Health benefits of lemon you do not know about

The sour-bitter taste of lemon prevents most people from consuming this powerful fruit.

Lemons, though highly acidic in nature is alkaline forming in the body. Just like other alkaline foods, it helps in balancing the PH of the body; and prevent the development of chronic diseases.

Other Lemon health benefits include detoxification of the liver and kidney; treatment of indigestion, obesity, high blood pressure, hair and skin problems.  Lemon also helps to strengthen your immune system; cleanse your stomach and are considered a blood purifier.

Lemon is believed to have originated from China or India, having been cultivated in these regions for about 2,500 years. It’s scientifically called citrus lemon. During the European Renaissance, Fashionable ladies used lemon juice as a way to redden their lips.

 

They are used for different purposes. You can eat them in slices, it can be used to make lemon water and lemonade; you can garnish food with them, candy their peels, and use their juice and peels in cooking and more.

 

Lemons contains vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, calcium; copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, folates, potassium, and fiber. According to care2.com, lemons contain more potassium than apples or grapes.

 

 

 Lemon Health Benefits

 

Boosts immunity

Lemon contains vitamin C which helps to boost the immune system of the body.  According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells; and may protect the integrity of immune cells. Vitamin C helps protect leukocytes, which produces antiviral substances.

Promotes healthy heart

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Vitamin C in lemon helps lower Low Density Lipoprotein (bad cholesterol); while increasing HDL. This keep arteries flexible and functioning at optimal level.

Controls blood pressure

Potassium in lemon helps to lower blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of salt.

The more fluid in your body; the higher your blood pressure. In order to get rid of excess fluid, the body needs a delicate balance of sodium and potassium; to pull the water across a wall of cells.

Aids digestion

The Citric acid in lemon aids in digestion. It helps promote an acidic environment in the stomach; which is necessary for proper digestion of food.  Whenever you have heavy meal, drink lemon juice mixed with water, honey and some mint leaves; to hasten digestion and also cleanse your system.

Dissolves kidney stones

According to University of Wisconsin Health, citric acid prevents stone formation and also breaks up small stones that are forming. The more citric acid in your urine; the more protected you are from forming new kidney stones.

Prevents common cold and infection

Taking lemon juice may protect you from common cold and other infections. Lemon has antibacterial properties. Experiments have found that the juice of lemons destroy the bacteria of malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other deadly diseases. 1

Aids weight loss

Lemons and lemon peel contain a high concentration of pectin, a type of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber slows your digestion rate and may suppress your appetite; while preventing diabetes by stabilizing your blood sugar levels.

Detoxify the liver

Ascorbic acid in lemon removes toxins and other waste from the liver. According to Jethro Kloss, lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver; and is a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons, it liquefies the bile. Drinking lemon juice mixed with water in the morning helps detoxify the liver.

Promotes healthy hair and skin

Use lemon juice to treat scalp problems; like dandruff, hair loss and other problems related to the hair and scalp. Vitamin C in lemons juice neutralise free radicals linked to aging.

So lemon juice can prevent wrinkles, acne and keep you young. It can be applied to sites of bites and sting of insects to relieve pain and poison.

Prevents cancer

Anti-carcinogenic compounds in lemon helps the body wade off certain types of cancer like; colon, mouth, lung, skin, stomach and breast cancer.

Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including naturally occurring limonene; oil which slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals; and flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells.

Side effects of Lemon

Pure lemon juice contains acid which can wear down the enamel on your teeth. You should always dilute lemon juice with water before drinking; or alternatively drink lemon juice through a straw to protect your teeth. Also lemons that are not properly washed has the capacity to harbour potentially pathogenic microbes.

Lemon health benefits cannot be over emphasized. Most importantly, lemon should be taken regularly as a way to detoxify the body; and also strengthen the body’s defense system.