Lemongrass is an herb known for its citrus flavor and aroma properties. Because of its unique taste, it has traditionally been used in a variety of cuisines, primarily Asian and Caribbean cuisine. It is often used in teas, soups, curries, and marinades. Over time, it became popular in Western cuisine as well.
Lemongrass has many benefits when it comes to the supernatural effects of this popular herb. From preventing skin diseases such as skin fungi to regulating blood pressure levels, it helps maintain good health. All this is possible thanks to its aromatic and medicinal properties. Herbal teas and essential oils that support health. Learn more about what lemongrass is, its nutritional profile, health benefits, and uses. read!
What is lemongrass?
Lemongrass is a stem-like green herb with a citrus flavor and lemon aroma. It is usually used for cooking and medicinal purposes. One common way to incorporate it into your diet is in the form of a tea. Because it contains bioactive substances, it can help treat colds, maintain blood pressure, and help you lose weight.
However, it can also be used as an aromatherapy oil to reduce stress and improve mood. It also acts as a seasoning to make delicious foods and drinks.
Nutritional value of lemongrass
One ounce of lemongrass has the following benefits:
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 7 grams
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Dietary fiber: 0 grams
Additionally, lemongrass has the added benefit of providing other nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, and calcium. Iron is essential for delivering oxygen from the lungs to the blood. There are many other benefits that plants bring. Let’s discuss them in detail.
The most effective benefits of lemongrass you should know about
Lemongrass has many potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Find some that work here.
1. Helps with weight management
Lemongrass tea contains very few calories, so drinking lemongrass tea a day can help you manage your weight. Drinking this herbal tea can help you feel full and prevent you from overeating further. It is best to drink it during the day, as it can also suppress frequent appetites.
moreover, Polyphenol The components contained in tea increase energy, promote fat oxidation, and contribute to weight loss. It also acts as a detox drink that improves the body’s metabolic rate. Good metabolism plays a decisive role in weight management. The most interesting fact about this tea is its diuretic effect. Drinking enough can also help you shed some water weight.
2. Promotes skin health
Lemongrass effectively promotes skin health thanks to its antioxidant, anti-astringent and antiseptic properties. Essential lemongrass oil is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, which keep your skin healthy. These nutrients promote blood circulation and cure oily skin problems such as acne and pimples. Therefore, it makes your skin look fresh and clean.
Additionally, drinking lemongrass tea clears your pores and strengthens your skin tissues, making your skin brighter. Its antifungal effect helps treat fungal infections. Additionally, this herbal plant also cures cellulitis and folliculitis infections due to its antibacterial properties. Most importantly, the citrus fruits it contains prevents skin cancer.
3. Fight off stomach ulcers
Gastric ulcers are ulcers that gradually develop on the lining of the stomach. Possible causes include excessive intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Helicobacter pylori infection. These conditions can damage the intestinal lining that protects the stomach and lead to the appearance of ulcers.
Common symptoms of stomach ulcers include pain in or around the belly button. However, in some cases, discomfort may occur on either side of the abdomen, especially between the chest and navel. Don’t worry, incorporating lemongrass tea into your diet will help fight off these ulcers. Its anti-inflammatory properties prevent inflammation, relieve pain, and heal ulcers. It also treats indigestion problems that can lead to stomach ulcers.
4. Manage your blood pressure
Elevated blood pressure levels can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Using lemongrass tea as a home remedy can control blood pressure levels. It’s all thanks to potassium, which loosens blood vessel walls.
As a result, the tension is relieved and the internal pressure is reduced. In addition to this, potassium also controls sodium levels in the blood. If levels are too high, blood pressure can rise. So, if you are suffering from blood pressure problems, add this nutritious herbal tea to your morning and evening meal plan.
5. Strengthen your immune system
Lemongrass is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help fight the common flu and cold and strengthen your immune health. This herbal tea is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, which helps keep health problems at bay and boosts immunity.
moreover, study When talking about cytokines, he says these signaling molecules allow cells to respond and communicate with the body. Lemongrass extract effectively affects the inflammatory effects of these molecules and strengthens the immune system. Drink warm lemongrass tea to prevent inflammation and soothe sore throats.
6. Helps detoxify the body
Lemongrass tea has diuretic properties, which helps remove harmful waste products from the body. Detoxification lowers uric acid levels and helps regulate many body organs, such as the kidneys and liver.
Additionally, the diuretic properties of this herbal tea can help improve the frequency and amount of urination. As a result, this maintains digestive health, removes accumulated fat, and promotes a clean body system.
7. Relieve arthritis pain
Lemongrass treats arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and many other types of joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Because it has anti-inflammatory properties, it inhibits the action of cyclooxygenase-2, a powerful enzyme that causes inflammation that causes discomfort in the joints.
Additionally, this herb relaxes muscles and relieves muscle spasms and sprains. As a result, symptoms related to joint pain are prevented. Simply mix lemongrass and coconut oil in a 1:2 ratio and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few hours before cleaning. You can perform this process daily for several weeks. If desired, you can also drink it as a tea twice a day.
8. Reduce cancer risk
Lemongrass is rich in citral, which has anti-cancer properties. It is considered effective in fighting various types of cancer. The stems of this herbal plant are a good source of geranal and chlorogenic acid, which also has anti-cancer properties.
These anti-cancer properties of herbs can break down free radicals present in the body. And these free radicals can cause some types of cancer. Consuming this herbal tea can prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body. Many medical professionals also use it as an add-on therapy to chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer patients.
9. Fight depression
a the study It states that lemongrass has antidepressant properties that treat depression. This aromatic herb stimulates the release of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that fights depression. Additionally, it lifts your mood, boosts confidence, reduces anxiety, and increases mental strength.
In addition to this, the citronella present in lemongrass has a calming effect on the mind and body. This helps promote deep sleep. So, whenever you feel down or depressed, drink some hot tea. This herbal drink is calming and relaxing.
How can I use lemongrass in food?
Lemongrass is endowed with many nutrients and is a nutritious herb to add to your diet, but have you ever wondered how to use lemongrass in your cooking recipes? There are many dishes you can make.
- You can use lemongrass to make hot or iced tea. For hot tea, boil it in a glass of water. For iced tea, let it cool, then add ice and enjoy.
- Use lemongrass to make zesty Thai lemon-lime shrimp or roasted lemongrass chicken. You can also schedule lemongrass lamb chops recipe.
- Additionally, you can also make tom yum goong soup. The dish uses lemongrass, shrimp, garlic, red chili pepper, coconut milk, and makrut lime. Thai chicken noodle soup is also a delicious option. Also, Thai carrot soup is a unique dish that combines lemongrass and ginger.
- In addition to this, it adds flavor to different types of sauces. You can prepare a simple lemongrass ginger sauce to enjoy seafood. Additionally, try a white wine and lemongrass sauce to enhance the flavor of the mussels. It will definitely add flavor to your dishes.
conclusion
Indeed, lemongrass is a nutritious and healthful herb. It is rich in various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help regulate blood pressure, improve immunity, manage weight, and prevent cancer. Get the most out of this nutritious herb by adding it to your favorite cooking recipes and drinks. Treat yourself to lemongrass tea, flavorful soups, curries, and more.