Benefits of Lemon

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. It is also known as ascorbic acid. It is an antioxidant capable of neutralizing harmful free radicals. Vitamin C is required for normal growth and development. Connective tissue contains a protein called collagen, which requires vitamin C for its production. It plays an important role in wound healing and repairing bones. It also improves immunity. Oranges and lemons are citrus fruits and are great sources of vitamin C.

What Are the Nutrient Contents of Lemon?

Lemon contains the following nutritional contents:

• Dietary fibers.

• Protein.

• Omega 6 fatty acids.

• Omega 3 fatty acids.

• Vitamin C.

• Vitamin B6.

• Vitamin A.

• Calcium.

• Magnesium.

• Iron.

• Potassium.

• Sodium.

• Phosphorus.

• Copper.

• Zinc.

• Niacin.

• Thiamine.

• Pantothenic acid.

What Are the Benefits of Lemon to Health?

Since lemons are rich in vitamin C, consuming lemon gives the body all the benefits of vitamin C. It also reduces symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. Some benefits of lemon are:

• Improves Immunity: Lemon contains ascorbic acid, which is an effective antioxidant. Vitamin C enhances cellular activities within the immune system. This also helps in strengthening the epithelial barriers (outer lining), making it hard for the disease-causing organisms to enter the body. A patient under immense stress gets infections and diseases faster. This is due to the high demands the body sets during stress and the decrease in the level of vitamin C. In addition, consuming lemon and other citrus fruits prevents cancer and infections.

• Improves Digestion: Lemon contains citric acid. The acidic nature of the lemon initiates the digestive process or the breakdown of food particles before reaching the large intestine. It also increases gastric acid secretion, thus improving digestion. It can decrease digestive ailments like constipation or bloating. In addition, lemon contains a soluble fiber called pectin. Pectin gets converted into a gel-like substance by absorbing water in the digestive system. This loosens the stool and relieves constipation.

• Decreases Inflammation: Lemon contains antioxidants that neutralize or reduce the effect of inflammatory substances in the body. Thus drinking lemon water or consuming lemon decreases inflammation in cases of arthritis (pain and inflammation of bones and joints), gout (inflammation of the joints due to uric acid crystal accumulation), and others. Lemons contain flavonoids (polyphenolic substances) which also possess anti-inflammatory properties.

• Controls Bleeding: Lemon has antiseptic and coagulant properties. The antiseptic properties reduce the chance of infections and the coagulant properties decrease the bleeding from the wound and help in healing. In naturopathy, the naturopath encourages the application of lemon juice to the wound for quick healing.

• Anticancer Properties: Lemon peel contains modified citrus protein which can prevent the spread of cancer. Modified citrus protein makes it hard for the tumor to increase in size and spread from the site of origin to a different organ. Lemon and orange peel also contain limonoids. Limonoids are phytochemicals that slow down the growth of tumor cells. In addition, limonoids cause cancer cell death. The anticancer properties of lemon are still under research and studies.

• Weight Management: Vitamin C content in lemon helps in effective fat burning and cellular repair. Flavonoids present in lemon are also responsible for weight management. In addition, lemon juice can replace other sugary and high calorie drinks and provide a sense of satiety. It can flush out toxins accumulated in the body and improves digestion. All these benefits cumulatively aid in weight management.

• Improves Eye Health: Lemon contains substances like lutein that increases eye health and prevent conditions like cataract, macular degeneration, and others. But the application of lemon juice directly to the eyes is not recommended as the acidic contents can cause eye damage.

• Improves Liver Health: Lemon has detoxifying properties. It helps in flushing out the toxins accumulated in the liver. This helps improve liver functioning. It may also decrease liver injury or its symptoms in alcoholics.

• Improves Heart Health: Lemon contains potassium, which lowers blood pressure levels and reduces the chances of heart attacks. It also decreases inflammation and distress in the heart muscles.

• Decreases Allergic Reactions: Lemon consumption boosts immunity and controls the chemical reactions inside the body that takes place during allergies. It improves immunity to allergens and decreases allergy symptoms.

How Does Lemon Enhance Beauty?

Lemons can enhance beauty in several ways.

• Skin Health: Lemon is acidic in nature and has antimicrobial properties. Both these effects of lemon help in decreasing acne or pimples. Detoxification happening within the body can clear the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation and blemishes. It tightens the skin and decreases the pore. It also helps in the exfoliation of the skin.

• Hair Care: Lemon reduces excessive oil secretion from the scalp, thus reducing dirt accumulation and improving hair growth and texture. It also prevents scalp infections and dandruff.

What Are the Non-medical Benefits of Lemon?

Due to their acidic nature, lemons are used for cleaning purposes, like removing grease, clearing rust, and brightening metal and other surfaces. It is used to ferment certain products like wine, milk, etc. It is used in cooking to enhance the flavors. It is also used to alter the taste and texture of food items.

What Is the Use of Lemon in Aromatherapy?

In aromatherapy, essential oils are used for its health benefits. It is a holistic approach to improving overall health and well-being. Lemon essential oils help relieve stress and depression. The oil has a calming effect and relaxes the mind and the body. The antioxidant properties relieve any blockage or obstruction while breathing. Aromatherapy with lemon essential oils also helps improve focus and concentration.

How Much Is Too Much?

Even though lemon has many benefits for overall health, too much consumption can be bad.

• Excessive intake of lemon juice, especially in concentrated form, can cause tooth erosion.

• Consuming more lemon or lemon juice can cause acidity or heartburn.

• Chances of stomach ulcers increase with increased acid consumption.

• Topical application of concentrated lemon juice can cause skin irritation.

• It can increase the tendency to urinate and dehydration.

• Excessive intake of lemon juice can worsen mouth ulcers.

Conclusion

Lemon can work wonders on skin, physical health, and mental well-being. The aroma and tangy flavor of lemon are enticing and encourage a person to have it more and the nutrient content is beneficial in many ways. Like any substance, excessive intake can be harmful. Therefore, one should be aware of the amount that is safe to be consumed and how it can be consumed.