Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by Aditi Gangal
Quick Take
An article published by a healthcare online platform claims that oregano prevents cancer. We fact checked it and found the claim to be Half True.
The Claim
An article titled ‘Oregano Oil Health Benefits, Uses And Its Side Effects’ published on Lybrate claims that organic oregano seed oil can prevent potential harm from free radicals and actively repair damage. This will entirely eliminate the risk of cancer.
We have attached a screenshot of an image attached within the article.
Fact Check
Is oregano healthy?
Yes, oregano is a healthy herb. Packed with antioxidants, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to overall well-being. Oregano also contains essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Incorporating this aromatic herb into your diet, whether in fresh or dried form, may provide potential health benefits. However, it’s important to view oregano as part of a diverse and balanced diet for optimal nutrition.
What does oregano contain?
Oregano has nutritional richness and health benefits. But it is important to note that not all varieties offer the same effects. Specific species of oregano, such as Origanum vulgare, have health-promoting properties. Rich in antioxidants, oregano contains phenols like carvacrol and thymol, which possess antimicrobial properties. These compounds contribute to its ability to combat bacteria and other microorganisms. Additionally oregano is a source of essential vitamins, including A, C, and K, and minerals like calcium, iron, and manganese.
What are some known mechanisms of cancer development?
Cancer is a complex disease that happens sue to uncontrolled cell growth. Below we have written how diet can influence this process and potentially reduce the risk of cancer:
DNA damage: Free radicals (reactive molecules) generated from internal processes or external sources like pollution and UV rays may damage DNA. This can lead to mutations. Some dietary antioxidants can scavenge these free radicals, protecting DNA from damage.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation creates an environment conducive to cancer growth. Certain dietary components like sugar, processed meats, and unhealthy fats may promote inflammation. Conversely, foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds can suppress inflammation.
Hormonal imbalance: Hormones like estrogen and insulin can influence cell growth, and diet can affect their levels. For example, excessive red meat consumption is linked to elevated estrogen levels. This potentially increases the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer. Conversely, fiber-rich foods can help regulate hormone levels.
Metabolic abnormalities: Obesity and metabolic syndrome may cause an increase in insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Both of them may promote cancer development. A healthy diet can help regulate metabolism and reduce these risks.
Gut microbiome: The trillions of bacteria in the gut play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and inflammation. Disruptions in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis) may increase cancer risk. Dietary fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy microbiome and potentially reducing cancer risk.
By influencing these mechanisms, certain dietary choices can play a role in cancer prevention.
Does oregano really protect against all types of cancer?
Can be. The claim has some accuracy. But crucial details such as the specific type of oregano, the type and stage of cancer, and individual factors influencing cancer growth are unclear. Not all commercially available oregano, as found in pizza shops or grocery shelves, may have the properties required for cancer treatment.
Our research shows that including oregano in diet can work against certain cancers. Oregano contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies. Oregano is also linked to a lower risk of colon cancer. While its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits are known, its specific role in cancer prevention, particularly the mechanism involved, is less studied. Another study was also conducted for its effects on skin cells and melanoma (a type of skin cancer). The oregano extract was found to have a unique chemical makeup and could stop the growth of melanoma cells. It did this by causing these cancer cells to undergo a kind of self-destruction process. Importantly, the oregano extract seemed to affect cancer cells more than normal cells. This discovery suggests that oregano, with its natural compounds, could be a promising candidate for developing new drugs to treat melanoma.
However, translating these findings to human health requires more comprehensive research, including clinical trials. So, including oregano in a varied and balanced diet may offer nutritional benefits. But it is premature to definitively state that oregano can protect against cancer. We need more research to establish a clearer link between oregano consumption and cancer prevention.
The same statement is also supported by Dr. Moujhuri Nandi, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Karkinos Healthcare Pvt. ltd.
Moreover, the American Society of Cancer website informs that diet is just one element influencing cancer risk. Genetics, lifestyle choices like smoking and exercise, and environmental factors also play substantial roles. While a healthy diet cannot entirely prevent cancer, it substantially decreases the risk. Individual needs vary, emphasizing the importance of personalized dietary advice from healthcare professionals. By comprehending the underlying mechanisms and embracing a healthy dietary pattern, individuals actively contribute to cancer prevention and overall well-being.
Shivashankar T. is the Chief Clinical Nutritionist and Dietician at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai informs, “Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain a healthy weight and provide the necessary nutrients to support the immune system. Some studies suggest that certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower), berries, and turmeric, may have anti-cancer properties. The best ‘anti-cancer diet’ is the Mediterranean diet. In this diet, there is less red meat and good amount of white meat”.
What are the dangers of attempting to treat cancer through diet without seeking medical advice?
Relying solely on dietary changes to cure cancer without consulting medical professionals can be highly risky. Cancer is a multifaceted disease that requires comprehensive medical intervention beyond dietary adjustments. Depending solely on home remedies may worsen the situation, making the cancer more difficult to treat or possibly incurable. Cancer cells can rapidly multiply and spread. So, and any delay in seeking professional medical treatment may intensify the severity of the condition. This can make it harder to manage and treat the cancer effectively.
Voomika Mukherjee, Health & Nutrition Life coach, emphasises that while no specific food or food group can guarantee the prevention of cancer, avoiding certain items won’t necessarily reduce the risk. In the context of cancer treatment, maintaining a healthy body weight, particularly minimising visceral fat and enhancing muscle strength, alongside a balanced diet, is crucial. Mukherjee recommends a well-rounded diet that includes beans, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while reducing the intake of sugar, caffeine, salt, and alcohol. She underscores that consuming meals of adequate quality and quantity plays a role in lowering the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. However, it’s essential to note that no single food can serve as a cure for cancer.
Dr. Sarthak Moharir, Chief Radiation Oncologist Apollo Cancer Centre, Bilaspur further adds, “Special diet or diet modifications do not cure cancer. Diet is very important for patients undergoing cancer treatment. So, patients must take a balance meal with all macros and micronutrients as prescribed by their dietary counsellor.”
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