Health Benefits of Lemons

The health benefits of lemons are numerous, lemons are part of the citrus family and are closely related to grapefruit. The fruit is derived from the Citrus tree and it is related to some of the most popular fruits such as grapefruits, limes, and tangerines. The tree is native to Central America and some Native American tribes still grow lemons as a vital part of their diet.

Although there has been no solid study on the health benefits of just drinking lemon juice or the many other claims made by anecdotal evidence, many devotees tout the following seven advantages to be gained from consuming lemons. They are listed below.

1. Prevent Food Poisoning

Lemons contain an acid that is much like that found in oranges and this acid has been found to have positive effects on the health of people. The acid works to destroy bacteria that may cause food poisoning. When juicing fresh lemons, the pulp can be added to the water instead of ice to preserve the acidity. If the fruit is not ripe enough to extract the juice, add sugar instead to make it more palatable.

2. Maintain Cardiovascular Health

As has been noted in many reviews, citrus fruit contains natural ingredients that are beneficial to the cardiovascular system. They have been found to lower blood pressure and this finding is consistent across all varieties of citrus fruits. This means that for individuals suffering from high blood pressure, taking one or two small fresh lemons per day could have a positive effect on blood pressure.

If you would prefer not to add any sugar to your tea, lemon juice is an alternative choice that has been shown to help with blood pressure. It should also be noted that this advantage is found whether the lemon is consumed in its juice form or in a puree.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

One of the major health benefits of lemons is that they have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals who have skin problems. Many people with acne find that using lemon juice or citrus fruit blended into their skincare remedies helps to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. A study was conducted in the 1970s that found that a combination of limes and grapefruit was as effective at treating adult acne as acne medications prescribed by dermatologists. Lemons contain an anti-inflammatory compound called citrate which acts as an analgesic.

4. Hydration

Lemons contain an acid that will hydrate your hair. When using a homemade lemonade diet, you can use fresh lemons to add extra moisture to your drink, or you can purchase bottled lemonade with a selection of flavors to include. Adding a few lemons to your hair rinse provides a healthy dose of Vitamin C.

5. Boost Immune System

Since Vitamin C is known to boost the immune system, taking a glass of lemonade with dinner can provide your body with the extra strength it needs to fight off colds and flu.

6. Fight Against Diseases

Citrus fruits are known as powerful antioxidants that can fight numerous diseases including cancer. Drinking one glass of freshly squeezed citrus juice on a daily basis is enough to give your body the vitamin it needs to fight off disease. Since oranges and tangerines are high in Vitamin C, the combined effects of both fruits can give your body the needed vitamins to keep you healthy.

7. Fat Loss

Since lemons contain plenty of soluble fiber, they act as a sponge and soak up excess fats that are not used by your body. This process results in weight loss. If you add a slice of lemon to your salad, the natural fibers in the fruit will work their way through the salad and remove any leftover calories you may have missed from eating other foods.

Since a Vitamin C deficiency is a major cause of weight gain, the addition of citrus fruit to your diet can benefit not only your appearance but also your health. The health benefits of lemons and oranges should be obvious to anyone who has tried either of them to help fight off a cold or flu.

8. Conclusion

Of course, no discussion of the health benefits of lemons and oranges would be complete without mentioning vitamin C itself. Vitamin C is one of the most potent immune boosters known to man. When you squeeze a fresh lemon or add sliced lemon to a bowl of soup, be sure to include a spoonful of the vitamin to help boost your immune system during the cold and flu season. To receive the most benefits from the immune-boosting properties of lemons and oranges, ensure that at least one of them is consumed each day.