Everything you need to know about the health benefits you get from Bergamot.
My name is Roger, and I live on the eastern coast of Calabria, in a small place called Palizzi Marina.
I wrote this article about Bergamot in Norwegian in 2023, and now I have translated it into English so hopefully a wider audience of people can get to know this extraordinary citrus fruit.
If you would like updates when we publish new travel guides and local stories, you are welcome to follow along.
Register hereIn this short article, we will dive into:
1: This is what Bergamot contains
2: Five health benefits of Bergamot
1: This is what Bergamot contains
Bergamot contains water, natural sugars, fibre, vitamin C, flavonoids, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium.
Research has shown that the fruit may offer several potential health benefits.
Bergamot fruit or oil contains flavonoids, such as neoeriocitrin, naringin, neohesperidin, melitidin, brutieridin, and bergamottin.
2: Five health benefits of Bergamot
Compounds such as Brutieridin and Bergamottin are believed to contribute to these effects.
Brutieridin is a flavanone glycoside. Brutieridin was discovered in bergamot orange juice and exhibits statin-like properties in preclinical research as well as an anticholesterolaemic effect
Source: Wikipedia
Antioxidants and flavonoids
Bergamot is rich in flavonoids such as neoeriocitrin, naringin, and neohesperidin. These compounds act as antioxidants, helping the body neutralise free radicals that may contribute to ageing and disease.
Cholesterol regulation
Some studies suggest that bergamot extract may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels while supporting higher HDL cholesterol — often referred to as the “good” cholesterol.
Blood sugar control
Research also indicates that bergamot may support better blood sugar regulation and improve insulin sensitivity, making it interesting for people dealing with insulin resistance or diabetes.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Certain compounds found in bergamot, including bergapten and bergamottin, appear to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation linked to chronic disease.
Weight management
Some studies have explored whether bergamot may influence metabolism and appetite regulation, although more research is still needed.
Read also:
Bergamot in Calabria – History, food and perfume (main article)