How Athletes Can Get Micronutrients From Oregano

Connor McGregor’s nutritionist, Tristin Kennedy, revealed some insight into the Irishman’s diet ahead of his fight with Dustin Poirier last month, and one key ingredient may have surprised some fight fans. 

While McGregor has all the important whole foods to give the right mix of carbohydrate, protein and good fats, Kennedy said he also ensures good microelements are taken care of through herbs, one key one being oregano.

Oregano might not be the first thing you rush to put in your diet but there are some important health benefits the herb can provide to get your diet to meet your needs.

Here, Built for Athletes takes a look at what those are.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Oregano?

A number of studies have shown oregano contains some important antioxidants, including thymol and carvacrol, that help to prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals which can undermine overall health.

Those antioxidants also reduce inflammation which can be built up in athletes as we stress our bodies frequently. This can lead to decreased performance levels or even illness and injury. That’s why having a variety of sources of anti-inflammatories is key to consistent training. 

Oregano has also been used as a medicine since it was grown by the ancient Greeks, and can boost the immune system in two ways. Studies conducted in test tubes have shown oregano oil helps to fight bacteria, with one such study showing it to be effective in fighting 23 types of bacteria that can cause infection in the body.

Viral infections can be combatted with oregano too, with researchers discovering it can deactivate norovirus - a virus that causes diarrhoea and stomach pain - within an hour.