Bergamot Orange Benefits
The Bergamot is a surprisingly nutritious citrus
fruit that has a fresh scent and a very useful essential oil which is taken
from the peel. Bergamot supplements are taken for several reasons including
lowering cholesterol levels, blood sugar, reducing middle obesity and arterial
stiffness.
Habitat
Native to South Asia, the bergamot orange or
Citrus bergamia was exported to Italy
where it flourished and now the fruit is harvested for medicinal and commercial
purposes. The fruit is the size of an orange but yellow in color. The juice is
very sour and bitter, so it would be very hard to drink enough to get the
benefits that can be gotten in the extract supplement.
Lowers Cholesterol
Studies showed that bergamot lowered the total
cholesterol levels in participants as well as the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
levels, which is a major factor for heart disease. It also raised the
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) which is good and has protective benefits.
It is considered that bergamot works by blocking
the production of cholesterol in the liver. Without cholesterol, the liver may
be forced to find cholesterol that is stored in the bloodstream. Bergamot has
compounds that are similar to commercial chemicals that are given to lower
cholesterol.
Bergamot contains very large amounts of
polyphenols. Brutelidin and Metilidin are two that directly inhibit the
biosynthesis of cholesterol. Triglyceride levels were also lowered in the
participants of these studies.
Other uses for bergamot are
• Along with ultra-violet (UV) light treatment
for a fungal infection tumor under the skin
• Preventative for lice and other parasites
• Treatment along with UV light for psoriasis
Bergamot is used in skin care products such as
creams, soaps, perfumes, lotions and suntan oils. It is used for psoriasis as
well as an antiseptic against infections and to reduce inflammation. It is also
used to treat Mycosis Fungoides, a rare type of skin cancer. It increases the
skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so it must not be used along with other
medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight. It could cause severe
sunburn and rashes and blisters. For anyone using bergamot, it is necessary to
wear protective clothing and sunblock if there will be time spent in direct
sunlight.
Bergamot Essential Oil
The essential oil used in aromatherapy is
energizing and uplifting. It is used to reduce stress and calm as well as treat
depression. For this purpose, it can be used as incense, or added to an
essential oil diffuser. Its fragrance is very fresh and sweet and slightly
fruity. It restores the appetite if the loss of appetite is due to depression.
Inhaling the fragrance of the oil has been seen to reduce anxiety in people who
are having radiation treatment for cancer. The principal constituents of
bergamot orange oil are-
• Linalol for the fragrant scent • Linalyl
acetate for the pleasant odor • Sesquiterpenes for antibacterial, antiseptic or
anti-inflammatory properties and for its calming effect • Terpenes shape the
properties of the pleasant odor and taste • Furocoumarins used as treatment for
pigment loss in skin • Bergapten for the treatment of pigment loss in skin •
Alkanes for lubrication • Alcohols
A small amount can also be added to bath water,
but if it is too concentrated, it can be harsh on the skin.
Dosage
There are no guidelines for the dosage of
bergamot orange for high cholesterol, but usually two to four 500 milligrams of
extract in capsules is taken on an empty stomach once or twice a day for a
month. After that, one capsule per day is taken to maintain the bergamot in the
blood. The dosage for using the essential oil depends on the user’s health, age
and other conditions, and the recommendations on the label should be followed.
Bergamot oil and zest is used in very small
amounts as a flavoring in food, and this is safe for most people. It is used as
a citrus flavoring element in gelatins and puddings.
No comments:
Post a Comment