We may not even know what bergamot is, but when we get out of here we will know everything about this fruit, from its appearance, its origin, its properties and benefits, and even its contraindications. A very unknown fruit that looks like a lime on the outside and inside, although a bit peculiar.
Bergamot grows in the Calabria region of Italy. It is still very unknown among the current population and is considered a citrus fruit. It is a fruit very similar to the lime, but with a somewhat peculiar exterior since it looks like a brain. Farmers in the Calabria area say that this fruit is a mix between orange and lemon.
It is widely used in cosmetics, especially for perfumes, apart from in natural health treatments to fight stress and anxiety thanks to aromatherapy techniques. Bergamot’s scientific name is citrus bergamia and it has a sour and bitter taste , so it’s not a tasteful dish to sink your teeth into.
What is very famous about bergamot is its citric oil (it is extracted from its skin) and that is due to its many medicinal properties. For decades, by the inhabitants of the Calabria region and elsewhere in beautiful Italy, this oil has been used to rejuvenate the skin and reduce stress and anxiety.
How do you taste it?
You have to eat it just like we eat an orange, that is, we remove the peel and eat the slices one by one. Remember that it is a very acidic fruit with a bitter taste, so it is quite likely that we do not like it too much at first.
As a general rule, bergamot is often used in perfumes to enhance its aroma, as well as in aromatherapy treatments and in other circumstances where natural medicine comes into play. Among its functions, it usually helps heal wounds , so it is normal for it to appear among the ingredients of a pharmacological cosmetic.
Leaving aside that more commercial and health part, we move on to the culinary part, and it is that bergamot is used in the kitchen through teas and compotes, in fact, it is the one who gives the characteristic smell of the famous Earl tea Flock.
In confectionery, both the juice and the grated peel are also used. These ingredients are for more exotic sauces, jams and recipes. It is also often used to make citrus mousses and ice creams , since bergamot has a very refreshing touch.
It combines perfectly with dark chocolate, so it is common to see it in chocolates, chestnut cakes, different types of chocolates, and even with nuts. We must say that they are usually somewhat exclusive chocolates, and that we will not find in the supermarket next to home.
Nutritional values of bergamot
Bergamot is a very nutritious fruit, especially rich in vitamin C and citric acid. A fruit without cholesterol, which only provides 38 kilocalories for every 100 grams of product; that it does not have saturated fats; It only has 8.3 grams of carbohydrates for every 100 grams of bergamot, of which 3.8 are natural sugars; it has no fiber and 1 gram of protein. Almost 86% of the fruit is water, so it is an important source of hydration for the body.
The interesting part comes with the vitamins and minerals. Like good citrus fruit, it is very rich in vitamin C, but it also has another series of compounds that are very important in our day to day.
We have 25 mg of calcium, 1 mg of sodium, 0.3 mg of iron, 18 mg of phosphorus, and 180 mg of potassium. Regarding vitamins, we have 400 IU of vitamin A, 0.05 mg of B1, 0.2 mg of B2 and 40 mg of vitamin C.
Experts recommend not eating more than 70 or 80 grams of this fruit, and when we come to the contraindications we will understand it. Remember that it is a very acidic fruit and that is not well received by all digestive systems.
Bergamot benefits
From the beginning of the text we have been commenting on the main benefits of bergamot, and it is that this citrus fruit contributes a lot to our body, although the most common is pure bergamot oil that is used for cosmetic purposes.
Strengthens the immune system
Our immune system must always be strong to avoid infections and colds, especially if we have a medical condition that may complicate the situation. In addition, after a surgical intervention, it is advisable to have a strengthened immune system to avoid complications.
Promotes well-being
We achieve well-being in our day to day because we relieve our levels of stress and anxiety, apart from improving our depression. Its exquisite aroma helps us to feel free and to relax deeply, that is why another of its benefits is that it helps to end insomnia.
By resting properly and releasing stress and anxiety, our self-esteem increases and we feel better about ourselves. In addition, by resting better, our skin will be visibly healthier , this together with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which help all the cells of our body to free themselves from the oxidation of time and it is possible to delay certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s .
Regulates blood pressure
Bergamot extract, in edible teas, creams, or oils, helps reduce and regulate blood pressure. It does the same with bad cholesterol, it helps us release cholesterol and regulates levels.
There is even a study by Dr. Perne that indicates that Bergamot oil smeared on our skin also reduces and normalizes blood pressure.
The important thing here is to ask for professional advice if we see that our tension fluctuates throughout the week, which is quite strange and an unequivocal sign that something is not right in our body.
Good for the bones
One of the functions of bergamot is that it helps the minerals to be absorbed by the bones so that they are healthier and stronger. Remember that it is useless to take a lot of calcium, but it is accompanied by vitamin D, since this is responsible for the mineral is well absorbed and our bones are healthy and strong. Otherwise, we can suffer from osteoporosis.
Contraindications
Neither use the oil on your skin nor eat it, the contraindications of bergamot are various and closely affect various sectors, from people with stomach problems or medical conditions in the digestive system, to pregnant women and babies.
Before taking this type of strange fruit for us, it is best to consult a doctor who knows our case and our medical history.
Both the oil and the fruit itself are not suitable for pregnant women . For example, the oils can contain toxic agents for the mother and the baby, so it is best to consult it before with a specialist.
Another curiosity is that since it is a citrus fruit, it cannot be taken by those with sensitivity to sun exposure . This is because citrus fruits contain psoralens and furocoumarins, and are photoactive chemicals that increase sensitivity to the sun.
