Lemon grass is a fragrant herb in the citrus family native to many parts of Asia. It is closely related to citronella, which gives off a powerful lemon-like odor when burned.
While historically used as an herbal remedy, lemon grass has recently gained attention for its potential health benefits due to its concentrations of vitamins and minerals and bioactive compounds.
Studies have found that lemon grass could help support weight management, digestive health, increase immunity and reduce inflammation – although more human research is needed for confirmation.
In addition to its potential health benefits, lemon grass can be used in dishes like salads and soups for added flavor and aroma.
Additionally, it can be paired with other herbs to make teas that are believed to promote relaxation or enhance overall well-being.
Related Read
Nutritional Profile
Lemongrass is a fragrant tropical plant commonly used to flavor culinary dishes. It is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.
Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent addition to the diet.
In this section, we’ll explore the nutritional profile of lemongrass and its potential health benefits:
Vitamins and Minerals
Lemongrass is a herb found in many cuisines due to its unique flavor, but it has also been used medicinally for centuries.
It contains many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B6, magnesium and phosphorus.
- Vitamin C: Lemongrass is a rich source of vitamin C, with 1 teaspoon (2 grams) containing nearly 18% of the RDI. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps support the immune system and may protect against oxidative damage from free radicals. It’s also required to properly grow and develop bones, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels.
- Vitamin B6: Lemongrass also provides significant amounts of vitamin B6 or pyridoxine. This vital nutrient is necessary for metabolism and immune system function 1 teaspoon (2 grams) contains 12% of the RDI. Also Vitamin B6 helps your body make critical neurotransmitters like serotonin which can help regulate mood swings and feelings of depression or anxiety.
- Minerals: Besides providing vitamins, lemongrass also contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, which your body requires to function correctly. The mineral content in lemongrass varies slightly depending on where it originated from or how it was processed before consumption. For example, one teaspoon (2 grams) contains up to 8% RDI for magnesium and 9% RDI for phosphorus, depending on its origin or preparation method. The mineral magnesium helps keep your heart healthy by supporting nerve impulses within cell walls, while phosphorus is essential for optimal energy production within cells within the body. In addition lemongrass provides some potassium with smaller amounts in each serving contributing to balance fluid levels in your cells throughout your body.
Dietary Fiber
Lemon grass contains dietary fiber, an essential component of a healthy diet. Dietary fiber helps with digestion and can aid in weight management by creating a feeling of fullness.
One teaspoon (2 grams) of fresh lemon grass contains 0.5 grams of dietary fiber, or 2% of the daily recommended intake for adults.
Eating foods high in dietary fiber can also help reduce the risk of certain cancers and other chronic diseases.
Furthermore, including more dietary fiber in your diet can benefit your heart health by helping to lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar levels, which is especially important for those at risk for diabetes.
Also, Read
Antioxidants
Lemon grass is rich in antioxidants, which are natural compounds that help neutralize the effects of harmful molecules in the body.
Antioxidants have been linked to better overall health and a reduced risk of chronic disease, as they help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Lemon grass contains several unique compounds, including vitamin C, folic acid, cinnamic acid and quercetin, all of which act as antioxidants.
Other antioxidant-rich compounds, such as limonene, geraniol and citral, offer additional health benefits. These compounds combine to provide a powerful antioxidant punch to help boost your overall wellbeing.
Potential Health Benefits
Lemon grass, a popular plant for culinary and medicinal uses, has been used for thousands of years for its aromatic and health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and essential oils, making it a great addition to any diet.
The potential health benefits of lemon grass are vast and numerous, ranging from digestive health to skin health.
Let’s take a closer look at the potential health benefits of lemon grass and how it can help improve your health:
It may Help Reduce Blood Sugar
Lemon grass has been linked to several potential health benefits, especially for people with diabetes.
Studies have suggested that lemon grass may help reduce specific biomarkers related to type 2 diabetes, including postprandial blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
Lemon grass is rich in antioxidants, which may help decrease inflammation, fight free radicals, and reduce oxidative stress.
Studies in rats show that lemon grass extract can prevent cell oxidation damage and inhibit alpha-glucosidase activity.
Alpha-glucosidase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates and starches into simple sugars that the body can absorb; decreasing its activity may help regulate blood sugar levels after meals.
Animal studies also suggest that lemon grass can help slow digestion and regulate digestion of carbohydrates in the intestines. It has also been shown to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels, helping to improve heart health.
In addition to its potential for helping people with diabetes, research suggests that lemon grass may be beneficial for regulating weight loss, reducing cancer risk factors and improving overall immunity.
More studies are needed in humans to determine the full potential of lemon grass’s health benefits.
May Help Reduce Cholesterol
The potential health benefits of lemon grass include its ability to reduce cholesterol levels, aid digestion, protect against harmful microorganisms, reduce inflammation and pain, boost skin health, and aid in weight loss.
Lemon grass is a herb that has a citrus-like aroma and taste. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicines of India and Southeast Asia, though the research on its health benefits is still limited.
Lemon grass may effectively reduce cholesterol levels by decreasing the absorption of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol from our food.
Its anti-inflammatory properties can also benefit people with high cholesterol levels as it helps prevent oxidization (a process which leads to the formation of fatty deposits on artery walls).
Its vitamin C content can also help improve overall heart health by supporting good cholesterol levels.
Lemon grass has also been linked to improved digestion due to its antioxidants and essential oils. The essential oils have carminative properties, which help reduce gas issues such as bloating and flatulence.
In addition, the volatile oil in lemon grass may help stimulate stomach acid production, improving absorption rates for nutrients and vitamins from food consumed.
Lemon Grass may also help with diarrhea caused by bacterial toxins by acting as a natural purgative agent that helps flush out these toxins from your system efficiently.
Also, Read
- Is Lemon Grass Good For Chest Congestion
- Is Lemon Grass Good For Acne
- How To Use Lemongrass For Weight Loss
May Help Reduce Blood Pressure
The potential health benefits of lemon grass are primarily derived from its loaded composition of vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds.
Studies have shown that lemon grass may help to reduce and control high blood pressure levels due to its active components such as citral, geraniol and limonene.
When consumed in moderation, these compounds are believed to relax the muscles surrounding the arteries, allowing for normal blood pressure levels.
In addition, lemon grass has numerous antispasmodic properties, which can decrease the impact of common ailments like asthma, digestive complaints and spasms.
May Help Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is an essential part of the body’s self-defense system. It helps protect us from infection and injury by initiating the healing process.
However, chronic inflammation can be problematic and lead to various adverse health effects, including increased risk of certain chronic diseases.
Lemon grass is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which are compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies suggest regularly consuming lemon grass may help reduce inflammation associated with various diseases or conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, obesity, intestinal disorders, colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, lemon grass has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory benefits in treating several ailments, such as joint pain and fever.
It may Help Improve Digestive Health.
Lemon grass is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine but may offer health benefits as an herbal remedy.
Research suggests that some of the compounds in lemon grass may help reduce digestive problems, such as diarrhea and indigestion. It may also help boost immunity and protect against infections.
The pungent aroma of lemongrass comes from the essential oils found within the thick stems. These volatile oils are thought to be responsible for some of its purported health benefits.
Studies indicate they have antimicrobial activity, meaning they can fight off harmful bacteria and other microorganisms responsible for digestive disorders and stomach infections.
In addition, some studies suggest that lemon grass oil exhibits antispasmodic properties, which can help alleviate abdominal cramps and bloating.
Lemon grass contains several other beneficial compounds, such as geraniol and linalool, which have antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage due to free radicals.
This protects against chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
In addition to these digestive benefits, some research indicates that lemon grass also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce joint pain or swelling symptoms due to arthritis or gout.
Some studies even suggest it may have anti-cancer properties when consumed regularly over long periods. However, more research must confirm these claims before making any definitive claims about its effectiveness for specific medical conditions or diseases.
How to Use Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is a fragrant herb used in Asian cooking and alternative medicine. This herb is known for its health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, aiding digestion and improving immunity.
Lemon grass is easy to add to your diet and can be used in many forms, including teas, tinctures, topical ointments, and culinary dishes.
Let’s explore the various ways to use lemon grass for maximum benefit:
Tea
Tea made from fresh or dried lemon grass is a favorite in many cultures and has medicinal properties. Lemon grass tea is an effective remedy for digestive problems and other ailments like colds and flu.
Its antifungal and antibacterial qualities have been used since ancient times to treat illness, although it has the added benefit of tasting great.
To use lemon grass in tea, cut several four-inch stalks at the root. Wash them well and cut into quarter-inch slices. Add the slices to one cup of boiling water.
Boil for three to five minutes, then strain away the lemon grass pieces and drink hot or iced. Steep longer if desired for a more pungent taste.
If you wish to sweeten your tea, add honey or sugar sparingly. Lemon grass can be used up to two times before it starts to lose potency; discard any stalks that are no longer fragrant after steeping them in hot water once before discarding them.
Regular consumption of lemon grass tea helps promote digestion, improves circulation, soothes nausea, reduces inflammation and boosts immunity.
In addition to these benefits, this delicious infusion also helps reduce anxiety and improved quality of sleep if consumed regularly before bedtime.
Also, Read
- How To Use Lemongrass For High Blood Pressure
- How To Use Lemongrass For Hair Growth?
- How To Use Lemon Grass Essential Oil?
Cooking
Cooking with lemongrass brings a warm, aroma-filled citrus flavor to dishes like Thai curries, soups and stir fries.
To use this extract for cooking, start by trimming about one-third off the base of the stalk and remove any tough outer leaves. The lower section of the stalk will have a slightly softer center compared to the rest.
Cut this portion into thin slices or mince it finely, then add it to your dish near the end of cooking, as too much heat will diminish its flavor.
Lemongrass can also infuse dishes such as marinades, salad dressings and tea. All parts of the lemongrass must be removed before eating as they are adamant and fibrous.
Aromatherapy
Lemon grass, also known as citronella, is a plant that has a robust and fragrant odor and is used in traditional Asian cuisine. It is gaining in popularity as an aromatherapy ingredient due to the healing powers it is purported to have.
Lemon grass oil can be used in diffusers to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and improve concentration. It can also be added to natural creams and lotions to help soothe dry skin or irritations from bug bites.
Research has shown that lemon grass has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, making it an effective treatment for specific skin conditions such as athlete’s foot or psoriasis.
Some studies suggest that it may even help treat depression and insomnia due to its calming effects on the central nervous system.
As with any new therapy or supplement, it’s recommended that you speak with your doctor before using lemon grass for any health related concerns.
Potential Risks and Precautions
While lemon grass has many potential health benefits, some risks are associated.
It may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and sedatives, so talking to a healthcare provider before adding lemon grass to your diet is essential.
Additionally, lemon grass may cause digestive upset, so it is essential to consume it in moderation.
Let’s look at the potential risks and precautions associated with consuming lemon grass:
Interactions with Medications
The safety of consuming lemon grass, orally and topically, has been proven in tests conducted by physicians and pharmacists.
However, it is essential to be aware of potential interactions or side effects when taking medicines simultaneously, as with any herbal remedy.
Whenever you take a medication or herbal remedy, consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that any combination of substances is safe for your health.
Lemon grass may interact with certain medications by either increasing the effectiveness of the medicine or potentially reducing its potency.
It contains high levels of antioxidants which can work with some medications to reduce their toxicity levels. Lemon grass could also interact negatively, increasing specific medication’s side effects.
This can be especially dangerous if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin). If you are prescribed any medication and taking lemon grass simultaneously, speaking with your doctor before proceeding further is essential.
In addition, there is evidence that lemon grass essential oil may interfere with hormonal balance when applied topically or inhaled aromatically through aroma therapy.
Therefore caution should be taken before using this form of treatment for any medical condition if you have an existing hormonal disorder or are pregnant or breastfeeding because these conditions often require careful management of hormones.
Discussing any concerns about safety and interactions before using lemon grass products for medicinal purposes is best.
Allergic Reactions
Though lemon grass is considered a superfood and has many healing properties, its use can also have potential risks.
Since the herb contains certain compounds that can be allergenic, those allergic to other types of grass or plants may develop an allergic reaction when consuming lemon grass.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
- Hives
- Difficulty in breathing
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the lips and tongue
- Vomiting or nausea
If you experience any adverse symptoms after consuming lemon grass, you must immediately seek medical help.
In addition, people who suffer from conditions such as asthma, skin conditions or autoimmune diseases should only consume lemon grass with caution and under the advice of a physician since it could aggravate those symptoms in some cases.
Pregnant women should avoid ingesting large amounts due to its potential side effects- Seek the advice of your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your diet during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
When considering the potential health benefits and risks of consuming lemon grass, special attention should be paid to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
While lemon grass has been used as a traditional herbal remedy in some countries for its purported calming and antispasmodic effects, its safety in pregnant women and nursing mothers is poorly documented.
Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals must avoid consuming lemon grass or its oil should there be any concern about the potential risk.
Moreover, those who have existing health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure or other chronic illnesses or conditions such as thyroid dysfunction may require adjustments to their current treatment regimen if consuming lemon grass oil.
Additionally, individuals taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) should exercise caution when using lemon grass oil as it can potentially increase the risk of bleeding complications.
It is best to seek medical advice before consumption of any form of lemon grass – whether it be tea, extract supplement, oil – if you are considering adding this popular dark green herb into your diet.
While this herb has proven health benefits, possible risks that one should consider when incorporating this into your daily life may still exist.
Conclusion: Is Lemon Grass Good For Health
Overall, lemon grass is a nutritious and low-calorie plant with numerous health benefits that can be enjoyed either fresh or in the form of tea.
Enthusiasm for growing lemon grass in the home garden has surged due to its easy cultivation and attractive uses as an edible garnish.
While there are some possible side effects of using large quantities of lemon grass, these are rare and primarily occur as allergic reactions.
Incorporating lemon grass into meals or beverages is an excellent choice for those looking to boost their overall health while enjoying great flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:What are the health benefits of lemon grass?
A1: Lemon grass is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals, boosts the immune system, and helps to manage blood sugar levels. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits and antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Q2:How can I consume lemon grass?
A2: Lemon grass can be added to soups, salads, stews, and curries. It can also be used to make tea, or to flavor sauces and marinades. You can also add fresh lemon grass to smoothies or other beverages.
Q3: How much lemon grass should I consume daily?
A3: Generally, it is recommended to consume one to two teaspoons of dried lemon grass daily. You can also enjoy up to two cups of brewed tea from fresh lemon grass daily.
