Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a yellow-green citrus fruit that grows on the coast of southern Italy.
The following article covers the benefits of bergamot, its nutrition, and other considerations.
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What Is Bergamot?
Mario Krpan / Getty Images
Bergamot has traditionally been used to flavor food and to make scented deodorants and perfumes.
Notable components (parts) of bergamot include the following:
What Does Bergamot Smell Like?
How Do You Use Bergamot?
Discuss bergamot with a healthcare provider before using it to optimize safety.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Here’s what it’s crucial that you know about bergamot’s benefits.
Remember that more large-scale clinical trials are still needed because most studies have used small sample sizes.
Recent clinical trials have studied the effects of bergamot essential oil, mostly in females.
But so far, there’s only limited evidence to recommend bergamot aromatherapy for eitheranxietyordepression.
More large-scale studies are needed to determine bergamot’s effects on mental health.
And since most of the existing research comes from females, clinical trials in males are also needed.
It causes drowsiness by activating theparasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax.
These results also come from a small study of 42 adults.
Is Bergamot Safe for Me?
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Summary
Bergamot is a citrus fruit native to Italy used in food flavoring and cosmetics.
It has also been studied for various health conditions.
Bergamot has lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels and enhanced the effects of prescription statin drugs.
In addition, limited research suggests bergamot may have benefits for anxiety, depression, and sleep.
Since the existing trials are small, more large-scale clinical trials are needed to verify bergamot’s effects.
Bergamot can be inhaled, taken by mouth, or applied to the skin.
Note that essential oils are associated with risks like sensitivity to sunlight.
Before adding bergamot or any other supplement, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
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