune system and increases the body’s resistance to free radicals.
Oregano is also an excellent brain food. Folic acid, a B-vitamin, helps prevent neural tube defects in unborn babies and vitamin K works to limit neuronal damage in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease. Iron, besides its duties in red blood cell production, also works to carry oxygen to the cells, including those in the brain. Laboratory research has also shown that oregano may be effective in killing some parasites.
With anti-bacterial and anti-oxidative properties and its ability to aid in digestion and brain function, what could possibly be wrong with oregano? For most people, oregano is completely safe and beneficial. However, there are risks that need to be addressed. People with bleeding disorders may find that oregano increases the risk of bleeding. Furthermore, like other members of the mint family, oregano may lower blood sugar levels and be unsafe for people on diabetes medication. Another risk concerns people who are taking lithium. Oregano may decrease how well the body excretes lithium, causing excess amounts to be left in the body and thus leading to serious side effects. Further, people allergic to members of the Lamiaceae family may suffer an allergic reaction from oregano.
Possible short-term side effects
- allergic reaction
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bleeding (for people with hemophilia)
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interaction with lithium
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decreased blood sugar levels
Benefits
- anti-bacterial properties
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aids the digestive system
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reduces cholesterol
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boosts immunity
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promotes healthy vision
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helps prevent and fight free radical damage
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aids in healthy brain function
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Simply Organic Oregano
- Certified organic
- Cut & Sifted
- Pure Origanum onites
- Convenient pack of 2
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-27-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-27-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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