Health Benefits of Bergamot: Bergamot, a citrus fruit native to southern Italy, offers a range of potential health benefits due to its rich antioxidant content and bioactive compounds. Although the fruit is too sour to eat, its oils and juices are used in various forms, including tea, supplements, extracts, and essential oils.
Bergamot is known for its distinctive taste, which is described as bitter and sour. Its scent is similar to oranges. The fruit, scientifically classified as Citrus bergamia, is about the size of an orange and features a green or yellow peel.
While many purported health benefits of bergamot, such as anxiety reduction, insomnia management, and weight loss, lack substantial scientific evidence, the fruit is rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that may support health in various ways.
5 Health Benefits of Bergamot
Following are some of the impressive health benefits of bergamot.
1. Reduces Cholesterol: Bergamot, a citrus fruit similar to an orange, has been gaining attention for its potential health benefits, including reducing cholesterol levels. Studies suggest that bergamot may help lower 'bad cholesterol' (LDL) and raise 'good cholesterol' (HDL), potentially improving cardiovascular health. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, making maintaining healthy cholesterol levels crucial for overall health. Bergamot's potential to positively impact cholesterol levels is therefore a significant finding. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of bergamot on cholesterol, the current findings are promising. The study results suggest that bergamot may be a beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle aimed at maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure: Bergamot, a citrus fruit similar to a grapefruit, may have blood sugar-lowering effects, according to some studies. One study found that bergamot extract significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels in people with metabolic syndrome, while another study observed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels in participants taking 500–1,000 milligrams (mg) of bergamot extract daily for 30 days. These potential effects are attributed to bergamot's polyphenols, a class of antioxidants known to improve insulin resistance, facilitating the movement of glucose from the blood into cells. However, due to the limited human studies available, further research is necessary to substantiate these findings.
3. Decreases Inflammation: Some studies have highlighted the potential of bergamot juice to aid in managing chronic inflammatory diseases due to its rich antioxidant content. Research suggests that the flavonoids present in bergamot can reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, known to trigger inflammation in the body. Furthermore, bergamot byproducts, such as juice, are also being studied for their anti-inflammatory properties. These byproducts retain a high concentration of bioactive compounds and antioxidants, suggesting potential benefits in alleviating chronic inflammation associated with conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
4. Relieves Depression: Aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils to improve health and well-being, has gained increasing attention in recent years. While many studies have explored the potential benefits of various essential oils, one particular blend has shown promise in alleviating depression symptoms. This blend, which includes bergamot, may offer relief for older adults, individuals with terminal cancer, and women at high risk of postpartum depression. While these studies provide encouraging preliminary evidence, it's important to note that further research is needed to establish the full extent of the blend's effectiveness.
5. Boosts Heart Health: Bergamot tea may improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure, according to a study. The tea, made from the bergamot orange, contains flavanones, which may inhibit enzymes that produce cholesterol in the body. A study of 80 people with high cholesterol found that consuming bergamot extract daily for six months significantly reduced blood levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol compared to baseline values. While these results suggest that drinking bergamot tea may benefit heart health, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
(Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated by AI and published after the content was editorially modified and verified by a human based on their own judgement and expertise. The Quint does not publish AI-generated content without direct human involvement and oversight).