Most of us enjoy drinking lemon water. It’s not just refreshing but also healthy. There are more than 150 different diseases that favorably respond to the therapeutic properties of the lemon. This bright yellow fruit is a health booster in disguise. There are several health benefits to lemon.
Lemon comes from a small species of evergreen tree originally found in Asia, mainly in north-eastern India. Scientifically known as Citrus limon, lemons are thought to have originated at the base of the Himalayan Mountains as a natural cross between the lime and the citron. There are two main types of lemons and limes: sweet and acidic. The acidic types are grown commercially, whereas the sweet types are grown mostly by home gardeners as ornamental fruits.
Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C and citric acid. The health benefits of lemon are due to the presence of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and protein. It also contains several flavonoids, which have antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties.
Did You Know?
Drinking lemon juice with olive oil can help you get rid of gallstones.
The scent of lemons can repel mosquitoes.
Lemon juice is an excellent replacement for vinegar.
Lemons are also used as a washing agent because of their ability to remove stains.
Lemons and limes have the most citric acid of all citrus fruits.
You can use the whole fruit, with its rind, juice, and zest, for cooking as well as in home remedies. It is the greatest enemy of all filthy, foreign, and poisonous substances that may accumulate in any organ or tissue. The juice of this fruit is useful in treating colds, sore throats, diphtheria, asthma, and all kinds of fevers. Sinus problems are greatly relieved by sniffing or spraying lemon juice up the nose, and the procedure is effective in treating many cases of migraine headaches.
Health Benefits of Lemon
Lemon has several health benefits associated with it. Lemons help boost the immune system, cleanse the stomach, and are also considered a blood purifier. Lemon water, in particular, is well known as a useful treatment for kidney stones, strokes, digestive issues, weight gain, and skin problems. Other health benefits of lemon include the treatment of dental problems, throat infections, fever, internal bleeding, rheumatism, burns, respiratory disorders, cholera, and high blood pressure.
Boosts Immunity
Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant vitamin that has been linked to improved immune health. The antioxidant properties of lemons can protect your immune cells by neutralizing harmful free radicals and keeping your body free of infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
Improves Heart Health
Vitamin C present in lemons may help reduce your risk of stroke and heart disorders. It reduces the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, which in turn reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Apart from vitamin C, lemon also contains several beneficial plant compounds, such as hesperidin and diosmin. Several studies show that these compounds have cholesterol-lowering properties, which in turn help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Prevents Cancer
Some studies have shown that compounds like hesperidin, naringenin , and d-limonene present in lemons have cancer-preventive properties. These flavonoids inhibit inflammation, proliferation, angiogenesis, and induction of apoptosis. However, more human studies can help understand the potential of citrus fruits in overcoming cancer.
Prevents Kidney Stone
Lemons contain citric acid, which can increase urine volume and urine pH, which in turn prevents kidney stone formation. According to studies, consuming 125 ml of lemon juice daily may help prevent kidney stone formation in individuals who have already had it.
Slows Down Aging
Excess free radical production by exposure to oxidative stress and solar radiation are primary factors responsible for skin damage. The antioxidant and anti-aging properties of lemons reduce oxidative stress-induced premature skin aging. Lemon juice being a natural antiseptic can help reduce skin problems. The juice can reduce the pain of sunburns and ease the pain from bee stings. It also reduces acne, wrinkles, blackheads, and even eczema.
Soothes Respiratory Disorders
Lemon juice assists in relieving respiratory problems and breathing problems. It helps prevent asthma caused by respiratory infections. Being a rich source of vitamin C, lemon also helps in dealing with more long-term respiratory disorders.
How to Include Lemons in the Diet?
Lemon juice is commonly used to make lemonade and other lemon beverages. You can use lemon to make marmalade, lemon curd, or lemon liqueur. Additionally, you can use lemon slices and lemon rind as a garnish for drinks or food. You can also use lemon zest, the grated outer rind of the fruit to add flavor to rice, baked goods, and puddings.
There is a wide range of uses for lemon. You can add lemons to drinks or water to enhance its flavor or use them in desserts or baked goods. Additionally, you can kick up your next main course by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon.
It provides relief from several health-related problems because it contains antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-aging, and other medicinal properties. For example, drinking lemon water on an empty stomach helps you lose excess weight. You can also pair lemon with some health-promoting herbs like thyme, rosemary, or lemon balm to add even more flavor and health benefits.
We are sure that after knowing these amazing lemon benefits and side effects, you will make it an integral part of your diet. Tell us if you know any other lemon health benefits and side effects, and also share how you are using them!
Disclaimer: Although the lemon nutrition profile is pretty impressive, it is definitely possible to overdo it. Eating too many lemons can cause the enamel on your teeth to erode, resulting in increased sensitivity due to its citric acid content. Also, lemon is rich in vitamin C; which encourages iron absorption in the body. Too much lemon can lead to an increase in the blood levels of iron, which can damage internal organs.
Nutrition Information
100g of lemon provides 22 Calories, Carbs – 6.9g (Dietary Fibre – 0.3g, Sugar – 2.5g), Protein – 0.4g, Fat – 0.2g, Sodium – 1mg
And a percentage daily value of Vitamin A – 0%, Vitamin C – 65%, Iron – 0%, and Calcium – 1% (based on a 2000-calorie diet).
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