Written by The health benefits of lemons are related to their vitamin C content. It can help improve skin health, promote weight loss and act as a breath freshener. Lemons can also help treat dental problems, throat infections, and high blood pressure.
This citrus fruit can also be used for skin and hair care. Lemons can also help boost the immune system. Lemon juice in particular has many health benefits. As a refreshing drink, lemon juice can also help keep you cool and refreshed.
What are lemons? Lemons are yellow citrus fruits that belong to the Rutaceous family. Lemons are mostly round or oval with a thicker skin. The juice of this fruit has a sour taste due to the citric acid it contains. Lemons are rated as rich in vitamin C. They are used to add flavour to baked goods, smoothies, salad dressings, sauces, and desserts. Lemonade can be prepared by mixing lemon juice and water. Drinking its juice with olive oil is a well-known home remedy for gallstones.
According to a study in the Annals of Rheumatology, lemon juice may also offer some protection against inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, more research is needed to confirm the validity of these findings. Many people also use it as a cleaning agent because of its ability to remove stains. Its strong smell also repels mosquitoes.
Lemon Nutritional Facts
The health benefits of lemons lie in their various nutrients. According to the USDA’s National Nutrient Database, they contain high amounts of C and B vitamins (niacin, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin) and small amounts of minerals, including potassium, zinc, and magnesium.
Amazing Health benefits of lemons
Below are the various health benefits of this citrus fruit:
Can treat high blood pressure
Long-term use of lemon juice can help control blood pressure. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, regular consumption of lemons and walking (moderate physical activity) can effectively reduce high blood pressure.
A study published in 2014 also showed that the blood pressure-lowering properties of lemon juice were particularly pronounced in people with high blood pressure, but not in those with normal blood pressure.
Promotes healthy heart
Eating fruits rich in vitamin C is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Eating fibre isolated from citrus fruits has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. And the essential oil in lemons prevents the oxidation of Low Density Lipoproteins (bad) cholesterol particles. This protects the heart from cardiovascular diseases.
May help with weight loss
Drinking warm water with lemon and honey in the morning is said to help with weight loss. It may not work for you, but a study in mice confirmed that the polyphenols in it can inhibit weight gain and body fat accumulation.
Lemon juice and honey fasting (LHJF) can also be considered as a natural diet pill. Researchers in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine show that short-acting LHJF can help reduce weight, fat mass, and total blood triglycerides.
May help prevent kidney stones
Fresh fruit and lemon juice concentrate contains more citric acid per litre than grapefruit juice and orange juice concentrate. A study in the journal of Endocrinology confirms this.
Another study confirmed that the high citric acid content of the fruit helped to more than double the level of citrate in the urine without changing the total urine output. Therefore, lemon juice therapy can be used as a secondary treatment for calcium citrate deficiency kidney stones (stone formation due to reduced consumption of citrate).
Can help with dental care
A study by the University of Helsinki suggests that low levels of vitamin C can lead to gingivitis (gum infection).
Lemons can be used to whiten teeth. Although most treatments involve the use of lemon and baking soda, should be used sparingly as they can wear down your teeth enamel. The safest way is to choose a toothpaste that contains this fruit as one of the ingredients. If you want to use lemon or its juice for oral care, it is best to consult your doctor before trying something new.
Can help prevent/treat a sore throat
Lemon is a great fruit that can help fight problems related to throat infections due to its well-known antibacterial properties. For convenience, it can be added to soup or tea.
Can promote hair care
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Palestinian folk remedies are a treasure trove of lemons’ hair care properties. Lemon juice, chamomile paste, and apple cider vinegar have long been used to change hair texture. Lemon juice has been proven to be beneficial in treating damaged hair on a large scale. When mixed with olive oil and applied to the scalp, this juice can stop dandruff, hair fall and other hair and scalp related problems. Many beauticians recommend that this juice can also give your hair a natural shine if you apply it directly to your hair. However, much research is still needed.
A good skin care ingredient
Lemon juice is a natural antiseptic and can also treat skin related problems. The juice contains vitamin C, so it can be used to relieve sunburn and bee sting pain. It is also good for treating acne and eczema.
Citrus juices such as lemon juice are anti-aging and can also reduce wrinkles and blackheads. Drinking the juice mixed with water and honey can give the skin a healthy glow. Many over-the-counter cosmetics contain lemon as a natural skin care ingredient.
Lemon juice can help dissolve bumps on the skin. Therefore, it can be beneficial when used in areas where the skin hardens and causes skin compression, such as the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.
May have potential anticoagulant properties
Few studies have determined the anti-clotting properties of lemons. A 2014 study in rabbits found that lemon contains antithrombin, which means it can help regulate blood clots and prevent excessive blood loss from infection.
May help relieve asthma
Lemon juice can help relieve respiratory and breathing problems, such as its ability to calm people with asthma. Being rich in vitamin C, it can also help treat long-term respiratory problems.
Ultimately,
Lemons are a refreshing fruit and are not usually eaten whole, but as a garnish or condiment. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, soluble fibre and plant compounds, all of which can provide health benefits. With all these amazing health benefits of lemon, you can be sure that lemons will improve your health.
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