Five Health Benefits of Lemongrass, Check Here

MUMBAI: Lemongrass is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and a common ingredient in Thai cuisine. Now grown in Africa, Australia, and North and South America, lemongrass is widely used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, neurological problems, and high blood pressure. Lemongrass reportedly has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has traditionally been used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Lemongrass contains citral, a natural plant compound with anti-inflammatory effects.

Lemongrass extract is also used to provide the fresh scent in many soaps, candles, disinfectants, and insect repellants. The best way to enjoy lemongrass is in tea, either commercially prepared or made from fresh lemongrass stalks.

Here are some health benefits:

Anti-inflammatory effects: Lemongrass contains quercetin, a flavonoid known for having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Quercetin reduces inflammation, which inhibits cancer cell growth and prevents heart disease.

Reduced cholesterol: Lemongrass is used in Africa as a treatment for coronary heart disease. One study conducted a seven-day treatment of lemongrass extract on rats, which resulted in elevated cholesterol levels decreasing significantly.

Helps with digestive issues: Research suggests that lemongrass has always been used to treat digestive issues like constipation, bloating or even indigestion. Lemongrass contains an element called citral, which proves to be helpful when it comes to stomach-related issues.

Improves anemia: Research suggests that drinking a cup of lemongrass tea every single day for a month can help to increase haemoglobin levels, and increase the red blood cells in your body. This is because lemongrass is packed with a host of nutrients including folic acid, copper, thiamine, iron and zinc. So ladies, make yourself a cup of this aromatic tea, and drive away anemia!

Gives you healthy hair and skin: This might come as a huge surprise, but lemongrass can be your answer to clear skin and long locks! Lemongrass boasts of antibacterial as well as anti-fungal properties, making it a good way to cleanse your skin. For this, you need to mix a few drops of lemongrass oil to a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil, and apply it on your skin. (Agencies)

Also Read:  Not all 'good' cholesterol is healthy: Researchers

Also Watch: