Bergamot - What Should You Know About It?
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a fruit that can safely be called a treasure trove of beneficial compounds with a considerable impact on the body. Good extracts or oils can be successfully used to improve health and for preventive purposes. And anyway, see for yourself what it has to offer!
What is bergamot?
Bergamot, from a botanical point of view, is a cross between a lemon and a bitter orange. It is no surprise that it is called the “bergamot orange” (Citrus bergamia). Many sources state that its original region is Asia (India), while some of the first cultivation was recorded as early as 1750 in Italy. It is said that Columbus, docking in Italy, left there a fruit that was then hailed with the lofty name “the jewel of Calabria,” where it began to be cultivated with great enthusiasm. Currently, a significant share of global cultivation comes from Calabria, that is, the Italian region of Reggio Calabria. Bergamot fruits are harvested seasonally – the best period is from November to March. In medicinal products and in the cosmetics industry, not only the fruit and leaves are used, but also the peel rich in compounds with health-promoting, medicinal and disinfecting properties. We can also benefit from many other properties…
Check out 7Nutrition Citrus Bergamot
Bergamot and cholesterol
Its effect on cholesterol is undoubtedly one of the more interesting uses of bergamot. This is all the more so because a significant number of people living in highly developed countries have quite a problem with its level. While simply lowering cholesterol would not be all that spectacular, scientific studies (published, for example, in the International Journal of Cardiology) confirmed that the use of the extract in study participants resulted in an increase in HDL with a simultaneous decrease in LDL and triglycerides. Administration of Citrus bergamia may therefore affect the overall cholesterol level, as well as improve the ratio between the cholesterol fractions. There is also its beneficial effect on our lipid profile.
Bergamot supports the cardiovascular / circulatory system
Many people fear, for example, atherosclerosis and limit fats and products containing cholesterol. In truth, these are two different issues... Of course, keeping triglyceride levels in check is helpful in this context. Nevertheless, it largely concerns excessive carbohydrate intake over a long period of time, problems with glycation, and overactivity of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Proper supplementation with bergamot may to some extent protect against an increase in the oxidation threshold (this also applies to LDL), and also help with glycation problems. In addition, a positive effect on the lipid profile, anti-inflammatory action and the ability to lower glucose levels reduce the risk of atherosclerotic changes. The risk of dangerous narrowing of blood vessels is also reduced, and thus blood flow in those vessels improves.
Bergamot for digestion and the digestive system?
There is no one who has not experienced digestive / gastrointestinal problems. It is therefore worth knowing that bergamot fruits and peel were successfully used in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive problems, due to their ability to stimulate enzymes. The oil from the fruit stimulated the secretion of gastric juices, and also supported improved metabolism and the absorption of nutrients from food. Moreover, it has an antiseptic effect, so it may alleviate symptoms and improve the condition of the system when we are, for example, dealing with food poisoning.
Bergamot fights bacteria, relieves colds and disinfects
It is worth knowing that bergamot has antibacterial and antifungal effects, which have been documented by research. It owes this mainly to the presence of linalool, thanks to which it can fight some problematic bacteria, e.g. Escherichia coli. This same ingredient determined the usefulness of Citrus bergamia essential oil in wound disinfection. In addition, the extract, rich in saponins, phenolic acids and flavonoids, has a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Bergamot oil was also valued for its antipyretic properties (linalool), much appreciated during colds.
Bergamot and nervous tension and fatigue
We know that prolonged nervous tension and fatigue, both physical and mental, have a negative impact on the entire body. All the more so because these are interrelated. If we feel mentally tired, we are reluctant to undertake physical activity, and vice versa. It is said that bergamot relieves nervous tension, helps you relax and alleviates the effects of stress. In addition, it has a slightly stimulating effect and speeds up circulation, making fatigue less noticeable. The linalool mentioned earlier has analgesic (and anti-inflammatory) properties, which may be helpful if these conditions are accompanied by, for example, headaches or muscle pain.
In summary: What beneficial properties are attributed to bergamot?
- antifungal,
- antibacterial,
- anti-inflammatory,
- antiarrhythmic,
- vasodilatory,
- antipyretic,
- slightly stimulating,
- anxiolytic and calming,
- antiseptic (external use),
- improving the lipid profile,
- positive effect on cholesterol,
- lowering glucose levels,
- neuroprotective,
- relieving fatigue.
