
A citrus fruit that grows only in the beautiful, picturesque landscape of coastal Southern Italy, bergamot is the origin of this versatile essential oil. With a distinctively aromatic aroma, the oil is most commonly used as a flavoring for Earl Grey tea and for scenting perfumes. It is also used to alleviate anxiety via its application in certain forms of aromatherapy.
This essential oil is really rich in polyphenols, which are famed for their powerful antioxidant properties. These polyphenols guard the body against certain diseases and conditions, some of them much more serious than others. Heart disease is probably at the top of that list, with stiff competition coming in the form of various cancers, diabetes, and even bone loss.
With these health benefits in mind, it is pertinent to explore the health benefits of bergamot essential in a little more detail. Here are 8 of those benefits for consideration.
1. Lowers Low-Density Lipoproteins in the Body
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the body can have serious health implications for people with too much of it, and that’s where bergamot comes in.
Impressively, it is just as effective in terms of reducing cholesterol as many of the leading chemically manufactured medications such as a statin. When given a choice between chemically produced and naturally extracted substances, there is a growing number of people leaning towards the latter, with essential oils like bergamot leading the charge toward a natural approach.
There are no side effects to the use of bergamot though, perhaps strengthening its position even further. Cardiovascular conditions and diabetes are two potential health problems linked to high cholesterol and so any agent, chemical or natural, is worth considering for someone in a position with higher than desirable levels.
The fact that bergamot is capable of eradicating low-density lipoproteins is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to its health benefits.