LEMON GRASS is a perennial plant that grows abundantly in Fiji and many Fijians plant this herbal lemon scented plant for its tea flavouring qualities.
Lemon grass is used for many culinary purposes around the world but in Fiji many people prefer it as tea flavouring.
With its aroma, lemon grass releases a mild citrus minty taste that is quite different from lemon leaf flavour and you can tell if someone in the room has a lemon grass leaf in his or her cup of tea because of the strong aroma it releases.
Today we look at some interesting health benefits of using lemon grass leaves in your meal or in your tea listed by www.organicfacts.net and its nutritional facts.
Lemon grass nutrition facts
Lemon grass is an aromatic storehouse of essential nutrients providing an array of health benefits. It is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5(pantothenic acid), vitamin 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. It offers no harmful cholesterol or fats.
Health benefits of lemon grass
Lemon grass contains antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds such as luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elemicin, catechol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, all of which help in providing an impressive range of medicinal aids. The main component of lemon grass is lemonal or citral, which has anti-fungal and anti-microbial qualities, while also providing a distinct lemony smell. Some of the most well-known health benefits of lemon grass include:
Lowers cholesterol
Lemon grass possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that the regular consumption of lemon grass has shown significant results in sustaining healthy levels of triglycerides and reducing the LDL cholesterol in the body. This helps in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels and promotes an unobstructed flow of blood in the arteries, preventing various cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis.
Detoxifies the body
Lemon grass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the body, as a result of its diuretic properties. Detoxification helps in the regulation of various organs of the body, including the liver and kidney, while also helping to lower the levels of uric acid. The diuretic effect of lemon grass helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining digestive health, eliminating accrued fats, and assisting in maintaining a clean system.
Stomach disorders
Studies have shown that lemon grass essential oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties which help in fighting the infections caused by various pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli. It is beneficial in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers, helps in stimulating the bowel function, and improves digestion. The anti-inflammatory property of lemon grass is beneficial for treating constipation, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches.
Treats insomnia
Lemon grass aids in calming muscles and nerves, which helps in inducing deep sleep. Research has shown that lemon grass tea has sedative and hypnotic properties which help in increasing the duration of sleep.
Respiratory disorders
Lemon grass is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing effects in treating cough and cold. Along with other beneficial components, the vitamin C content present in it helps in providing relief from nasal blockages, flu and other respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma.
Cures fever
Lemon grass is a febrifuge and is also known as the ‘fever grass’, owing to its beneficial effects in lowering fever. The anti-pyretic and diaphoretic effect of lemon grass is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine for curing fevers by inducing sweating.
