Hydroponics and Health Benefits of Oregano
Oregano is a popular ingredient to add aroma and flavor to many Italian and French cuisines. Native to Mediterranean region, but soon took over the whole temperate Northern Hemisphere. A brief overview of its vast profile will pin down the causes of its popularity as a whole foods herb:
Hydroponics of Oregano
Hydroponic cultivation of oregano requires the following three things:
Hydroponic System
Deepwater culture and ebb-and-flow hydroponic systems are two excellent choices to grow this herb.
Temperature Requirement
The ideal temperature for indoor cultivation of oregano lies somewhere between 65-70 °F.
Fertilizer
The oregano's highest yield and dry weight were observed when treated with 2.57Kg/ha of NPK fertilizer. (Nikou & Mirshekari, 2020)
Nutritional Profile of Oregano
The nutritional profile of oregano consists of the following elements:
Macromolecules
Oregano mainly consists of carbohydrates and dietary fibers. Lipids and protein are present in low quantities. (FoodData Central, 2019)
Minerals
Oregano can fulfill more than 2/3rd of the body's daily calcium requirement.
Vitamins
Only minute quantities of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E are present.
Health Benefits of Oregano
DNA Protection
The highlight of oregano's potential health benefits is its ability to mitigate the DNA-damaging effects of radiation. This DNA protection feature of oregano reduces the change of cancer development upon radiation exposure. (M.D., 2017)
Chemistry of Oregano
Oregano consists of highly effective essential oils that have proven health benefits.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of different parts of oregano revealed several major essential oils constituents, namely carvacrol, beta-fenchyl alcohol, thymol, and gamma-terpinene. (Teixeira & Marques, 2013)
Spice isn't the only ingredient for adding flavor to food. Oregano is a perfect example of how herbs can do the same, sometimes even better.
References
FoodData Central. (2019, April 1). Retrieved from U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171328/nutrients
M.D., M. G. (2017, Febuary 17). Benefits of Marjoram for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Retrieved from Nutrition Facts: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/benefits-of-marjoram-for-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/
Nikou , S., & Mirshekari, B. (2020). Evaluation of quality indices of seed germination and seedling growth of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) under chemical and organic farming conditions. Iranian Journal of Seed Sciences and Research, 265-277. doi:10.22124/jms.2020.4588
Teixeira, B., & Marques, A. (2013). Chemical composition and bioactivity of different oregano (Origanum vulgare) extracts and essential oil. Journal of the science of food and agriculture, 2707-2714. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.6089