{"id":2079,"date":"2018-08-14T11:19:42","date_gmt":"2018-08-14T11:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2079"},"modified":"2021-05-19T17:12:16","modified_gmt":"2021-05-19T17:12:16","slug":"18-essential-benefits-of-lemon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/18-essential-benefits-of-lemon\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Essential Benefits of Lemon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Lemons are one of the most beloved citrus fruits, and for good reason; they offer a delightfully refreshing flavor and can bring out the taste of other foods, such as fish, lobster, chicken, and pork. If you love the taste of lemon, there is another reason to love this fruit besides its delicious flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the reason? \u2013 The health benefits that it provides. Lemons are jam-packed with vital nutrients that can do a world of wonder for your overall health and well-being. They also contain antiseptic qualities, which is why they have been used as a way to treat and prevent various health conditions, from scurvy (a condition that affected sailors in the 16th and 17th centuries) to wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What type of health benefits do lemons offer? Read on to find out 18 reasons why lemons can be beneficial and why you should consider making them a part of your daily regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. It supports heart health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C<\/a>. In fact, a single medium sized lemon offers about 30 mg of this essential vitamin, which is approximately 50 percent of the intake that is recommended on a daily basis. Research studies have shown that adding foods to your diet that are rich in vitamin C can help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The high amount of vitamin C that lemon contains isn\u2019t the only reason why this citrus fruit is good for your heart; they are also packed with fiber and contain plant compounds (specifically diosmin and hesperidin) that have been shown to drastically reduce the risk factors for developing heart disease, such as high levels of LDL cholesterol. Therefore if you want to promote better heart health \u2013 and improve your health overall \u2013 adding more lemons to your diet is a wise idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. They can prevent kidney stones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kidney stones<\/a> are tiny deposits of waste that crystallize and collect in the kidneys. They are very common and can be extremely painful. Furthermore, those who suffer from kidney stones once are more likely to develop them again. It has been found that eating lemons or drinking lemon water can help to prevent the development of kidney stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s because they are high in citric acid, which aids in increasing the volume of urine that you produce. It also increases the pH levels in your urine. In doing so, the environment in your kidneys is less hospitable for kidney stones and can completely prevent them from forming. It is believes that drinking \u00bd cup of lemon juice a day can offer enough citric acid to prevent kidney stones in patients who have already experienced them. Some scientific studies also suggest that drinking lemonade can be an effective way to prevent kidney stones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Aids in weight management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are trying to either lose or maintain your weight, you might want to consider adding more lemons to your diet. Lemons are often touted as a supreme food for weight loss<\/a>. There are a few reasons why. Some researchers believe that because it this citrus fruit is high in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that expands the stomach, they can help to make you feel fuller for a longer period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there is a catch with this theory; you have to eat the whole lemon. That\u2019s because lemon juice does not contain pectin, so it will not make you feel full the same way that a whole lemon will. Another theory claims that the plant compounds in lemons aid in weight loss, and there is research that shows that these compounds can help to either minimize or prevent weight gain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. They strengthen the immune system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, lemons are a very rich source of vitamin C, and vitamin C has been found to strength the function of the immune system<\/a>. Furthermore, lemons are very rich in antioxidants, which means that they can help to stave off inflammation, which further promotes increased functioning of the immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research studies have found that the antioxidants found in lemons can neutralize the damage caused by free radicals, which means that this citrus fruit can help to protect the cells of the immune system. Additionally, they can shield the body from various infections and illnesses that are caused by viruses and bacteria. Researchers suggest that consuming one lemon a day can help to drastically improve the function of the immune system and safeguard you from several types of illnesses. Therefore, if you want to avoid coming down with a cold, the flu, or many other types of ailments, you should seriously consider eating more lemons or drinking more lemon juice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. They can help prevent cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some research studies have revealed that lemons can help to prevent certain types of cancer<\/a>. That is because lemons are loaded with compounds and antioxidants that fight off the cells that cause certain types of cancer. One study found that extract from lemon was able to successfully kill off breast cancer cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another study found that the elements found in lemon juice successfully helped to prevent the growth of cells that are related to several different types of cancer. This citrus fruit is also rich in hesperidin and d-limonene, two compounds that have been found to contain properties that have the ability to prevent cancer. It is because of all of the powerful compounds found in cancer that make them one of the leading foods for cancer prevention. Cancer can affect people of all ages, genetic backgrounds, and genders, so if you want to decrease your chances of developing cancer, increasing your intake of lemons is highly encouraged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. They enhance the absorption of iron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Iron is a vital mineral. It is one of the primary elements found in hemoglobin<\/a>, a compound found in the red blood cells that transport oxygenated blood throughout the body. Iron deficiency is not uncommon and can affect people of all ages, races, and genders; however, women, vegetarians, and vegans are particularly prone to iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that can lead to several complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, and vitamin C helps to promote better absorption of iron, thereby aiding in the prevention of the development of iron-deficiency anemia. The results of a research study revealed that an intake of 100 mg of vitamin C prior to eating can help to increase the absorption of iron by nearly 70 percent. Since lemons are so rich in vitamin C, it stands to reason that eating and drinking the juice of this citrus fruit can help to increase your body\u2019s absorption of iron. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. They can prevent wrinkles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a natural way to retain your youthful appearance, you might want to look to lemons. As we\u2019ve already mentioned, lemons contain a high amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants <\/a>are a powerful way to fight off the cellular damage that is caused by free radicals. The cells of the skin can be drastically effected by free radical damage, which can result in premature aging, including the loss of elasticity that results in fine lines and wrinkles, as well as dryness and age spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scientific studies have revealed that the antioxidants found in lemons can be a very effective way to slow down the aging process and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. In order to use lemons as a part of your skincare regime, try squeezing the juice of a fresh lemon and applying it to your skin daily. You can also mix it in with skin care products, such as moisturizer or toner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. They can reduce the risk of stroke<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The American Heart Association states that eating more citrus fruits, including lemons, may be able to help lower the risk of strokes, particularly in women. A study conducted by the American Heart Association found that eating larger amounts of a compound found in citrus fruit known as flavonoids <\/a>can reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in women. In this study, women who consumed larger amounts of the compounds found in lemons were found to have a 19 percent lower risk of stroke than women who ate less citrus fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flavonoids are believed to lower the risk of stroke for a number of reasons, including improving the function of the blood vessels, improving blood circulation, and by offering an anti-inflammatory effect. All of these elements are important for reducing the risk of stroke, so if you want to safeguard yourself from this critical and potentially life-threatening condition, consider increasing your intake of lemons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. They freshen your breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you suffer from chronic bad breath<\/a> (a condition known as halitosis), you may want to look to lemons as a remedy. In fact, lemons have been found to be a highly effective way to treat bad breath. Why? \u2013 Because they contain antimicrobial, phytochemical, and antioxidant compounds that can help kill off the fungus and bacteria that cause chronic bad breath. Additionally, these compounds help to minimize inflammation in the mouth that can also contribute to bad breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To use lemons as a remedy for bad breath, try sucking or chewing on a slice of this citrus fruit. You can also try squeezing the juice of a fresh lemon into water and drink it down or gargle with it, or just squeeze a drop of fresh lemon juice on your tongue. Lemons are also an effective way to remedy bad breath after eating certain foods, such as garlic and onions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. They can improve digestion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to the atomic structure of lemons, which is very similar to the digestive juices that are found in the stomach<\/a>, lemons are an effective way to improve digestion. The atomic structure of lemons actually encourages the liver to increase its production of bile, and bile helps to improve the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, thereby improving digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies on animals have also found that lemons can protect the function of the liver and reduce oxidative damage, which can further aid digestion. Additionally, lemon promotes regularity, so it can be an effective way to relieve constipation and make you feel less bloated. Because this citrus fruit helps to improve the process of digestion, eating more of it or drinking more lemon juice can further aid in weight loss and help your body more effectively absorb the nutrients in the foods that you eat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. They can enhance your energy levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you find that you are feeling sluggish, instead of reaching for a cup of water, try drinking a glass of lemon water. Studies have found that drinking lemon water can effectively increase energy levels with the added benefit of preventing the caffeine crash that is associated with coffee <\/a>and other caffeinated beverages. Why? \u2013 Because the body gets its energy from the molecules and atoms that are present in food. Since lemons contain ions that are negatively charged, they naturally boost your energy levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to making you feel more energetic, lemons can also help to improve your overall mood. Studies have found that just smelling a lemon can drastically lower stress levels, thereby improving the mood. So, when you are feeling sluggish and need a pick me up, instead of going for coffee, try drinking lemon water or just eating a slice of lemon. Additionally, if you are feeling stressed out, you can also try to drink lemon water, eat a lemon, or simply smell one, and you might notice a marked difference in your mood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. They can lower cholesterol levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have been told that your levels of bad cholesterol are high, lemons may be an effective way to bring them down. The reason? \u2013 Lemons, as mentioned, contain pectin fiber, a type of soluble fiber that plays a key role in the health of your colon. During the process of digestion<\/a>, pectin fiber binds to unhealthy cholesterol that is located in the gastrointestinal tract and traps carbohydrates, thereby decreasing the absorption of glucose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies have found that consuming pectin fiber can effectively lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream by reducing the absorption of bad cholesterol, both from bile and from food. Since many of the carbohydrates that people consume contain high amounts of bad cholesterol, eating lemons can be an effective way to release those carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby lowering the levels of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. They can treat acne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to reducing premature aging of the skin, including the development of fine lines and wrinkles, lemons can also be an effective way to reduce blemishes. Why? – Because lemons contain antimicrobial properties. It is those properties that can help to combat the impact of dirt, bacteria, and other debris that accumulates on the surface of the skin and causes blemishes. Furthermore, the acidic properties that lemons contain can help to reduce the production of oil that contributes to the development of acne<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, lemons can be a natural and highly effective way to treat and prevent the pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads that are associated with acne. Try applying freshly squeezed lemon juice to the affected area daily after cleansing. Within a few days, you should start to see a reduction in the amount of blemishes on your skin. As an added bonus, your skin will also have a brighter appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. They boost the function of the liver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your liver is not only the largest internal organ, but it also plays a vital role in your overall health and well being. It serves as the filtration system for your body and is responsible for cleansing toxins <\/a>and other impurities out of your system from foods that you eat, beverages that you drink, and even medications that you take. While the liver has the ability to regenerate itself, if it is overwrought with toxins and impurities, its function can be severely reduced. By consuming lemons, you can dramatically restore your liver and its function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, this is because of the powerful antioxidants that the citrus fruit contains. These antioxidants not only help to fight off free radical damage, but they flush toxins that can accumulate in the liver out of the body. Therefore, if you want to improve the function of your liver, you should certainly consider eating more lemons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. They promote a healthy pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For pregnant women, lemons can be extremely beneficial; not only for their own health, but for the health of their developing babies. As we have already mentioned several times, lemons are a very rich source of vitamin C<\/a>, a nutrient pregnant women are often deficient in. That\u2019s because their developing little ones absorb large amounts of this vitamin, leaving little for their mothers. Lemons can also ease constipation, a very common side effect of pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lemons, as mentioned, aid in digestion and can improve the function of the gastrointestinal tract, which means that they can improve regularity and minimize the development of constipation. Studies have also suggested that lemons can ease indigestion, which many women suffer from. This citrus fruit is also an excellent source of folate, a nutrient that is vital during pregnancy, as it helps to prevent the development of neural tube defects in the fetus. By consuming more lemons, pregnant women can rely less on supplements and improve their health, as well as the health of their babies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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16. They improve mental health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another profound benefit of lemons is their ability to protect and improve mental health<\/a>. Oxidative stress caused by free radical damage is responsible for causing mental decline with age and can contribute to progressive degenerative conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease. There is no cure for these conditions; however, there are ways that you can prevent them, and increasing your intake of lemons and lemon juice may be one effective way. Lemons are full of antioxidants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, antioxidants help to combat the cellular damage that is caused by free radicals, thereby preventing cognitive decline. Furthermore, the high levels of vitamin C found in lemons can also contribute to their effectiveness for combating mental decline. If cognitive health conditions run in your family, and even if they don\u2019t, increasing your intake of lemons may be an effective way to keep your brain healthy and prevent the development of serious cognitive conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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17. They may reduce anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to preventing cognitive decline, lemons may be able to improve your mental health in another way; they may be able to reduce the effects of anxiety<\/a>. Studies have found that the scent of lemons produces a calming effect that may be able to help relieve anxiety and the symptoms that are associated with it, including nervousness, tension, stress, mental and physical exhaustion, and irritability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scent of lemons is believed to increase concentration and alertness, as well, further aiding in their ability to combat anxiety. If you suffer from anxiety, try applying lemon essential oil to your pulse points, including your wrists and the points on either side of your neck, inhaling it, or using a diffuser to distribute it throughout the air. The scent of the fruit may create a calming effect and help to alleviate the symptoms that anxiety-related symptoms that you are experiencing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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18. They are an all-natural cleaning agent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lemons <\/a>do more than offer profound benefits for your health; they are also an excellent natural cleaning agent. That\u2019s because the citrus fruit contains antibacterial properties, and it is those properties that can effectively kill germs, bacteria, mild, and even mold. The fruit can also help to eliminate unpleasant odors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the citric acid that lemons contain has the ability to cut through all types of dirt and grime, including rust, lime scale, and various types of stains. You can use lemons to clean virtually every surface in your house, from your microwave to your cutting boards, and from your countertops to your floors. To this fruit as a cleaning agent, slice a fresh lemon and squeeze the juice into a mixture of water and vinegar. Spray the solution on various surfaces and simply wipe it away. You will be left with a clean surface and a pleasant aroma, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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