Lemon is a natural cross between the lime and the citron originated from Himalayan Mountains. This fruit was cultivated and spread throughout the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Lemons were introduced in America during second visit of Columbus in 1493. Lemon health benefits are well known.
Lemon is an excellent source of antioxidants especially vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, fiber, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, copper, folate and potassium. Lemon properties are able to fight free radicals responsible for most serious damages of blood vessels, atherosclerosis and heart disease as well as for cancer development.
Generally speaking consumption of fruits and vegetables always associated with reduced risks of many lifestyle-related health conditions and life-threatening diseases. Lemon health benefits have very special place in several natural treatments.
Lemon health benefits
Cardiovascular system
According to health statistics, cardiovascular diseases (including heart attacks and strokes) are the most common cause of death in the world. Several studies demonstrated links between intake of lemon (and other fruits rich in vitamin C) and reduced frequencies of cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, low levels of vitamin C in the blood are linked to increased risks of stroke (especially in overweight women with high blood pressure).
Lemon can also reduce risks of atherosclerosis by reducing levels of so called “bad cholesterol” and by protecting LDL cholesterol particles from becoming oxidized.
Laboratory tests on rats show that the plant compounds hesperidin and diosmin could have beneficial effects on some key risk factors for heart disease.
Ischemic stroke
According to scientific studies, regular lemon users had a 19% lower risk of ischemic stroke than women who consumed lemon very rare. Scientists concluded that eating higher amounts of citrus fruits (lemons) may lower ischemic stroke risk for women.
Kidney stones
Lemon health benefits cannot be overestimated for kidney stones. According to scientific studies, the citric acid in lemons can increase urine volume, which may help prevent the formation of kidney stones. Health experts recommend lemon juice for prevention of kidney stones.
Cancer
Lemon is full of antioxidants (vitamin C, hesperidin, d-limonene) and this is why it can reduce risks of several types of cancers, especially breast cancer. It was noted that lemon’s vitamin C helps to neutralize free radicals linked to aging and most types of cancer. Powerful antioxidant vitamin C can help fight the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.
Scientists prove that lemon contain about 25 anticancer properties which slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals and stop cell division in cancer cells.
Anemia
One of main cause of anemia often can be iron deficiency (especially during perimenopause and menopause). Lemon’s few properties (small amounts of iron, vitamin C and citric acid) can increase the absorption of iron from different types of food – this is how lemon may help prevent anemia.
Lemon health benefits
Cleaning
Lemon’s ability to dissolve fat is crucial in body cleaning. Lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver and it is a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons. Many experts recommend morning lemon juice not only for cleaning but also for immune system boosting and very special aroma.
Lemon can also increase peristalsis in the bowels – stimulating bowel movement thus eliminating waste and helping with regularity. The citric acid in lemon juice helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits and kidney stones.
Health experts recommend adding the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink first thing in the morning (while having empty stomach) – it is a great liver detoxifier.
Skin
The powerful antioxidant vitamin C can help to fight skin damages caused by the sun or pollution – reducing wrinkles and improving the overall skin texture. At the same time, vitamin C plays an important role in the formation of skin collagen – supporting whole skin system. You can eat lemon regularly or use it as topical application.
Immune system
It is well known that all foods rich in antioxidants are able to boost the immune system. Actually lemon is very high in vitamin C and other antioxidants and it can help the immune system battle germs different types of infections – protecting women body from several diseases.
Infections
Lemons have powerful antibacterial properties. Several laboratory tests and experiments have found the juice of lemons destroy the bacteria of malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other deadly diseases.
Alkalizing effect
Lemon is acidic to the taste but it is alkaline-forming in the body – balancing highly acidic condition in the body.
