Can Lemon Verbena help us in Slimming?

21/06/2019
tea

It is a fact that the right way of slimming is due to a healthy diet and regular exercise! But we often wonder if herbs can help us in this effort. The herb lemon verbena is one of the most common, as there are many who consider it a good ally in the “slimming” process!

Lemon Verbena: The herb!

Lemon Verbena or else Aloysia citrodora, is a herb that grows in warm climates such as South America, where it comes from. Today, it’s widespread in many countries, since its leaves are used to make a lemon flavoured tea you can drink  at any time!

Lemon Verbena: Health Benefits

Apart from its pleasant aroma, lemon verbena has much to offer. Famous for its relaxing properties, it is often used for digestive problems such as dyspepsia, bloating and constipation (1).

As far as obesity is concerned, there is little research at present, but it seems that polyphenols (antioxidants) contained in lemon verbena contribute to improving the metabolic disorders caused by obesity. An animal 2015 survey showed that lemon verbena extract helped reduce the accumulation of triglycerides and oxidative stress. There was also a significant improvement in fat metabolism (2).

Another study of overweight volunteers published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine showed that consumption of 500 mg of a supplement containing lemon verbena and hibiscus increased the feeling of satiety and fullness while also reducing hunger and the likelihood of eating compared to those who took a placebo for a month. The difference was greater after 45 days and after two months. In addition, there was an improvement in anthropometric parameters, blood pressure and heart rate (3).

Still, this herb can help us with fluid retention, thanks to its diuretic properties. For this reason, it is often used in menopause slimming!

Lemon verbena: How much to drink?

Generally, when it comes to lemon verbena beverage, we can safely drink 2-3 cups a day. In the case of lemon verbena extract combined with other substances such as apple cider vinegar, green tea, dandelion etc. it is advisable to follow the instructions of the package as the dose may vary depending on the concentration of the herb.

Lemon Verbena: Side effects

For most people, lemon verbena consumption is safe. However, it is advisable for those with kidney problems to avoid it, as it can cause irritation and aggravate an existing condition in the area. Also, caution is needed if someone has hypotension.

In addition, there is no information if it is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is advisable to avoid it. Sometimes is also possible to experience skin irritation and in this case stop using it.

So we can have lemon verbena in our diet, always consuming in moderation and enjoy its wonderful, relaxing aroma!

Find in Vita4you.gr a great variety in products for slimming!

 

Sources

1.https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-632/lemon-verbena

2.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711315000811

3.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584917305142

 

Pelagia Damianou

Bsc, Nutritionist - Dietician specializing in Clinical Nutrition, in Food Disorders in Children and Adolescents and in Nutritional Supplements. Certified Consultant of Vichy and La Roche Posay.

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Disclaimer

The content of this blogspot is not and can not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All information is provided to readers solely for informational purposes. There is no intention to substitute this content for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment.

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