From the character proud, strong, bitter, as a good Calabrian, the bergamot is a long time citrus fruit used in various ways.
The precious is extracted essential oil, or the wedges, in small pieces, they give flavor in our summer salads.
Il juice, then, it is used in various ways, first of all to give a "touch" of bitterness to the juices of other fruits.
There are many beneficial properties he uses of bergamot juice. Let's explore them together.
Bergamot juice: properties
There are now several scientific studies that confirm what the tradition had already intuited: bergamot has several beneficial properties and contains many substances with proven health effects on the human body. Here are the main ones.
Anticolesterol. In 2009, the Journal of Natural Products published scientific research demonstrating how i flavonoids contained in bergamot have an action very similar to that of synthetic statins, or block the enzymes of cholesterol synthesis.
Other studies carried out on patients with high cholesterol show how the use of bergamot juice also contributes to reduce LDL levels, "bad" cholesterol, and ad raise HDL levels, "good" cholesterol.
Hypoglycemic. La Naringenina, polyphenol contained in bergamot juice, in addition to the "anti-cholesterol" activity just seen, increases theassimilation of glucose in the muscles and liver, therefore it helps to decrease blood glucose levels and improve the activity ofinsulin.
Anti free radicals. The antioxidant properties of bergamot juice are due to the flavonoids contained in it, which increase the activity of enzymes with antioxidant action, limit the production of free radicals on the walls of blood vessels and counteract inflammatory mechanisms.
Vitaminizing. Given the high content in vitamin C, B1, B2, that improve the absorption of iron, bergamot juice is useful in supporting therapies for anemia.
Stimulant for the appetite, anti intestinal parasites. These properties are to be attributed to the high concentrations of citric acid.
Bergamot: how to use it in the kitchen?
Bergamot juice: uses
The uses of bergamot juice are well known in gastronomy:
- Bergamot juice is used to flavor tea (thanks to the particular aftertaste of Earl Gray tea)
- To make agreat vinaigrette, together with oil, salt and balsamic vinegar, with which to dress salads
- To flavor risotto and fish dishes
- Added to ice and (a little) sugar, it's great for making a fresh and thirst-quenching granita
To take advantage of the beneficial properties on the body, it is recommended to take 10-20 m of bergamot juice diluted in a little water about 20 minutes before meals.
If you are taking medications or are suffering from ongoing acute illnesses, it is always better seek medical advice before you start taking it.
Bergamot: an interesting herbal medicine
To learn more:
> Bergamot, how it's eaten
> Calabrian bergamot, properties and benefits
> Bergamot, origins, properties, cultivation
