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Basil vs. Oregano — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Elen Khachatrian by Elen Khachatrian | Last updated on April 18, 2024
Medically reviewed by Arpi Gasparyan Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan
Basil
vs
Oregano

Summary

Oregano contains more vitamins, minerals, and protein than basil. Oregano contains 30 times more Vitamin E and 12 times more iron than basil. On the other hand, basil is lower in sugars, calories, and sodium and has higher Vitamin C and Vitamin A levels.

Introduction

In this article, you can find a detailed description of the differences between basil and oregano. Both are natural sources of micronutrients, certain minerals, and vitamins. The article will be focused on their nutrition and impact on health.

Varieties

Basil belongs to the family of Lamiaceae; there are more than 40 known varieties of basil. The most common and used ones are Sweet Basil, Lemon Basil, and Holy Basil. In general, plants can reach heights of 30-50 cm. Oregano belongs to the Mint family. It is a flowering plant and is native to Western and Southwestern Eurasia.

The most common oregano types are Syrian Oregano, Greek Oregano, and Common Oregano [1] [2].

Uses

Oregano is a culinary herb used for flavor; it is more flavorful when dried than fresh. The taste is aromatic and slightly bitter.

Oregano has popularity in Italian and American cuisine, used with meat, fish, and vegetables.

Basil is minty and peppery, and it is usually used fresh.

The dried basil may lose most of its flavor. It is used mainly in pesto and tomato sauce marinara. In some medical practices, basil is known for its therapeutic properties [1] [2].

Nutrition

Basil and oregano have a comprehensive nutritional profile. Our page contains various charts and infographics that visualize their nutrition. Please scroll down the page to check them out.

Micronutrients

Overall, oregano is richer in micronutrients than basil. It contains more carbs, protein, fiber, and fats.

On the other hand, basil has fewer sugars.

Both contain no cholesterol [3].

Calories

In general, oregano contains more calories than basil. The level of calories in oregano is 11 times higher in oregano. Each oregano has about 265 calories per 100 g, whereas each basil has 23 calories per 100 g.

Minerals

Oregano is relatively richer in Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and Copper. The amounts of Magnesium and Copper are two times higher in oregano. On the other hand, basil has a lower level of sodium [4].

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Basil
1
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 46% 53% 26% 119% 128% 22% 24% 0.52% 150% 1.6%
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 193% 479% 111% 1380% 211% 73% 63% 3.3% 651% 25%
Contains less SodiumSodium -84%
Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +321.9%
Contains more CalciumCalcium +802.3%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +327.1%
Contains more IronIron +1060.9%
Contains more CopperCopper +64.4%
Contains more ZincZinc +232.1%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +164.3%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +334.7%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +1400%

Vitamins

The vitamin content of oregano is relatively higher. Oregano contains 30 times more Vitamin E, four times more Vitamin B1, five times more Vitamin B2 than basil. Vitamin K, Vitamin B3, and Vitamin B5, and Folate are also higher in oregano. On the other hand, basil contains more Vitamin C and Vitamin A. The amount of this Vitamin C is six times higher in basil than in oregano. Both contain no Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9, and Vitamin D [5] [6].

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Basil
2
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 60% 317% 16% 0% 8.5% 18% 17% 13% 36% 0% 1037% 51% 6.2%
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 7.7% 102% 365% 0% 44% 122% 87% 55% 241% 0% 1554% 178% 18%
Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C +682.6%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +210.1%
Contains more Vitamin E Vitamin E +2182.5%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +420.6%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +594.7%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +414.4%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +340.7%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +573.5%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +49.9%
Contains more FolateFolate +248.5%
Contains more CholineCholine +183.3%
~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg
~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

Potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral, which may help normalize water balance and blood pressure in the body. Overall, oregano contains more potassium than basil. Oregano has 1260 mg potassium per 100 g, while basil has 295mg per 100g [4].

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is the ranking of carbohydrates in the food that may promote better blood sugar management. The estimated glycemic index of oregano is 14 times lower; it is about 5, whereas the glycemic index of basil is about 70.

Health Benefits

Cancer

Basil contains antioxidants, such as lutein, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. These antioxidants have many health benefits; in particular, they may help reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including lung cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer, and skin cancer [7].

Oregano is also high in antioxidants, such as carvacrol and thymol, which may help fight damage from free radicals in the human body and help to stop the growth of cancer cells [8].

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan

Oregano extract has been found to be potentially beneficial in lowering blood pressure by activating endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Additionally, it can bind to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which are also targeted by drugs such as Dapagliflozin and Fibrates that are used to treat various metabolic syndrome complications. This makes oregano extract a potential candidate for reducing cardiovascular risk [9].

A recent study has shown that a raw basil extract may reduce systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. The median effective dose is 30 mg/kg. This antihypertensive effect is due to eugenol, which blocks calcium channels (like Amlodipine and Nicardipine). Additionally, in comparison with Captopril, basil reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about 20 and 15 mm Hg, respectively, while captopril reduced them by 35 and 22 mm Hg [10, 11].

It's worth noting that consuming basil may help lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels in the blood and prevent the development of atherosclerosis [12].

Diabetes

One study found that an extract from basil helped reduce high blood sugar levels. In particular, extract from sweet basil may help treat the long-term effects of high blood sugar [13].

According to one in vitro study, the extract from basil leaves helps manage the inhibition of a-glucosidase and pancreatic a-amylase enzymes. As a result, it may help to treat type 2 diabetes [14].

Anti-inflammation

Researches suggest that oregano may reduce inflammation. This herb contains essential oil and carvacrol, which according to a mouse study, reduced inflammation in those mice with colitis. However, human studies are needed.

Basil also contains essential oils, such as eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, that can help fight inflammation. Moreover, research shows that basil's essential oil may help treat various diseases that involve inflammation resulting from oxidative stress [15].

Improving Hair and Skin Health

Basil and oregano are rich in antioxidants and minerals, which have beneficial health properties. Oregano is rich in zinc, which is an essential mineral for human health. This mineral may help to promote the formation of collagen to make healthy hair growth [16].

Basil antioxidants have a substantial impact on reducing free radicals, thus can decrease oxidative stress and keeping your skin healthy. According to the study, basil extract in skin creams may improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkling [17].

Weight loss

The calorie level of oregano is almost ten times higher than in basil. In the case of low calories diets, basil is a good choice. Basil also is good if you are in low fats or low carbs diets, such as the Keto diet or Dukan diet. At the same time, let's not forget that people usually consume spices in small quantities, so calories will not matter so much.

The glycemic index of oregano is lower, so you can choose it in the case of low glycemic index diets. However, basil can spice up your meals but not contribute significant nutrients to your diet. During diets, use it with other nutritious foods [18].

Mental Health

Basil leaves contain properties that may help alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety, increase thinking ability, improve stress-related sleep, and lower the risk of age-related memory loss. The study showed that using 500 mg of basil extract daily may lower depression, anxiety, and stress. Besides, people who used it daily felt more social [19].

Side Effects

Basil is high in vitamin K, which may help blood clots. High intakes of this vitamin can interfere with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin [20].

Try to avoid holy basil if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. According to studies, holy basil may negatively affect sperm and trigger contractions in pregnancy [21].

Allergy

The allergy to basil is the result of our immune system mistakenly identifying basil as a harmful invader. Basil allergy symptoms usually include tingling or itching in the mouth, runny nose, and itchy eyes, rarely diarrhea. Oregano allergy symptoms mainly include rash, rarely stomach distress, or trouble breathing. Some people may be allergic to oregano oil. In this case, using oregano may cause inflammation of the airways and quickly become dangerous [22].

Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Education: Nutrition & Microbiology at YSU
Last updated: April 18, 2024
Medically reviewed by Arpi Gasparyan

Infographic

Basil vs Oregano infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Basil
1
3% 3% 92%
Protein: 3.15 g
Fats: 0.64 g
Carbs: 2.65 g
Water: 92.06 g
Other: 1.5 g
9% 4% 69% 10% 8%
Protein: 9 g
Fats: 4.28 g
Carbs: 68.92 g
Water: 9.93 g
Other: 7.87 g
Contains more WaterWater +827.1%
Contains more ProteinProtein +185.7%
Contains more FatsFats +568.8%
Contains more CarbsCarbs +2500.8%
Contains more OtherOther +424.7%

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Basil
1
8% 17% 75%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0.041 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0.088 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.389 g
43% 20% 38%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 1.551 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0.716 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 1.369 g
Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat -97.4%
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +713.6%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +251.9%

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Basil
1
6% 6% 87%
Starch: 0 g
Sucrose: 0 g
Glucose: 0.02 g
Fructose: 0.02 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0.27 g
22% 46% 28% 4%
Starch: 0 g
Sucrose: 0.91 g
Glucose: 1.9 g
Fructose: 1.13 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0.15 g
Contains more GalactoseGalactose +80%
Contains more SucroseSucrose +∞%
Contains more GlucoseGlucose +9400%
Contains more FructoseFructose +5550%
~equal in Starch ~0g
~equal in Lactose ~0g
~equal in Maltose ~0g

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Basil Oregano
Rich in minerals ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Cholesterol Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Basil Oregano Opinion
Calories 23kcal 265kcal Oregano
Protein 3.15g 9g Oregano
Fats 0.64g 4.28g Oregano
Vitamin C 18mg 2.3mg Basil
Net carbs 1.05g 26.42g Oregano
Carbs 2.65g 68.92g Oregano
Magnesium 64mg 270mg Oregano
Calcium 177mg 1597mg Oregano
Potassium 295mg 1260mg Oregano
Iron 3.17mg 36.8mg Oregano
Sugar 0.3g 4.09g Basil
Fiber 1.6g 42.5g Oregano
Copper 0.385mg 0.633mg Oregano
Zinc 0.81mg 2.69mg Oregano
Phosphorus 56mg 148mg Oregano
Sodium 4mg 25mg Basil
Vitamin A 5275IU 1701IU Basil
Vitamin A RAE 264µg 85µg Basil
Vitamin E 0.8mg 18.26mg Oregano
Manganese 1.148mg 4.99mg Oregano
Selenium 0.3µg 4.5µg Oregano
Vitamin B1 0.034mg 0.177mg Oregano
Vitamin B2 0.076mg 0.528mg Oregano
Vitamin B3 0.902mg 4.64mg Oregano
Vitamin B5 0.209mg 0.921mg Oregano
Vitamin B6 0.155mg 1.044mg Oregano
Vitamin K 414.8µg 621.7µg Oregano
Folate 68µg 237µg Oregano
Choline 11.4mg 32.3mg Oregano
Saturated Fat 0.041g 1.551g Basil
Monounsaturated Fat 0.088g 0.716g Oregano
Polyunsaturated fat 0.389g 1.369g Oregano
Tryptophan 0.039mg 0.203mg Oregano
Threonine 0.104mg 0.322mg Oregano
Isoleucine 0.104mg 0.441mg Oregano
Leucine 0.191mg 0.78mg Oregano
Lysine 0.11mg 0.5mg Oregano
Methionine 0.036mg 0.127mg Oregano
Phenylalanine 0.13mg 0.449mg Oregano
Valine 0.127mg 0.585mg Oregano
Histidine 0.051mg 0.144mg Oregano
Fructose 0.02g 1.13g Oregano
Omega-3 - ALA 0.621g Oregano

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Basil Oregano
Low Calories diet ok
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
121%
Basil
213%
Oregano
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
57%
Basil
319%
Oregano

Comparison summary

Which food is richer in minerals?
Oregano
Oregano is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Oregano
Oregano is lower in glycemic index (difference - 65)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Oregano
Oregano is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Basil
Basil is lower in Sugar (difference - 3.79g)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Basil
Basil contains less Sodium (difference - 21mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Basil
Basil is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 1.51g)
Which food is cheaper?
Basil
Basil is cheaper (difference - $1.8)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Basil - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172232/nutrients
  2. Oregano - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171328/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.