Lemon Grass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon, is a genus containing about 55 species of grasses. Common names for lemon grass include lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, citronella grass, fever grass or Hierba Luisa. The nutritious herb is native to India, where it is used to flavor a variety of cuisines. Commonly, lemon grass is used in tea, soups and curries. It is remarkably adaptable with food and is known to be highly nutritious, containing good quantities of several vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. The article dwells at length on the health and nutrition benefits of lemon grass. Read on to know its complete nutritional profile.
Nutritional Value Of Lemon Grass
Amount of Lemon Grass: 67 g
Nutrients
|
Amount
|
Calories
|
|
Total Calories
|
66
|
Calories From Carbohydrate
|
60.6
|
Calories From Fat
|
2.7
|
Calories From Protein
|
3
|
Fats & Fatty Acids
|
|
Total Fat
|
0.3 gm
|
Saturated Fat
|
0.1 gm
|
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids
|
20.8 mg
|
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids
|
92.4 mg
|
Protein
|
1 gm
|
Total Carbohydrates
|
17 g
|
Vitamins
|
|
Vitamin C
|
1.7 mg
|
Vitamin A IU
|
4.0 IU
|
Riboflavin
|
0.1 mg
|
Niacin
|
0.7 mg
|
Vitamin B6
|
0.1 mg
|
Folate
|
50.2 mcg
|
Minerals
|
|
Manganese
|
3.5 mg
|
Selenium
|
0.5 mcg
|
Copper
|
0.2 mg
|
Calcium
|
43.6 mg
|
Iron
|
5.5 mg
|
Magnesium
|
40. 2 mg
|
Phosphorus
|
67.7 mg
|
Potassium
|
484 mg
|
Nutritional and Health Benefits of Eating Lemongrass
- 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.