And Oregano

Oregano is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region. Its leaves are typically dried and crushed or ground for use in cooking. The plant is cultivated worldwide for its aromatic leaves.

Oregano is primarily used as a flavoring agent in a wide variety of savory dishes. It is a key ingredient in many spice blends, particularly those used in Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisines. It is commonly found in tomato sauces, roasted meats, vegetables, and salad dressings.

Oregano is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food flavoring. It contains various compounds, including antioxidants, which have been studied for potential health benefits. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated oregano and its extracts. Evidence regarding specific health effects at typical dietary intake levels is generally positive, but more research is ongoing.