Lemongrass is an herb that is native to India and other South Asian countries. As the name suggests, lemongrass has a slight citrusy flavour like lemons but is much sweeter. Due to its aromatic fragrance and flavoursome quality, it finds a lot of use in various South Asian cuisines.

Lemongrass is a perennial plant that typically grows in tropical regions. There are some 55 different varieties but only two are actually used for consumption, both due to their distinct culinary and medicinal advantages.

Organic Lemongrass is more than just an herb that makes your food taste better; it is filled with wonderful nutritional qualities, some of which we’ve consolidated in the list below:-

1. Lowers ‘bad’ cholesterol

Lemongrass is one of the healthiest herbs for your heart simply because of its amazing quality of lowering bad cholesterol in the blood (LDL). It stimulates the oxidation of LDL in the blood, lowering its amount and thus preventing blockage of arteries (atherosclerosis) by the build-up of plaque. Lemongrass is also effective in lowering the absorption of LDL from the intestines.

2. Keeps the digestive system healthy

A cornerstone of a healthy life is a strong and robust digestive system. Lemongrass can be a key supplement to boost digestive health and prevent a long list of diseases that can arise due to a poor and inefficient digestive system like heartburn, constipation, dyspepsia, bloating, cramps etc.

Lemongrass is believed to possess strong anti-microbial properties which mean it has a tendency to attack and destroy pathogens that infiltrate the body. Lemongrass is particularly effective against bacteria like E. coli and helps to prevent infections caused by microbes such as gastroenteritis.

Not only does lemongrass help in fighting off dangerous bacteria, it also assists in repopulating the colon with good bacteria, which are essential for a healthy digestive system.

3. Is a wonderful detox agent

Every day we are exposed to numerous toxins. In addition to the toxins we encounter out in the world, our body also releases toxins as part of our metabolic processes. The body continuously needs help in order to remove these toxins from the body completely, something which is extremely important in maintaining your health.

Lemongrass can provide much help to the body in this regard because of its diuretic properties. A diuretic is a substance that promotes urination – increasing both the frequency and quantity – thereby flushing the system clean of toxins and unwanted materials. The liver and kidneys are purified by this process; in addition to toxins, the body also removes uric acid, excess fats and LDL, making the body healthier.

4. Has anti-carcinogenic properties

Lemongrass’s effect on cancer has been studied quite extensively. Researchers in Israel have discovered that one of the constituents of lemongrass – known as citral – has the amazing property of inducing cell death in cancer cells. This process of cell death is known as apoptosis and is found to be a part of lemongrass’s anti-carcinogenic arsenal, specifically against breast cancer. Other cancers that can be prevented with the help of lemongrass are liver cancer and skin cancer.

Apart from the effect of citral, lemongrass also contains anti-oxidants which are always helpful in preventing cancer by neutralizing the threat of free radicals.

5. Relieves joint pain

Lemongrass has very strong anti-inflammatory properties which help to inhibit the activity of an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase-2 which is the root of joint pains. Because of this, lemongrass is an essential addition to the diet of patients suffering from arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism etc.

Apart from lowering the inflammation in joints, lemongrass also soothes the muscles, thereby lowering the pain experienced from poor bone health.

6. Can treat depression

Lemongrass’s amazing nutritional qualities reach beyond the physiological and into the psychological. It is believed that consuming lemongrass can treat depression, lower anxiety and lift the mood of people battling from psychological disorders. It does so by stimulating the release of serotonin in the brain.

Lemongrass also contains the compound citronella which has a soothing effect on the body and the brain while also helping you sleep much better.

To know more about the amazing benefits of lemongrass, click here.