Bergamot: everything you need to know about its properties and side effects

Bergamot is a citrus fruit similar to lemon and grapefruit. It has many beneficial properties, but also some side effects. Let’s see what they are!

Bergamot is a citrus fruit belonging to the Citrus genus and the Rutaceae family. Its name comes from Turkish and means “pear of the lord”. Its origin is unknown, but according to some botanists, it would be a subspecies of the bitter orange tree. According to others, it is a mutation of the lemon tree, while some others believe it is a species in its own right.

Bergamot plant: characteristics and diffusion

The bergamot tree is 3 to 5 meters tall, as does its foliage. Its leaves are leathery and glossy, similar to the orange tree ones, and they never fall, even in winter. Its flowers, which come out in March, after the rainy season, are white and fragrant.

Bergamot fruit: what does it look like?

Bergamot fruits are similar to oranges, slightly larger and less round, flattened to the poles. Their peel is smooth and thin, similar to that of grapefruits, but they are smaller than them. These fruits color is yellow, less intense than the lemon’s, but brighter than the grapefruit’s. Green, not-riped bergamot fruits are used for the production of candied fruit and cosmetic essential oils.

Bergamot: properties

This plant, in particular its essential oil, has many beneficial properties. The essential oil is used in herbal medicine as a wound healer and a natural anti-bacterial product, to fight skin problems such as pimples and blackheads.

The bergamot juice, according to some studies, can reduce the blood cholesterol and triglycerides levels, preventing cardiovascular system disorders. This juice also contains vitamin A, vitamin C and flavonoids. Finally, it seems that it has good anticancer properties.

Bergamot has a very sour flavor, which makes it nearly inedible. However, it is worth to try its juice, for the beneficial properties it has. Its essential oil is more used in cosmetics than in the food industry.

Bergamot: side effects

Avoid bergamot oil if you suffer from asthma, glaucoma or bradycardia. Make sure it does not contain bergaptens, carcinogenic and photosensitizers substances.

PHOTO SOURCE: https://pixabay.com/it/bergamotto-frutta-linda-354152/