Health benefits of lemongrass

Lemongrass – An Aromatic Healer :-

Cymbopogon citratus also known as Lemongrass is an herb which belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. It is well known and utilized for its distinct lemon flavor and citrusy aroma. Lemongrass is a tall, perennial grass which is native to India and tropical regions of Asia. It is a coarse and tufted plant with linear leaves that grows in thick bunches, emerging from a strong base and standing for about 3 meters in height with a meter-wide stretch.

Nutritional Value of Lemongrass :-

Lemongrass is an aromatic storehouse of essential nutrients providing a wide array of health benefits. It is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), folate and vitamin C. It also provides essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, zinc and iron, which are required for the healthy functioning of the human body.

Health Benefits of Lemongrass :-

Lemongrass contains antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds such as luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elimicin, catecol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, all of which help in providing an impressive range of medicinal aids. The main component of lemongrass is lemonal or citral, which has anti-fungal and antimicrobial qualities, while also providing a distinct lemony smell.

Cholesterol  :-

Lemongrass possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that the regular consumption of lemongrass has shown significant results in sustaining healthy levels of triglycerides and reducing the LDL cholesterol in the body.

Detoxification :-

Lemongrass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the body, as a result of its diuretic properties. Detoxification helps in better regulation of various organs of the body, including the liver and kidney, while also helping to lower the levels of uric acid.

Cancer :-

Lemongrass is effective in treating various types of cancers without affecting the healthy normal cells of the body. Research conducted to prove the anti-cancerous activity of lemongrass has shown promising outcomes in the prevention of skin cancer. Studies have shown that a certain component, citral,which is present in lemongrass, helps in inhibiting the growth of hepatic cancer cells during the initial phases and prevents any further production of cancerous cells.

Helps Digestion :-

Lemongrass promotes healthy digestion. It has antiseptic compounds that effectively kill bad bacteria and parasites in the digestive tract and repopulate the good bacteria in the colon.This in turn helps treat digestive health problems like indigestion, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, stomach spasms, vomiting and cramps. Plus, lemongrass has antimicrobial properties that help relieve gastroenteritis.For a healthy digestive tract, drink lemongrass tea on regular basis. Lemongrass tea, however, is not recommended for small children.

Controls Cholesterol Levels :-

The anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis action of lemongrass helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. Plus, it helps in the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol in the blood, which in turn helps prevent atherosclerotic plaque buildup.The high potassium content in lemongrass also helps lower and regulate blood pressure.Simply drink a cup of lemongrass tea everyday to help lower your cholesterol level and reduce blood pressure. You can also take this herb in supplement form after consulting your doctor.

Heals Colds and Flu :-

Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help your body cope with coughs, fever and other cold and flu symptoms. Plus, it is loaded with vitamin C that boosts your immune system to fight the infection.
You can use lemongrass oil to relieve pain in muscles and joints, as well as headaches resulting from a cold or the flu.

Plus, lemongrass can be effective in breaking down mucus and phlegm buildup, which can alleviate problems with breathing. This is mainly beneficial when suffering from bronchitis or asthma.

Reduces Arthritis Pain :-

Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, lemongrass helps treat arthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout and other types of joint pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties help suppress the activity of cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme involved in inflammation that causes pain, especially in joints..You can mix lemongrass oil with coconut oil in a 1:2 ratio and rub it over the affected area. Leave it on for a few hours before rinsing it off. Do this daily for a few weeks.

Essential Oils :-

At least seven different essential oils found in various types of lemongrass are responsible for flavoring food and infusing aroma into perfumes. The most abundant oil, called citral, contributes the strongest lemon scent, while another oil, limonene, has a weaker aroma but is still important in cosmetics. Several oils in lemongrass repel insects, including geraniol, borneol and citronellol, which is the active ingredient in citronella candles.

Nutrients :-

Three to four stalks of lemongrass yield about 1/2 cup when chopped, which provides sufficient seasoning for a meat, fish or vegetable dish that serves four people. Since its flavor is so strong, you’re not likely to eat much lemongrass at one time, but you’ll still gain nutrients from even a small amount. One tablespoon of lemongrass has .4 milligrams of iron. That’s 5 percent of the recommended daily intake for men and 2 percent for women. The same portion also has 1 percent of the recommended daily intake of folate, potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.

Fights off Infections :-

While clinical trials are essential to demonstrate these advantages conclusively, the Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases published an article showing how lemongrass can help to stop the growth of certain infections. The study also shows that lemongrass may treat fungal infections, but says that more clinical trials are necessary.