Just like with all greases, lemongrass cannot be eaten raw due to its fibrous nature. It can be made into tea or juiced using a masticating juicer. It offers a wide array of health benefits which are particularly useful when consumed during a juice fast or when on a detox program.
Nutritional Benefits
Lemongrass has a robust nutritional profile which helps improve many chronic conditions. It is an excellent source vitamins A, B, and C as well as minerals like phosphorus, manganese, iron, calcium, copper, zinc, and potassium.
Citronella oil is obtained from the leaves and stems of lemongrass and is used for making soap, perfumery flavorings, and insect repellents.
Health Benefits
Lemongrass has been widely used in Asian countries for both its culinary and medicinal properties. It contains anti-septic compounds which kill off detrimental microorganisms like bacteria, parasites, yeast, and fungi in the digestive tract.
For a healthy digestive tract, lemongrass is made into tea that is consumed on a regular basis to see its effectiveness:
Anemia: Due to its high iron content, lemongrass is highly beneficial for various types of anemia, particularly those that stem from iron deficiency. Iron is a nutrient needed for the synthesis of hemoglobin, the protein in red cells.
Anti-cancer: According to a study done on lemongrass and its potential citral oil content, it does contain this anti-cancer compound that causes apoptosis of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. While lemongrass tea alone cannot cure cancer, it does help.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-septic: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, lemongrass juice can be used to great inflammation of the urinary tract, gout, and arthritis.
Bacterial or fungal infection: Its anti-septic properties make lemongrass juice effective in eliminating bad microorganisms, detoxifying the blood, and keeping fungal, yeast, and bacterial infections under control.
Balsamic action: Thanks to the volatile oils it contains, lemongrass as balsamic action on the respiratory tract. This means that it can be used to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever, cold, and flu.
Detoxifying: The anti-septic, antioxidant, and diuretic properties of lemongrass make it crucial ingredient in any detox program. It helps detoxify the kidneys, liver, pancreas, bladder, and it improves blood flow.
Diabetes: The cleansing properties of lemongrass tea help cleanse the pancreas and thus lower the blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.
Digestive health: Lemongrass regulates intestinal function thanks to its powerful anti-microbial properties. It destroys bad parasites and bacteria, while repopulating beneficial bacteria in the colon. Hence, it helps improve problems like cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, and flatulence.
Gastritis or Heartburn: Drinking a cup of lemongrass tea can be soothing when dealing with acid indigestion or gastritis.
High blood pressure: The high potassium content in lemongrass helps lower blood pressure and keeps it in check.
High cholesterol: Lemongrass acts as anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis agent. It reduces the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine and prevents atherosclerotic plaques from forming.
Insomnia: Insomnia is caused by nervous disorder or any internal chemical imbalance. The calming effect that lemongrass offers promotes better sleep.
Nervous system: Magnesium, folate, and phosphorus are needed for proper function of the nervous system. They improve brain`s ability to process information and boost memory and concentration.
Purifying action: This is one of the best known features of lemongrass- its ability to eliminate toxic matter from the body and cleanse the colon.
Skin health: Skin health is notably improved when the blood is purified and the circulation is enhanced. Regular consumption of lemongrass tea helps treat psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Weight loss: Lemongrass tea melts fats while its diuretic effect carries out the toxic matter in high volume.
CAUTION
Lemongrass juice can be very powerful to be taken alone. The best would be to make it into tea. However, avoid it in case you are on any medications.
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