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Try this powerful dietary[/caption]
There are some things that one may have in abundance and as a result of it, one may take such abundance for granted and not make good use of it. One of such things is Lemon Grass which can be found everywhere in Nigeria. Despite that Lemon Grass is everywhere, many don’t know the benefits that can be derived from it, that is why I want to let you know untapped benefits in this wonderful plant called Lemon Grass:
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This Wonderful product[/caption]
For a common plant taken for granted, the health benefits of Lemon grass are amazing. The list are:
- It fights cancers. There are many chemical substances in Lemon grass which help it to do this. The most well reported is CITRAL. At the BEN GURION UNIVERSITY in Israel, researchers found that Citral induced apoptosis (suicide) in cancer cells. So, to help cancer patients in Israel undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, they are encouraged to drink fresh lemon grass tea. Other studies suggest that Citral slows growth of breast cancer cells.
2. Fights depression. Many cases of depression are linked to nutritional deficiencies, which Lemon grass is said to prevent. Some of the nutrient deficiencies often listed as possible causes of depression are Magnesium, Vitamin D, Zinc, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B6 and Iron, among others. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Data Base, composition and required daily allowances (RDA) in hunderd grams of lemon grass, carbohydrates account for 25.31 gramme (g) or 19%; protein 1.82g (3%); Total fat 0.49g (2%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%); folate 75ug (19%); pyridoxine I.e Vitamin B6 0.080mg (6%); Riboflavin vit B2 0.135mg (10.5%); Thiamine Vit B1 0.065mg (5.5%); Vitamin A 6mg; Vitamin C 2.6mg (4%); Sodium 6mg; Potassium 733mg (15%); Calcium (6.5%); Copper 0.266mg (29%); Iron 8.17mg (102%); Magnesium 60mg (15%); Selenium 0.7ug (1%); Zinc 2.23mg (20%).
Without much ado, it is obvious from the foregoing that, as a good source of iron, lemon grass can boost haemoglobin count of the blood, perhaps better than most inorganic blood tonics and provide potassium for resolving primary hypertension, among its many benefits. In conditions of depression, some of these nutrients support the production of Serotonin and Dopamine which, in various ways, help to balance and calm the brain and the mind. What a waste we make of fertile arable land in Nigeria by not cultivating Lemon grass on it.[caption id="attachment_255" align="alignnone" width="300"]
The amazing thing this powerful antioxidant can do for you[/caption]Unfortunately, Nigerian methods of extracting these nutrients by boiling lemon grass leaves, sometimes over many days, destroy many of these nutrients. Happily, today however, Factory-finished Lemon grass powder and even essential oil extracts are available on the health store shelf.
Helps digestion. With antiseptic compounds which kill bacteria and parasites, such as Staphylococus aureus and E.coli, lemon grass supports the digestive process, kills bad bacteria, repopulates friendly bacteria, removes bloating, indigestion, flatulence, stomach and intestinal spasms, cramps and vomitting, among other ailments.- Helps cholesterol balance. In 1989, researchers at the University of Wisconsin in the United States found that 140mg of Lemon grass oil taken everyday reduced high cholesterol levels in many subjects. It also crashed other blood fats. High blood pressure yielded as well to the high potassium content of lemon grass, according to the study.
- It is a detoxifier. Diuretic action of Lemon grass improves frequency and quality of urination, thereby cleaning out the kidneys, liver, pancreas and bladder and ridding the body of uric acid.
- Treats arthritis. Being anti-inflammatory, joint troubles and pain such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, osteoarthritis may yield to Lemon grass which has been found to neutralise cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme implicated in inflammatory conditions, particularly in joints.
- Promotes sleep. Lemon grass helps to correct insomnia by calming spasmodic nerves and muscles, thereby increasing the duration and depth of sleep.
- Helps colds, flu, bronchial asthma et.c. In Asia, Lemon grass is widely used to treat cold and cough and other respiratory conditions, including bronchial asthma. Anti bacterial and anti-fungal properties in Lemon grass recommend it to people challenged with fever, cough and other symptoms of cold and flu. Muscle and joint pains may be relieved with massage of Lemon grass essential oil born on a carrier oil such as olive oil to reduce its concentration. Either as tea extract, oil or powder added to drinks or meals, Lemon grass can help to break mucus and phlegm associated with bronchitis or bronchial asthma.
- Helps other conditions. Space and time do not permit mention of all the activities of Lemon grass. I would nevertheless like to mention that some studies find it useful in Type-2 diabetes, and that it boosts immunity, stimulates metabolism, prevents inflammation, supports free radicals destruction and DNA synthesis. These and more, are why I often recommend the oil or the powder products for many ailments.
