Why Bergamot?

What is Bergamot?

Bergamot – Citrus Bergamia Risso – is a citrus fruit that looks like an orange but has the brilliant yellow colouring of a lemon. It has a tart citrus taste, slightly
reminiscent of a grapefruit. Nobody really knows how this genetic mutation has come about, but it’s suspected to be a hybrid of Citrus Limetta (sweet lime) and Citrus x aurantium (bitter orange).

Medical Benefits

Bergamot juice is high in polyphenols, a natural compound best known for its antioxidant effects.

Polyphenols can help to protect against cardiovascular disease, bone loss, diabetes, and other degenerative disorders.

It has been shown that bergamot juice contains exceptionally large amounts of several unique polyphenols. And, when you drink the juice, this helps reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, raising protective HDL cholesterol.

Statin medicines are known to cause a variety of negative side effects: anything from headaches and nausea to drug interactions that may be cause further health risks. Statins slow the enzyme that causes cholesterol production and they help clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Statins also help slow the formation of plaque, which can cause blockage or arteries and reduce blood flow to extremities. When blood flow to the heart is blocked and reduced, the risk of heart disease and heart attack are greatly increased. Research shows that Bergamot juice contains the same cholesterol reducing properties as prescription medicines, making Bergamot juice a good, natural option for cholesterol management.

Bergamot lowers cholesterol, without depleting CoQ10. Reducing cholesterol is only possible by blocking an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the liver and in the synthesis of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) a crucial antioxidant. Two polyphenols abundant in Bergamot, bruteridine and melitidine, also target this same pathway, without the side effects of statin medications, so CoQ10 synthesis is not affected.

Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot is the most delicate of the citrus plants, requiring special climate and soil in order to thrive. Italians have used Bergamot for years to reduce feelings of stress – also to soothe and rejuvenate skin.

Bergamot is unique among citrus oils due to its ability to be both uplifting and calming, making it ideal to help with anxious and sad feelings. It is also purifying and cleansing for the skin while having a calming effect.

Cold-pressing the peel of the Bergamot produces a valuable essential oil commonly used in the perfume and sweets industries – also for centuries in traditional Italian medicine.

Bergamot essentials oils primary benefits are:

• Calming and soothing aroma.

• Promotes healthy, clear skin.

• Frequently used in massage therapy for its calming benefits.