Lemon and Its Benefits, Uses and Contraindications

We know a lot about this wonderful fruit, but do we know everything? Of course not! Lemon has so many benefits and properties that you could write a book. No no, I didn't write a book here, just what you certainly don't know about lemon, but it's very important.

General information

Lemon is a fruit that contains valuable amounts of vitamin C and flavonoids - which together have antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. In general, people use lemons to make lemonade, but they can be used to remove stains from clothes (being a good washing agent), remove insects (due to its strong scent) and give a special taste to dishes. In fact, lemon can be used in many ways, but in this material you will find out what are the most important health benefits of eating this citrus fruit rich in vitamin C.

Lemons are good sources of vitamin C, but they also contain vitamin A, B-complex vitamins (niacin, folate, thiamine, riboflavin), as well as potassium, zinc and magnesium.

Lemon calories

100 grams

calories: 29

protein: 1.1

lipids: 0.3

carbohydrates: 9.3

fiber: 2.8

Lemon peel

100 grams

calcium: 314 mg

potassium: 160 mg

vitamin C: 129 mg

fiber: 10.6 mg

carbohydrates: 16

lipids: 0.3

protein: 1.5

calories: 47

How much vitamin C does a lemon contain

According to specialists, a lemon that weighs about 100 grams can contain up to 80 mg of vitamin C.

Lemon: benefits and properties

Improves heart health

Consumption of lemon juice is useful for people suffering from heart problems because it contains potassium. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness and nausea, as it induces a feeling of peace and calm for both mind and body. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, daily intake of lemon and walking have been a good remedy for lowering high blood pressure. Another study highlights the importance of foods rich in vitamin C in preventing various coronary heart disease.

Lemon benefits for weight loss

Lemon juice mixed with a little warm water and a teaspoon of honey helps reduce body weight. According to a study, the polyphenols present in the sour fruit help to eliminate extra pounds and help to melt the accumulated fat.

Prevents kidney stones

The vitamin-rich fruit has much more citric acid content than a liter of grapefruit or orange juice. According to a study, high levels of citric acid help reduce urinary citrate levels, but without altering the total urine volume. Thus, the consumption of lemonade can be used as a secondary therapy to treat kidney stones (kidney stones). In addition, many researchers have shown that lemonade can help eliminate kidney stones by forming urinary citrate.

Lemon benefits

Treat indigestion

Lemon juice can treat certain conditions, such as indigestion and constipation, because it acts as a purifier. All you have to do is squeeze the juice from a lemon or two (according to your preferences and according to the amount you want), add a little cold water (plain or mineral) and a teaspoon of honey. You can drink this juice in the morning on an empty stomach (30 minutes before breakfast), either at lunch or after a more hearty dinner.

Reduces fever

Lemon juice can help treat the symptoms of fever, flu and cold.

Reduces toothache

According to a study conducted at the University of Helsinki, vitamin C deficiency in the body can lead to periodontitis - an infection of the gums. In this case, if fresh lemon juice is applied to the painful area, the pain will be relieved soon. In addition, massaging the gums with lemon juice will stop the bleeding gums, also eliminating unpleasant odors (halena) caused by periodontitis. However, if the condition has much more severe symptoms, it is best to consult your dentist as soon as possible.

Lemon and liver

Lemon water can help activate the digestive enzymes present in the liver. It is recommended to drink a glass of warm water and lemon juice on an empty stomach in the morning. Then wait 30 minutes before drinking coffee, serving breakfast or taking other food supplements.

Also, the consumption of citrus fruit (in combination with water or plain) helps to:

preventing oxidation of liver cells,

defense of liver cells against degradation that may be caused by high levels of toxins and / or fat cells,

regulating the absorption of all sugars and fats, thus maintaining a healthy liver,

liver detoxification, helping to produce new and healthy cells,

elimination of harmful bacteria that enter the body,

protection of the liver against liver cirrhosis.

Natural anticoagulant

Lemon has antiseptic and coagulant properties, stopping minor bleeding. You can apply a little freshly squeezed lemon juice on a cleansing cotton disc and put it directly on the bleeding wound.

Treats respiratory ailments

Lemon juice helps relieve respiratory problems, as well as seizures or asthma attacks.

Strengthens the immune system

Lemon water is a good source of citrus bioflavonoids, vitamin C and phytonutrients, which help improve the immune system. It also helps increase energy levels in the body due to the presence of essential vitamins and minerals.

Anticancer potential

Drinking lemon water can also be beneficial in preventing cancer. According to a study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, lemon extract is said to have antitumor and anticancer properties, thus reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Balances the pH

A glass of water and squeezed lemon juice will help to alkalize the whole body and balance the pH. For optimal health, it is very important for the body to maintain an alkaline state, consuming alkaline foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and, of course, lemon (lemon juice).

Detoxifies the body

Lemon water helps cleanse the whole body, thus reducing toxins in the blood. Lemon nutrients help eliminate all waste as well as toxins because they act as a natural diuretic, thus stimulating increased urination.

Lemon skin benefits

Lemon juice, being a medicine, more precisely a natural antiseptic, it can cure certain skin and skin problems. The juice can be applied to the skin to reduce the pain of sunburn, reduce inflammation and relieve the pain of insect bites, especially bees. Lemon is also a good remedy for eliminating acne and eczema. Because it acts as an anti-aging remedy, this citrus fruit prevents expression wrinkles and blackheads.

How should lemon be eaten?

Lemon eaten in the evening

If you eat lemon in the evening, before bed, it will detoxify your body overnight, thus providing the essential nutrients you need for you to wake up in a good state and with a lot of energy. Also, if you choose to drink water with lemon juice before bed, you should know that:

You will have a deeper and more restful sleep.

Hormone levels will stabilize, facilitating energy for the next day.

It will repair muscle tissue after a strenuous workout.

It will eliminate inflammation in the joint area.

It will help you relax.

You will burn calories during the night, because your metabolism will be boosted, so your figure will shape while you sleep.

The body will stay hydrated throughout the night.

Lemon water

A single glass of lemon juice and water provides you with the daily needs of the following vitamins and minerals:

Vitamin C - 53 mg

Vitamin B1 - 0.04 mg

Vitamin B2 - 0.02 mg

Vitamin B3 - 0.1 mg

Vitamin B5 - 0.19 mg

Vitamin B6 - 0.08 mg

Vitamin B7 - 5.1 mg

Vitamin B9 - 0.011 mg

Vitamin E - 0.15 mg

Alpha-carotene - 1 microgram

Beta-carotene - 3 micrograms

Lutein and zeaxanthin - 11 micrograms

Calcium - 26 mg

Iron - 0.6 mg

Magnesium - 8 mg

Phosphorus - 16 mg

Potassium - 138 mg

Sodium - 2 mg

Zinc - 0.06 mg

Copper - 0.037 mg

Manganese - 0.03 mg

Selenium - 0.0004 mg