Lemon, the most valuable of all fruits for preserving health
Lemon (Citrus limon) is a type of citrus fruit. It contains high levels of citric acid. The fruit, juice, and peel are used to make medicine.
Lemons are used in small quantities to add flavour to baked goods, sauces, salad dressings, marinades, drinks, and desserts
Below are some of the health benefits that come with using lemon
Vitamin C content
Lemon is low in calories and carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids. Lemons are a source of antioxidants that help remove free radicals that can damage cells in the body. They also contain vitamin B6, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, folate and fibre.
Keeps Heart Healthy
Vitamin C present in lemon can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Lemon contains high levels of dietary fibre, which lowers LDL or bad cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease. The fibre and plant compounds in lemon lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
Helps in Weight Control
Lemon contains pectin fibre, which expands once swallowed and makes you feel full and less hungry. Lemon water supports hydration of the body and increases metabolism which is useful for weight loss and weight management.
Prevents Kidney Stones
Some studies have shown that lemon juice prevents the formation of kidney stones. Lemon contains citric acid, which improves urinary citrate levels, and prevents the formation of kidney stones.
Prevents Anemia
Lemon does not contain a large amount of iron. But the vitamin C in lemon helps your body absorb more iron from plants like green leafy vegetables. Maintaining proper iron levels helps prevent anaemia.
Reduces Risk of Cancer
The antioxidants in lemon prevent free radicals from damaging cells. A compound called D-limonene in lemon has anti-carcinogenic properties. Some studies have found that people who consume citrus fruits like lemon have a lower risk of pancreatic and colon cancer.
Improves Digestive Health
Lemon contains a high amount of dietary fibre. Fibre, especially soluble fibre, helps ease constipation and many other gastrointestinal issues and discomfort. Lemons contain high levels of citric acid, which stimulates the production of stomach acid and aids in the digestion of food.
Boosts Energy Level
The potassium in lemon helps with brain and nerve function and keeps you alert. It can also reduce anxiety and depression. The electrolytes and potassium present in lemon hydrate your body. Vitamin C present in lemon reduces fatigue and boosts mood.
Boosts Immunity
Vitamin C and antioxidants present in lemon boost your immunity. Lemon can fight cold and flu. A glass of warm water with lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey provides relief from cough, cold and flu. Lemon also helps with H1N1 swine flu, ringing in the ears and Meniere’s disease.
Reduces Joint Pains
Lemon removes the uric acid present in your joints, which is one of the main causes of pain and swelling in your joints. Warm lemon water in the morning can give you relief from knee and joint pain.
Improves Skin and Hair
Vitamin C plays an important role in the formation of collagen. Collagen protects the skin from sagging and prevents wrinkles. Lemon can exfoliate blackheads and help in removing them. It helps in reducing the appearance of age spots. The antioxidants and vitamin C present in lemon prevent acne from growing. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning helps in flushing out toxins from the body.
If you have dry and frizzy hair, lemon juice can make your hair shiny and silky. Lemon juice is rich in folic acid and vitamin C, which reduce oil and dandruff. Regular use of lemon juice strengthens hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
Lowering stroke risk
According to a 2012 studyTrusted Source, the flavonoids in citrus fruits may help lower the risk of ischemic stroke in women.
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Blood pressure
One 2014 study by Rusted Source found that women in Japan who walked regularly and consumed lemon every day had lower blood pressure than those who did not.
Cancer
Antioxidants may help prevent free radicals from causing cell damage that can lead to cancer. However, exactly how antioxidants can help prevent cancer remains unclear.
Complexion
Maintaining a healthy complexion
Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the support system of the skin.
Preventing asthma
People with asthma who consume higher amounts of vitamin C and other nutrients when they have a cold may experience fewer asthma attacks. People with asthma who consume higher amounts of vitamin C and other nutrients when they have a cold may experience fewer asthma attacks.
Boosting the immune system
Foods that are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants may help strengthen the immune system against the germs that cause the common cold and the flu. Squeezing a whole lemon into a glass of hot water with a large spoonful of honey makes a soothing drink for someone with a cough or cold.
Risks
Lemons have a high acid content, so their juice may affect people with:
Mouth ulcers: It can cause a stinging sensation.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): It can worsen symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation.
If you consume too many lemons, citrus in lemons can weaken your enamel, increasing your risk of tooth decay.