Lemons are a pretty underestimated fruit in my book.
Sure, they’re popular in homes, and you’ll always find one in the store – but I feel they don’t get the attention they truly deserve.
To be honest, I usually only use lemons when my kids want a slice in their soda. It’s rare that I put them to other use.
However, after reading just how beneficial lemons and lemon water can be when consumed every day, that’s all about to change …
Useful lemons?
Perhaps you’ve made lemon cheesecake before? Or else some other form of cake that requires the citrus fruit? Well, good news! Not only do lemons add flavour to our kitchen creations, but researchers believe that they can also contribute a number of benefits to the body.
What does a lemon contain?
Lemons contain potassium, vitamin C, fiber, protein, carbohydrates and multiple minerals. Vitamin C and the bioflavonoides in lemons are especially beneficial for the walls of the body’s smallest blood vessels. That’s right, zesty as they are, lemons are good for our capillaries.
Drinking lemon water
1. Calorie burning
According to fitness expert Jackie Warner, you can burn as many as 100 extra calories per day if you drink lemon water.
The fruit contains pectin fibers, which help to limit feelings of hunger.
2. Preventing cardiovascular disease
Lemons are rich in potassium. Potassium is known to have a positive effect on muscle function and the heart. It’s also good as it helps to lower blood pressure.
According to Scandinavian nutrition expert Magus Nylander, lemons also have antioxidant properties that can prevent cardiovascular disease.
3. Boosting the immune system
One thing that many people are aware of – it can’t hurt to repeat – is that lemons help to keep colds away!
Drinking hot water and lemon is a classic old wife’s remedy for colds. Lemons have antiseptic properties that combat swelling in the nose and throat.
4. Increase in fat burning
Studies have shown that water intake can aid the fat burning process. Doctor Shilpi Agarwal recommends squeezing lemon juice into the water or alternatively adding a slice for added potency.
5. Preventing kidney stones
When the salt concentration in your kidneys becomes too high, deposits can form. Over time, these can develop into what we call kidney stones.
Citric acid can help prevent kidney stones, by both increasing the pH and volume of your urine. This creates less favourable conditions for mineral build up.
Studies have shown that 100ml of lemon juice each day can be enough to prevent kidney stones in people who have suffered from them in the past.
6. Protection from iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is quite common and occurs when you don’t get enough iron from the food you eat.
Lemons contain some iron, but they primarily help prevent iron deficiency by improving the body’s absorption of iron from other foods.
7. Reducing cancer risk
A diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help prevent certain types of cancers, according to research.
So far there is very little strong evidence, and thus more research in the field is needed, but some studies have indicated that people who eat a lot of citrus fruits are less likely to suffer from cancer.
8. Bad breath
There are many ways to cure bad breath. One of them is to consume lemons. Doctor Harold Katz, founder of the California Breath Clinic, says that you can improve your breath just by gurgling lemon water.
The citric acid stimulates your sputum and so has a positive effect on your breath.
9. Improve digestion
Lemons are 10 percent carbohydrate, mostly in the form of soluble fiber and simple sugars.
The main fibers in lemon are pectin, a form of soluble fiber that has been linked to all manner of health benefits. These fibers can improve your gastric health.
To get the benefits of lemon fiber, you have to eat a lot of lemons, including the shell (ewww). Boil water and pour a cup of it while it’s still hot. Cut one or two slices of lemon and place them in.
10. Lower cholesterol
Flavonoid substances found in lemons, including diosmin and hesperidin, have been shown to lower cholesterol, studies have shown.
11. Preventing inflammation
Lemons contain ascorbic acid that has anti-inflammatory properties.
Drinking hot water with lemon is a classic weapon against colds, and it also works well as an anti-inflammatory.
12. Fighting wrinkles
Lemon protects the fiber protein collagen in the body. It’s levels decrease as we get older, allowing for the formation of wrinkles.
13. White teeth
Yellow teeth? Lemons can help!
American doctor, Doctor Oz, recommends mixing lemon juice and baking soda and then applying the mixture to your teeth. You should remove the paste after one minute, so as not to damage the enamel.
So there we have several reasons to start drinking lemon water and eating more lemons.
I had no idea how good they could be for your body on the whole. In addition, it’s easy to make a jug of lemon water and have a cool drink whenever you’re thirsty.
Hit the share button so that more of your friends can discover the benefits of this zesty fruit!
