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Smells like lemon but doesn’t taste sour—this is perhaps the best way to describe the amazing ingredient that is lemongrass. Scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus, lemongrass is technically an herb that is celebrated across the world for its distinct lemony aroma and flavour. Grown and used across Asia, lemongrass is a very familiar ingredient for those who love Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines—or those who love herbal teas and aromatherapy. But did you know that lemongrass is also grown and used in India?
In India, lemongrass is widely cultivated across many parts of India. Sometimes referred to as Malabar or Cochin grass, lemongrass is native to the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and even parts of Northeast India. If this comes as a surprise to you, here is something else that will add to it: lemongrass has medicinal and therapeutic properties and can benefit your health. Even more than that, lemongrass, when used right, can also help those on a weight loss diet.
Wondering how adding lemongrass to your diet can help with weight loss? Here are eight incredible health benefits of making lemongrass a part of your weight loss diet.
Video Credit: YouTube/Cook With Sarabjit
Metabolism Boost
Loaded with a compound called citral, lemongrass is known in Indian as well as Chinese traditional medicine systems to have potential metabolism boosting effects. Scientifically speaking, citral speeds up the process of thermogenesis, through which the body generates heat and burns calories. If your ability to burn more calories increases, this is an obvious benefit for weight loss.
Detoxification
Did you know that lemongrass is often recognized for its diuretic properties? What diuretics do is to increase urine production in the body, which in turn can promote the elimination of excess fluids and toxins from the body. This can come in handy for those on a weight loss diet as it helps manage water retention and bloating.
Appetite Control
Increasing satiation and suppressing cravings is a key dietary element for those on a weight loss diet, and lemongrass can certainly help with this. Studies suggest that lemongrass has the potential to reduce and regulate appetite and its aroma and flavour can boost the production of happy hormones that improve satiety too.
Blood Sugar Regulation
For many, going on a weight loss diet—especially one which focuses on calorie deficits—can lead to blood sugar fluctuations. So, maintaining stable blood sugar levels and avoiding metabolic syndrome or diabetes is vital here. Lemongrass can potentially help with this because it improves insulin sensitivity and helps with efficient blood sugar control.
Digestive Health
A healthy digestion is vital when you are on a weight loss diet, especially because it helps with nutrient absorption and overall health. Loaded with antioxidant compounds, lemongrass certainly aids digestion. From reducing bloating to improving bowel movements, and even soothing the tummy during a stomach upset, lemongrass can do it all.
Stress Reduction
What does stress have to do with weight loss? Well, ask an emotional eater that question and you’ll know the answer best. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on hunger, satiety and even the metabolism rate of the body, none of which is beneficial for weight loss. Lemongrass is packed with aromatic and antioxidant compiunds which may have calming effects, reduce stress, improve mood and thereby indirectly help with weight loss.
Antioxidant Properties
As mentioned before, lemongrass is loaded with antioxidants, especially flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Some studies show that these compounds can not only help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, but also improve cell repair and boost metabolism. So, the overall health benefit of adding lemongrass to your weight loss diet are many.
Hydration
Water and hydration are essential for overall wellbeing, and especially important for weight loss. And yet, drinking plain old water can be very boring, while loading up on smoothies and juices can lead to sugar spikes. This is where the aroma and flavour of lemongrass can come in handy. Infusing lemongrass in water and teas can help you stay hydrated and refreshed while on a weight loss diet.
