Does Oregano Oil Help You Lose Weight?
Oregano is an herb that is used to treat various health conditions. The oil extracted from the leaves of the plant is packed with nutrients that can help you lose weight. People are shifting toward natural ways to lose weight since there is a rising concern over health among them. Thus, the purported weight loss benefits of oregano oil have intrigued people around the world. Oregano oil is claimed to improve digestion and boost metabolic rate, which supports weight loss.
Preliminary studies have revealed that oil of oregano possesses antibacterial and germicidal effects. Oregano oil can either be consumed or applied to your skin. We shall delve into the nutritional benefits of the oil and its effects on weight loss to get a clear picture.
What is Oregano Oil?
Oregano oil is extracted from a flowering plant named Origanum vulgare. Oregano essential oil is prepared by steam distillation of the air-dried leaves of this herbal plant, which has been utilized for decades as a culinary spice. But oregano oil is produced via different methods and can be consumed orally. Supplements of this extract are available in the form of pills.
There are three essential compounds in the oil: carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, and thymol. These elements can inhibit the growth of some bacteria varieties, protect against free radical damage and support your immune health. The nutrients in the oil of oregano have antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-suppressing properties as well.
Oregano Oil Nutritional Facts
Oil of oregano is prepared from the leaves of the oregano plant. The process it undergoes retains the nutritional values of the leaves. A teaspoon of oregano leaves has the following nutrients:
- 2.65 g of calories
- 0.09 g of protein
- 0.69 of carbs
- 0.04 g of fat
- 0.42 g of fiber
- 0.04 g of sugar
Oil of oregano includes compounds like phenols, terpenoids, and terpenes. Other nutrients in oregano oil are vitamin K, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, folate, and iron. Vitamin K is essential for balance in blood glucose levels, which supports weight loss.
Is Oregano Oil Good for Weight Loss?
Oregano oil has been used to treat infections for a long time. The carvacrol in oregano oil appears to stop the progression of circumstances that can result in the creation of fat cells. When you combine oregano oil with a healthy, nutritious diet, it can help you lose weight. Oil of oregano is found to reduce gut symptoms and improve gut health.
Your gut health is essential for weight loss since an imbalance in gut microbiota can affect your weight. The carvacrol and thymol in the oil of oregano reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, which supports your weight loss. Oregano oil improves your digestive health and boosts your metabolic rate.
A fast metabolic rate helps burn more calories and can cause weight loss. Though there is less evidence supporting the weight loss effects of oregano oil, its nutrients have digestive properties that can help you lose weight.
Health Benefits of Oregano Oil
Oregano oil provides you with many health benefits with the help of its powerful nutrients.
Effective Antioxidant
The oil of oregano is packed with antioxidants that protect your body against various health conditions. Antioxidants in the oil assist in protecting your body against free radical damage and support your overall health.
This free radical damage has a significant part in aging and the emergence of several diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Studies reveal that oregano has high levels of antioxidants than apples and blueberries. You can benefit from the oregano’s antioxidant properties while using less oil, thanks to its high oil concentration.
Regulates Cholesterol Levels
The carvacrol in the oil of oregano helps to lower LDL cholesterol. Oregano oil has phenols like carvacrol and thymol. These phenols are found to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and improve HDL cholesterol among people. Oregano oil regulates your cholesterol levels and maintains your health.
Improves Gut Health
Gut parasites may be the source of common symptoms like diarrhea, discomfort, and bloating. Oregano oil is found to reduce those gut symptoms and improves weariness caused by the symptoms.
According to studies, oregano oil can prevent gut wall damage and inhibit toxins from entering the bloodstream. Thus, the oil of oregano supports your gut health and aids in losing weight.
Natural Antibiotic
Oregano oil can help combat bacteria and prevent infections associated with it. Studies show that oregano oil can be effective in protecting against several possibly antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Oregano oil acts as a natural antibiotic and protects your body against infections caused by bacteria.
Some of the common bacteria that oregano has been found effective against are Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli. Topical oregano oil has been demonstrated to be useful in wound therapy and healing due to its antibacterial properties.
Relieves Pain
Oregano oil can help relieve pain caused by various health problems. The pain-relieving effects of oregano oil have been linked to the carvacrol content of the plant. Oregano oil has been traditionally used in wound healing and alleviating pain.
Aid with Yeast Infections
Yeast infections can cause problems in your gut. Oregano oil could help treat infections. Five different kinds of Candida, the most prevalent cause of yeast infections globally, have been shown in studies to be susceptible to the effects of oregano oil.
Anticancer Properties
Carvacrol, a substance found in oregano oil, has anticancer properties. Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of carvacrol against liver, lung, and breast cancer cells. This compound has been shown to hinder cell proliferation and cause cancer cell death.
How to Use Oregano Oil for Weight Loss?
Oregano oil is available for consumption in capsules and pills. You can purchase them from a health food store and consume them as directed. It is best to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
You can check the carvacrol content to ensure its effectiveness for weight loss. Oregano essential oil is not suitable for oral consumption. But you can apply it topically by diluting it with carrier oil.
You can consume oregano oil extract orally. For that, you have to mix it with olive oil and add the mixture to a glass of water. You can drink the concoction on an empty stomach. But it is best to consume it with a meal to lose weight. If you find the taste unpleasant, you can also add it to a low-calorie fruit juice to cover up the oil’s strong flavor.
Potential Downsides
Though oregano oil provides you with various health benefits, it is best to be consumed in moderation. The antimicrobial properties of oregano oil may cause harm to your health when taken in excess quantities.
Some people with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation from the topical application of the oil. Thus, it is recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil and then apply it on your skin to prevent adverse effects.
Pregnant women and lactating mothers can avoid using it since there is not much research about its effects on them. If you’re already using a diuretic, avoid oregano oil because the side effects may be exacerbated.
The Bottom Line
Oregano oil is packed with antioxidants that protect your body from multiple health conditions. Since it enhances your digestive health and improves your metabolic rate, it can help you lose weight.
The compounds in oregano oil can promote your overall health by protecting against bacterial and fungal infections. Oil of oregano is readily available at your nearby store. Thus, it can assist in natural weight loss.
Faqs
Oregano oil is prepared from the leaves of the oregano plant. The plant is said to contain a compound named carvacrol. This substance boosts your metabolism and can help with weight loss. Thus, oregano oil can help you lose weight.
Oregano oil has powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Therefore, the oil can help clear the gut of microorganisms and alleviate symptoms related to some chronic gut conditions. When your gut health is improved, you can lose weight effectively.