What is marjoram
marjoram - What is marjoram and What are marjoram benefits The term marjoram is applied to many perennial herbs, including the main herb marjoram, or sweet marjoram, known scientifically as (Origanum majorana), belonging to the Lamiaceae family, and its origins go back to the Mediterranean region, it is cultivated in many countries.
countries of Asia, North Africa, and Europe, and its leaves are used in cooking as a spice, and it has multiple, branching stems; Which are either woody or herbaceous, and may reach a length of one meter, its rhizome is oblique, and its leaves are dark green, oval or round in shape, while its flowers grow in the form of clusters clustered in pink, purple, or white, and its fruits are small oval; Brown in color.
It should be noted that marjoram and oregano belong to the same herbal family, which is the fragrant family, as mentioned above, but they are two different types of herbs. Marjoram has a stronger aromatic flavor than oregano, and its sweetness is milder.
How is marjoram used?
Dried or fresh marjoram leaves are used as a spice in cooking, as they can be added to soups, egg dishes, beef, chicken dishes, sausages, cheese, and tomato dishes, vinegar, and seeds are added to desserts as well.
Marjoram tea can also be prepared using dried herbs, honey, hot water, and in addition; Marjoram is available as a supplement, and it can also be used in combination with other cooking oils, to season vegetables or meats.
The nutritional value of marjoram
The following table shows the nutritional value per 100 grams of dried marjoram leaves:
- Nutrient nutritional value
- Calories 271 calories
- Protein 12.66 grams
- Fat 7.04 grams
- Carbohydrates 60.6 grams
- Fiber 40.3 grams
- Calcium 1990 milligrams
- Iron 82.7 milligrams
- Magnesium 346 milligrams
- Phosphorus 306 milligrams
- Potassium 1522 milligrams
- Sodium 77 milligrams
- Manganese 5.4 milligrams
- Vitamin C 51.4 milligrams
- Folate 274 micrograms
- Choline 43.6 milligrams
- Vitamin A 8068 IU
- Vitamin E 1.69 milligrams
- Vitamin K 621.7 micrograms
Benefits of marjoram
Marjoram contains dietary fiber that is beneficial for gut health and is a source of some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, which is essential for growth, development, and maintaining the immune system, vitamin K, which helps blood clotting, potassium, which helps the body regulate blood pressure, and manganese, which contributes to regulating blood pressure.
The functions of the brain and nerves, and magnesium, which participates in regulating the functions of muscles, heart, and nerves, and maintaining bone strength, in addition to vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, and many compounds that have antioxidant properties, which are beneficial compounds for health that help reduce Cell damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
Marjoram damage
The degree of safety of marjoram: Marjoram is generally considered safe when consumed in the quantities found in food, and it is also likely safe to consume in large quantities. as found in his extracts; For most adults for short periods, but it is likely that it is not safe to use it in large quantities during pregnancy, and it is also possible that it is not safe to use it by children.
It should be noted that there is not enough information about the degree of safety of using marjoram in large quantities. As found in extracts during the lactation period, women who breastfeed their children are advised to avoid using them during this period.
Precautions for using marjoram
Caution should be taken when consuming marjoram in some cases, of which we mention the following:
- Those who are allergic to some types of plants: Marjoram may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to other plants of the oral family, such as basil, hyssop, lavender, mint, oregano, or sage. and others.
- People suffering from lung diseases: Eating marjoram in large quantities may cause; such as found in marjoram extracts; To increase the secretion of fluids in the lung, and thus worsen lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema (in English: Emphysema) in people with these diseases.
- Bleeding disorders: Taking oregano in medicinal amounts might slow clotting and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
- Those who suffer from slow arrhythmia: (in English: Bradycardia), or what is known as bradycardia, or a low heart rate, as consuming marjoram in large quantities leads to a decrease in the heart rate, which may negatively affect people who suffer from a slow heart rate.
- Diabetics: The use of marjoram may affect large quantities. as found in his extracts; It affects blood sugar levels in diabetics, so watch for signs of low blood sugar when consuming high doses of marjoram.
- Those who suffer from a blockage in the digestive system: Marjoram may cause intestinal congestion when used in large quantities, which may lead to increased problems in people who suffer from a blockage in the intestines.
- People with ulcers: Eating marjoram in large quantities may increase stomach and intestinal secretions, which may worsen ulcers.
- Suffering from seizures: Taking marjoram in medicinal amounts may increase the risk of seizures in those exposed to it.
- Those who suffer from obstruction of the urinary tract: The use of marjoram in large quantities may increase the secretions of the urinary tract, and thus exacerbate its obstruction.
Drug interactions with marjoram
Marjoram may interact with some types of medications, we mention MWhat follows:
- Anticholinergic drugs: such as atropine, scopolamine, and some allergy medications such as antihistamines, and antidepressant drugs.
- lithium medications.
- Alzheimer's disease medications.
- Diabetes medications.
- Anticoagulant drugs: such as aspirin, clopidogrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, warfarin, and others.
- Cholinergic drugs: including pilocarpine, donepezil, tacrine, and others.
