scored 83/100
Lemongrass is an aromatic tropical herb rich in potassium, iron, and manganese, with a citrusy flavor profile and potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 83.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial grass native to tropical Asia, widely cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes. Despite being classified as a vegetable, it functions more as a culinary herb and spice due to its intense aromatic oils. Per 100g, lemongrass delivers exceptional micronutrient density: 723mg potassium (critical for cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation), 8.17mg iron (supporting oxygen transport and energy metabolism), and 5.2mg manganese (essential for bone health, wound healing, and antioxidant defense). The essential oils citral, myrcene, and geraniol are responsible for both its distinctive lemon aroma and documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties. Traditional use in Southeast Asian medicine reflects emerging scientific validation of its digestive support and stress-reducing benefits. The herb's low caloric density (99 kcal/100g) combined with mineral richness makes it valuable for longevity-focused diets, particularly for those seeking natural flavor enhancement without sodium or added sugars. Most health benefits derive from the aromatic volatile oils rather than isolated nutrients, making preparation method important for maximizing bioactive compound retention.
Citral and other volatile oils inhibit pathogenic bacteria and fungi while promoting healthy gut motility and reducing bloating through carminative action
Essential oil compounds reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production and provide oxidative stress protection through polyphenol content
High potassium content (723mg/100g) supports sodium-potassium pump function, regulating blood pressure and reducing hypertension risk
Manganese (5.2mg/100g) activates enzymes critical for bone mineralization, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant defense via manganese superoxide dismutase
Volatile oils, particularly citral, may modulate GABA-like pathways and reduce cortisol-mediated stress responses
Lemongrass functions as an herbal infusion rather than a nutrient-dense food requiring specific circadian timing. However, consuming as tea 30-60 minutes before meals may optimize digestive benefits, while evening consumption may support stress reduction via volatile oils
Fasting-compatible
Lemongrass tea is safe during fasting (negligible calories) and may enhance digestive autophagy. Avoid excessive amounts (>5g dried equivalent) in single servings for those with sensitive stomachs.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower lemon grass (citronella) is than the average across 137 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Lemon Grass (Citronella) is classified as a vegetable. Lemongrass is an aromatic tropical herb rich in potassium, iron, and manganese, with a citrusy flavor profile and potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Lemon Grass (Citronella) scores 83/100 in Formulate, making it a great choice. Its strongest contributions come from Manganese, Iron, Copper. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 85 g serving provides about 1.5 g of protein (~3% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 85 g serving provides about 0 g of fiber (~0% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 85 g serving, lemon grass (citronella) is highest in Manganese (~193% DV), Iron (~39% DV), Copper (~25% DV), Zinc (~17% DV), Folate (~16% DV).
Not really. A 85 g serving has about 21.5 g of net carbs (21.5 g total minus 0 g fiber).
Best any time of day. Lemongrass functions as an herbal infusion rather than a nutrient-dense food requiring specific circadian timing. However, consuming as tea 30-60 minutes before meals may optimize digestive benefits, while evening consumption may support stress reduction via volatile oils
A typical serving is around 85 g (~84 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating lemon grass (citronella) alongside several other vegetable sources.
Lemon Grass (Citronella) pairs nicely with: Pair with ginger and turmeric in herbal teas because combined volatile oils and gingerol/curcumin create synergistic anti-inflammatory and digestive effects; Combine with coconut milk in curries because fat-soluble lemongrass compounds (citral, myrcene) have enhanced bioavailability in lipid-rich matrices; Mix with lime juice and fish because vitamin C from citrus enhances non-heme iron absorption from lemongrass (8.17mg iron/100g), critical for plant-based iron optimization; Pair with leafy greens in stir-fries because lemongrass's antimicrobial properties complement chlorophyll-rich vegetables while its potassium additive effect supports mineral density.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients lemon grass (citronella) contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients lemon grass (citronella)contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.