• 19 Potential Health Benefits of Lemongrass and Pandan Leaves

    19 Potential Health Benefits of Lemongrass and Pandan Leaves

    Lemongrass and pandan leaves are well-known plants with numerous health benefits, commonly used in culinary practices worldwide. Whether you are familiar with cooking or not, you might have heard about these plants and their widespread use in various dishes. Let’s delve into the health benefits of these two remarkable plants.

    Lemongrass

    Lemongrass belongs to the grass family and is native to tropical regions like Australia, Asia, and Africa. Its genus, Cymbopogon, includes various species, with Cymbopogon schoenanthus being one of them. In India, lemongrass is traditionally used as a medicinal herb, while in other parts of Asia, it is more commonly known as a culinary herb. However, beyond its culinary uses, lemongrass offers numerous health benefits, much like barley grass, wheatgrass, and alfalfa.

    Nutritional Content of Lemongrass (per 34g serving):

    • Calories: 35
    • Potassium: 240mg
    • Carbohydrates: 8g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Calcium: 20mg
    • Iron: 1.2mg

    Health Benefits of Lemongrass:

    1. Prevents Gastritis: Lemongrass tea can alleviate gastritis by relaxing the stomach and reducing nausea.
    2. Reduces High Blood Pressure: The potassium in lemongrass promotes diuresis and improves blood circulation, helping to manage blood pressure.
    3. Lowers Bad Cholesterol: Lemongrass reduces LDL cholesterol levels, aiding in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
    4. Detoxification: Lemongrass acts as a natural detoxifier, helping the body eliminate toxins.
    5. Antiseptic Properties: Lemongrass protects the stomach from viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms.
    6. Treats Anemia: The iron content in lemongrass helps treat anemia naturally.
    7. Alleviates Menstrual Pain: Lemongrass is known to reduce menstrual pain and nausea.
    8. Relieves Respiratory Issues: The essential oils in lemongrass provide a soothing effect on the respiratory tract.
    9. Prevents Cancer: Citral in lemongrass has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
    10. Manages Diabetes: Lemongrass promotes a healthy pancreas, which in turn helps regulate blood sugar levels.
    11. Treats Digestive Disorders: Lemongrass juice or tea can relieve various digestive issues, including stomachaches and gas.
    12. Promotes Healthy Skin: Lemongrass is commonly used in cosmetics for treating acne and refreshing the skin.

    Pandan Leaves

    Pandan leaves, known for their sweet aroma, come from the Pandanus genus, specifically Pandanus amaryllifolius. They are widely used in Asia, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, as a flavoring agent in cooking. Although pandan leaves are primarily used for their fragrance, they also offer significant health benefits.

    Nutritional Content of Pandan Leaves (per 20g serving):

    • Calories: 59
    • Total Fat: 1g
    • Sodium: 19mg
    • Carbohydrates: 12g
    • Sugar: 10g

    Health Benefits of Pandan Leaves:

    1. Reduces Fever: Traditionally, pandan leaf extract is used to lower fever.
    2. Relieves Flatulence and Indigestion: Pandan leaf extract is effective in treating digestive issues such as flatulence.
    3. Cardio-tonic Use: Pandan leaves can be boiled and consumed as a cardio-tonic.

    Additional Health Benefits of Lemongrass and Pandan Leaves:

    • Treats dandruff
    • Relieves stomach cramps
    • Restores appetite
    • Neutralizes toxins and poisons

    These plants, provided by nature, offer various health benefits that we can choose to utilize. Staying informed about such natural remedies can contribute to a healthier and happier life.