What are the benefits of lemon?
Nutritional characteristics of lemon
A fruit low in sugar
Unlike many other fruits, lemons aren’t very sweet. They’re mostly made up of “good nutrients,” vitamins, and, most importantly, water. This citrus fruit contains only 3 grams of sugar per 100 grams, while most fruits contain three times more. Lemons contain 17 calories per 100 grams.
A source of vitamin C
Lemon is one of the fruits that contains the most vitamin C, with more than 50 milligrams per 100 grams. This is one of its main assets, since it is this vitamin content that makes lemon one of the most antioxidant fruits found, especially in France.
A citrus fruit rich in minerals
This citrus fruit is very rich in potassium (a trace element essential for the proper functioning of the body) and calcium, a mineral that is better absorbed by the body when consumed with vitamin C.
Antioxidant compounds in lemon
Flavonoids
Lemon is rich in flavonoids : antioxidant compounds whose purpose is to neutralize free radicals, the main culprits of cell oxidation. Lemon, therefore, helps reduce damage caused by oxidative stress, itself caused by pollution, solar rays (UV), or even alcohol and cigarettes. Direct benefits include brighter, longer-lasting skin.
Nobiletin is a flavonoid. It has antiangiogenic benefits. In other words, lemon may help slow the growth of certain metastases and tumors.
Limonoids
Besides being responsible for the acidity of lemons, limonoids are also powerful antioxidants and have been shown to affect cancer cells. While this has not yet been proven in humans, it has been shown in some animals.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Lemon
The composition of lemon, rich in antioxidants, makes this fruit a real ally for our health, especially if we consume it regularly, as part of a balanced diet accompanied by a non-sedentary lifestyle.
Focus on the 10 main health benefits of lemon.
1. Lose weight
The first health benefit of lemon is its impact on our weight. Indeed, scientific studies indicate that obese people have insufficient and lower levels of vitamin C than non-obese people. This figure is directly linked to excessive abdominal fat.
In addition to its energy-boosting qualities, vitamin C helps oxidize 30% more fat in the body during exercise. Therefore, regularly consuming lemon can help drastically accelerate the fat-burning process.
2. Purify the body
It’s common knowledge that drinking a glass of water with lemon juice first thing in the morning helps you start your day off right. This (true) belief is based on the fact that lemon has a purifying effect on the body.
Thanks to its antioxidant power, lemon is a diuretic food (it promotes the urge to urinate). The elimination of toxic substances is optimized, which helps cleanse the body. This even helps prevent certain diseases.
3. Fight cholesterol
Lemon can help fight bad cholesterol, which is dangerous for health because it clogs blood vessels and can cause cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure.
Flavonoids and limonoids have the power to reduce blood cholesterol levels. More generally, the antioxidants present in lemon (diuretics) help purify the blood by eliminating toxic substances and waste. Lemon can therefore help prevent cardiovascular disease.
4. Avoid premature aging
Lemon is one of the fruits richest in antioxidants. It therefore helps fight free radicals and oxidative stress. This helps prevent premature aging, both physically (skin appearance) and in the development of certain cancers.
5. Antiviral and antibacterial
Lemon has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties that help the body fight off certain ailments, such as colds and sore throats. Lemon can be consumed as an infusion or used cold as a gargle.
Thanks to these same benefits, lemon helps fight respiratory problems by helping the immune system protect itself.
6. An ally against stomach problems
Lemon is an excellent way to naturally regulate the body’s pH. As a result, it helps reduce pain and digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion, constipation, and acid reflux.
Moreover, lemon promotes the production of bile, making digestion easier.
7. Filter waste from the body
Lemon helps the liver (a vital organ essential for the proper functioning of the body) to filter waste from the body by promoting the breakdown of fats (remember, thanks to vitamin C and its antioxidant properties ).
Also, lemons’ high vitamin C content helps strengthen blood vessels and kidneys. This allows the kidneys to more quickly eliminate toxins and waste from the body through urine. Lemon’s high potassium content promotes proper kidney function.
Lemon, therefore, helps to naturally purify the body by boosting the functions of the kidneys and liver.
8. Prevent prostate cancer
Lemon, rich in flavonoids, promotes prostate health. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, this citrus fruit slows the production of prostate cancer cells and helps prevent the eponymous cancer. Of course, lemon is not a treatment in itself.
9. Reduce the glycemic index (anti-diabetes)
Lemon is an anti- diabetic food (a chronic disease linked to excessive blood sugar levels). The advantage of lemon is that its consumption helps reduce the glycemic index – and therefore the sugar – present in the blood.
Unlike other fruits, which are too sweet, diabetics can eat lemons. It is even recommended to consume the juice of this citrus fruit, diluted in cold or hot water.
10. Improve the quality of skin and hair
Lemon’s pH helps you quickly achieve beautiful, shiny hair. Simply rinse your hair with the juice of this citrus fruit, which also helps to deeply cleanse the scalp and prevent dandruff.
Lemon can also improve skin quality. Lemon juice can be applied directly to pigment spots, scars, or acne-prone skin to soothe the epidermis. But be careful! Skin that has come into contact with lemon should not be exposed to the sun (lemon is photosensitive). Remember to apply SPF 50+ if you must be exposed after applying lemon.
How to consume lemon daily to reap its benefits?
Lemon can be consumed in many different forms: fresh juice, diluted in cold or hot water, applied directly to the skin… But how can you consume this citrus fruit to get the most benefits?
How to choose your lemon?
It all starts with buying lemons. Ideally, opt for an organic lemon: this will allow you to enjoy the flavor of the zest without exposing yourself to harmful agents such as pesticides.
It’s important to buy fresh lemons: avoid lemons that have already been juiced! The industrial processing has already stripped them of some of their vitamins and minerals.
To choose your citrus fruit effectively, the fruit must:
- Have a very shiny and fine skin
- Be firm and heavy (a sign that it is very juicy).
How to consume lemon to get the most benefits?
To get the most out of lemon, it is best to consume it cold, in fresh or lukewarm water. Hot water can reduce some of its benefits (very hot water, in general, tends to reduce the nutritional qualities of fruits and vegetables).
Combine lemon for maximum benefit.s
Lemon can be combined with a large number of products:
- Ginger for improved intestinal transit, boosting the immune system, and for increased antioxidant benefits. Ginger and lemon can be used to clear the respiratory and ENT tracts.
- Honey, to promote detoxification of the body and to benefit from its antiseptic effects.
- Thyme, to aid digestion and calm the body.
- Garlic, to fight against high blood pressure, bronchitis, or even the flu.
This is not an exhaustive list. Lemon can be combined with essential oil or other aromatic herbs to boost your immunity and stay in better shape.
What is the best time of day to consume lemon?
Drink lemon water when you wake .up
The ideal way to benefit from the preventive benefits of lemon is to consume it in fresh or lukewarm water every morning, on an empty stomach. This allows your liver to benefit from its antioxidant properties.
Is it good to take a lemon every day?
Since lemon is low in sugar and balances blood sugar, it can be consumed daily, or even multiple times a day. Lemon is generally consumed in small amounts, so there’s no risk of consuming too many carbohydrates.
Lemon can also be a great way to drink more water every day. We often forget to drink water. Adding lemon juice adds flavor, making it a great way to hydrate while boosting your body.