For a little bit of cell-soothing nutrition, add an extra sprinkle of these zingy flakes to your slice: oregano.

That’s right -- oregano doesn’t just add pizzazz to your pizza sauce. It may have the power to prevent tissue-damaging inflammation, too.

It’s Essential
The essential oils in oregano are rife with a substance called (E)-beta-caryophyllene -- or (E)-BCP for short. These compounds bind to certain cell receptors in a way that could mean less inflammation, according to mouse studies. Good news, since inflammation has been fingered in a bunch of bad health outcomes, from heart disease to cancer. Researchers suspect (E)-BCP may have a similar inflammation-fighting benefit in humans.

A Little Dash Will Do Ya?
It’s not clear how much (E)-BCP is in oregano, but surprisingly, the lowest dose of the compound was often the most effective in a recent study. Black pepper, rosemary, and cinnamon all have the compound, too. When your spice shakers are on E, try these other inflammation-fighting foods, too:

• Anthocyanin-packed cherries and berries
• Omega-3-rich fish, like salmon and tuna
• Flavonol-loaded dark chocolate
• Oleocanthal-crammed olive oil

Recipe Corner
Toss the boring pepperoni and cheese standby and impress your guests with this extra-healthy, extra-oregano-y Caramelized Onion and White Bean Flatbread.

Video: Find out how to grind and toast your own medicine cabinet of spices.