Lemongrass

spices

Lemongrass

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.5

Rated by 11 diets

9 approve1 caution1 avoid
Is Lemongrass Healthy?

Yes — Lemongrass is broadly considered healthy. 9 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

Keto8/10APPROVED

Lemongrass contains approximately 0.5g net carbs per tablespoon when fresh. Used in small quantities for flavoring, making it keto-compatible.

Vegan10/10APPROVED

Pure plant herb with no animal products or derivatives. Whole food ingredient.

Paleo8/10APPROVED

Fresh or dried herb with no processing additives, antimicrobial properties, used in minimal quantities for flavoring. Consistent with paleo principles.

Mediterranean5/10CAUTION

Lemongrass is not traditional to Mediterranean cuisine; it originates from Southeast Asia. While it is a natural herb without processing, it falls outside the regional food patterns that define the Mediterranean diet.

iModern Mediterranean interpretations in cosmopolitan regions may incorporate lemongrass as part of fusion cooking, though this deviates from traditional Mediterranean principles.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Plant-derived herb with no animal origin. Explicitly excluded from carnivore diet.

Whole3010/10APPROVED

Lemongrass is a whole herb with no excluded ingredients. It fits within the allowed herbs and spices category.

Low-FODMAP8/10APPROVED

Lemongrass is low-FODMAP at typical culinary serving sizes. Monash University has tested lemongrass and confirmed low FODMAP status for standard portions used in cooking and tea.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Fresh herb with minimal sodium and calories. Provides aromatic flavor enhancement without salt. Supports DASH sodium reduction strategy while adding culinary interest.

Zone9/10APPROVED

Lemongrass is a zero-calorie herb with polyphenolic compounds and anti-inflammatory properties. Negligible macronutrient contribution. Aligns with Zone's emphasis on polyphenol-rich seasonings.

Anti-Inflammatory7/10APPROVED

Lemongrass contains citral and other volatile oils with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Used in traditional anti-inflammatory cuisines. Supports digestive function. Minimal caloric impact.

GLP-1 Friendly9/10APPROVED

Lemongrass is essentially calorie-free and provides bright flavor to lean proteins and vegetables. It has mild digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. High water content supports hydration. Does not trigger GLP-1 side effects and enhances palatability of small portions.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.5Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Lemongrass

Keto 8/10
  • Low net carbs per serving
  • Minimal portion usage
  • No sugar or grains
Vegan 10/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole food
  • No processing
Paleo 8/10
  • Minimal processing
  • Flavoring herb only
  • Antimicrobial compounds
  • No grains, legumes, or seed oils
Mediterranean 5/10
  • Non-Mediterranean origin
  • Not part of traditional diet
  • Natural herb quality
  • Regional authenticity concern
Whole30 10/10
  • Whole herb
  • No additives
  • Natural plant
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Low fructan content
  • Safe for infusions and cooking
  • Typical use is small quantities
DASH 9/10
  • Sodium: <1mg per tablespoon
  • Aromatic flavor profile
  • Low calorie density
  • No added sodium
Zone 9/10
  • Zero-calorie herb
  • Polyphenol content
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • No glycemic impact
  • citral content
  • volatile oils
  • antioxidant activity
  • traditional use in Asian anti-inflammatory cooking
  • Zero calories per serving
  • Digestive support
  • High water content
  • Flavor enhancement
  • No GI irritation
Last reviewed: Our methodology
Is Lemongrass Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai