Nutritional and Health Benefits of Lemongrass

 

Quote from the book Ministry of Healing by E. G. WhiteOur bodies are built up from the food we eat. There is a constant breaking down of the tissues of the body; every movement of every organ involves waste, and this waste is repaired from our food. Each organ of the body requires its share of nutrition. The brain must be supplied with its portion; the bones, muscles, and nerves demand theirs. It is a wonderful process that transforms the food into blood and uses this blood to build up the varied parts of the body” page 122

 

Genesis 1:29: “And God said, “see, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.”

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2013

Nutritional and Health Benefits of Lemongrass

Refreshing, citrus-scented lemongrass imparts unique flavor to recipes. Its coarse tufted stems and leaf buds are among the most sought after herbal parts used in an array of cuisines all over South and East Asian regions (Debra: we have it growing all over Jamaica and the Caribbean too). Botanically, the herb belongs to grass family of Poaceae. Scientific name: Cymbopogon citratus. It is native to Southern part of India and Sri Lanka. The herb is one of the popular ingredients in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia and as far as African and American continents for its culinary and medicinal uses.

 

  • Studies conducted on lemon grass have shown that it possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties. When mixed with pepper, lemon grass is an effective home remedy for menstrual problems and nausea. It also works as a good diuretic, when drunk as tea.
  • Lemon grass works as an effective cleanser that detoxifies liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract. It also works to reduce the levels of uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and other toxins in the body.
  • Consumption of lemon grass stimulates digestion, blood circulation and lactation in the body. It also serves to alleviate the conditions of indigestion and gastroenteritis.
  • Essential oils made by using lemon grass are an ideal tonic for strengthening and improving the functionality of the nervous system. It aids in treating several disorders of the nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, convulsions, nervousness, vertigo, shaking limbs etc.
  • Lemon grass is also believed to improve skin quality by reducing acnes and pimples. It also acts as a muscle and tissue toner.
  • Lemon grass is effective in reducing blood pressure. Boil some lemon grass leaves in water and drink the liquid after it cools down.
  • The leaves and tender roots of lemon grass are used to flavor a variety of fish and poultry dishes. Its long, thin, grey-green leaves are tough and highly fibrous, which also helps in easing out the bowel movements.
  • Lemon grass is used as a remedy to treat ague, fevers, and colds in the Caribbean, where it is reputed as Fever Grass. 

 

Nutritional & Health Benefits Of Eating Lemongrass

Antibacterial : Lemongrass is known to have antimicrobial properties that help to avert all kind of viral, fungal and bacterial infections, thus offering a strong resistance against both internal and external microbes. It tenders protection against all kind of microbial infections in urinary tracts, respiratory tracts, colon, stomach and wounds. What more, it is used to treat skin diseases and works fine against ailments like malaria, typhoid, food-poisoning etc. Lemongrass also consists of antipyretic property that helps to bring down high fever.

Detoxifies: Lemongrass helps the body to detoxify by increasing the regularity and extent of urination. It assists the body to get rid of unwanted toxic substances and uric acid and helps the liver, digestive tract, kidney, pancreas, bladder and so on to stay clean and healthy. This effective diuretic helps to cleanse the system and helps in weight loss too. If mixed and consumed with pepper, lemongrass can offer relief from menstrual troubles and nausea too.

Digestion: Lemongrass helps in digestion and works best against flatulence and gastroenteritis. Lemongrass is known to relax the abdominal region of the body and allows the air trapped inside to move down easily, thereby reducing the affect of belching and stomach pain.

Blood Pressure: Since lemongrass is best known for its detoxifying properties, it aids the body to get rid of cholesterol, harmful toxins, uric acid and fats. It boosts blood circulation and eases all problem of the blood pressure. Drinking a glass of lemongrass juice can bring down your blood pressure considerably.

Nervous System: Lemongrass oil provides a soothing effect to the agitated nerves and offers relief against several neuro disorders. Essential oils obtained from lemongrass help to boost the nervous system and work against nervous disorders like vertigo, nervousness, convulsions, shaking limbs, Parkinson’s diseases. Alzheimer’s disease and other nerve related issues. Lemongrass is known for its calming effect and is hence used to treat insomnia and stress too.

Painkillers: Lemongrass is known to be a great analgesic that helps to offer relief against all kinds of inflammation and irritability related to pains and aches. If you have toothache, muscle ache, joint pain or any other pain, just remember to munch on lemongrass for instant relief from pain.

Source: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/lemongrass.html

Selection and storage

  • Fresh lemongrass stalks and leaf buds are available around the year. In general, fresh leaves are harvested for use in cooking from the backyard garden. If you have to purchase from the herb stores, choose fresh lemongrass leaves and stem featuring fresh and lemon-like flavor with a hint of rose fragrance. Look carefully and avoid yellow discolor and spotted leaves.
  • Once at home, wash stems in clean cold water. Air-dry. Separate its leaves from the stem. Place lemongrass stems in zip pouch, and keep it separately inside the refrigerator since the herb tends to spread its flavor to other foods. This way, it stays fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
  • The stems can also be frozen and keep well in this condition for several months.
  • Dry and ground lemongrass powder (sereh powder) can be also available in the markets. Buy from organically grown and authentic vending sources. Dried herb should be kept in an airtight container and placed in a cool, dark and dry place where it will keep fresh for several months.

Culinary uses
Lemongrass features in many East Asian cuisines. Fresh chopped stems and leaf buds as well as dried or ground herb parts used in cooking.

The herb imparts distinctive lemon flavor when cut or crushed due to release of essential oil citral. Before eating discard tough stems and fibers as they are un-chewable.

 

  • Here are some serving tips: It is widely used in soups, stir-fries, marinades, curries, etc.
  • Lemongrass tea is a very refreshing beverage.
  • Its fine buds and stems used as a garnish in salads.
  • Ground dried lemon grass powder (sereh powder) used in place of stems in marinades in Indonesian islands.
  • This herb is also as flavoring base in pickles.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
The information given here is for educational purposes only. It is meant to be used as a guide towards health and does not replace the evaluation by and advice of a qualified licensed health care professional. For detailed interpretation of your health and specific conditions, consult with your physician.

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