Drinking lemon water in the morning or after meals is common among some people, but why are they so adamant about it? Lemons are filled to the brim with essential vitamins and minerals and are an easy (and tasty) way to supplement your diet.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is said that the lemon can stimulate bile production, aid digestion, and protect the stomach fire. Lemons also have antioxidant properties, stimulate white blood cell production, and help the body produce collagen. According to TCM, lemons can also be used to treat digestive upset and curb excessive appetite.
Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. They also contain citric acid, hesperidin, d-limonene, and diosmin. These vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants make lemons so beneficial to health in so many ways. Below, we will discuss some incredible ways this fruit can boost your well-being when incorporated into your daily diet.
8 Amazing Benefits of Adding Lemons to Your Diet
1. Lemons May Be Beneficial for Cardiovascular Health
Consuming the recommended daily amount of vitamin C is linked to a reduction in the risk of heart disease and an increase in overall heart health.
A vitamin C deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of suffering a stroke, especially for people who are overweight or struggle with high blood pressure. Additionally, studies done in rats show that hesperidin and diosmin (bioflavonoids or plant chemicals commonly found in citrus fruits) may be beneficial in reducing risk factors for heart disease.
2. Lemons May Prevent Anemia
Anemia is a condition that is caused by low levels of iron in a person’s blood. Consuming lemons can prevent or reduce symptoms of anemia because of the high amounts of vitamin C and citric acid, which assist the body in better-absorbing iron from plant-based foods.
3. Lemons May Aid in Weight Loss
In a study done on mice, researchers put the test subjects on a fattening diet and gave them a percentage of lemon polyphenols extracted from the peel. The mice that were given the lemon extract gained less weight and body fat than the others.
Lemon pulp also contains pectin fiber, which expands once swallowed and makes you feel fuller for longer, making it an effective (and safe) appetite suppressant.
4. Lemons May Reduce the Risk of Some Cancers
Lemon oil contains d-limonene, an anticancer compound that has been studied in animals.
Additionally, another study used pulp from mandarins containing beta-cryptoxanthin and hesperidin, which are also found in lemons. Researchers found that these compounds protected rodents' tongues, lungs, and colons from malignant tumors.
5. Lemons May Help Boost Immunity.
Antioxidants and Vitamin C present in lemons are known to boost your immunity. Lemon is also known to fight colds and flu, and a glass of warm lemon water and a teaspoon of honey are common home remedies to provide relief from coughs, colds, and flu.
Lemons also have antibacterial and antiviral qualities, which further help to prevent illness and boost the body’s immune response.
6. Lemons May Be Effective in Preventing Kidney Stones
By increasing urine volume and pH, citrus acid can prevent kidney stones by creating an unfavorable environment for them to form. People who have already suffered from kidney stones may benefit from taking as little as 1/2 cup (4 ounces or 125 ml) of lemon juice each day to prevent kidney stone formation.
7. Lemons May Be Beneficial to the Skin
Lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C needed to produce collagen. Collagen is what gives our skin a plump and youthful look, helps reduce the fine wrinkles on the face, and clears our skin of blemishes and scarring.
Additionally, applying lemon juice and honey directly to your skin may help to clear acne due to the antibacterial properties of both of these substances.
8. Lemons May Improve Digestive Health
A warm glass of lemon water in the morning may have a laxative effect. Constipation sufferers may benefit from this if they want to improve their digestive health. Researchers have found that lemon juice, together with prune juice, can help promote normal bowel function in patients who have recently undergone orthopedic surgery. However, more research is needed.
Final Thoughts on the Health Benefits of Lemons
Adding lemons or lemon juice to your daily diet can be extremely beneficial to your health if done in moderation. This citrus fruit contains many essential nutrients and helps with the absorption of others, which makes it an excellent addition for those looking to supplement certain vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, lemons are relatively easy to incorporate into your diet and are readily available in most grocery stores.
Book an herbal medicine consultation with our natural health specialist for practical tips to improve your health and well-being with lemons and other natural remedies.
DISCLAIMER
This blog is intended to provide general information regarding health and related topics. The information and other materials offered in this blog, website, or any other linked materials are not meant to be used in place of professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be regarded as such. Please consult with a medical doctor or natural health specialist before starting a new medication, treatment, or natural supplement.