Lemon

Lemons are the fruit in most people's homes around the world because of their gastronomic, beauty and, above all, health benefits. With a great flavor that goes very well in drinks, food and desserts, this citrus fruit has been used in medicine since ancient times and is today one of the best allies for health, with several scientific studies supporting its benefits.

Even in many medicinal traditions, such as the Chinese, it is recommended to drink lemon juice during the day to eliminate various toxins.

How is lemon different from other citrus fruits?

One of the main benefits of lemon is its ability to alkalize the body and regulate pH. Nowadays, many people have an acidic diet, so eating lemon is recommended to counteract this acidity. But there are many other benefits of lemon that many of us are not even aware of. What are they?

Natural treatment to detoxify the body

Thanks to its high antioxidant, vitamin and mineral content, lemon is a diuretic. It therefore helps to eliminate fluids and toxic substances retained in the body. Thanks to this benefit, it is highly recommended for detoxifying the body and preventing various diseases.

Pain relief

Lemon juice (of citrus fruits in general) reduces rheumatic and joint pain as it helps dissolve toxins and crystals that cause gout. In addition, its alkaline power is an effective ally in fighting sciatica and joint pain.

Natural deodorant

Lemon can be used as an emergency deodorant when the one we normally use has run out. The juice applied directly to the skin helps keep unwanted odors under control.

Cleansing blood and arteries

Thanks to the antioxidants in lemon. It helps eliminate waste and toxic substances present in the bloodstream, preventing diseases related to the circulatory and cardiovascular system. It also helps treat diseases such as cholera and malaria.

Fever ally

Drinking warm water with lemon is ideal for controlling fevers (in case of flu or colds), as it is an effective remedy for strengthening the defense system against infection and reducing body temperature (as lemon increases sweating).

Prevents premature ageing

Rich in antioxidants, lemon is a good ally to prevent premature ageing. Its vitamin C content and other important antioxidants help fight free radicals and prevent many diseases.

Cure for respiratory ailments

Thanks to its high vitamin C content and its antibiotic and antiviral properties, lemon helps to cleanse the airways and also strengthen the immune system, thus proving to be a powerful ally in treating asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

Acts as a liver balm

As it stimulates bile secretion and helps metabolize fats quickly, lemon is a powerful ally in preventing inflammation of the liver and gallbladder.

Fights high blood pressure

Remedy for stomach diseases

Lemons help regulate the body's pH and, because of this, are a cure for various stomach ailments: bloating, acidity, parasites, constipation, indigestion, nausea.

Protection against kidney stones

Citric acid has been shown to provide effective protection against kidney stones. The reason is that citric acid promotes the growth of citrate in the urine, which reduces the risk of these crystals turning into stones.

Hair care

Lemon is an excellent ally for clean and beautiful hair and scalp. Lemon juice helps cleanse the scalp and prevents dandruff. In addition, it works as a natural bleach, improves hair texture and helps preserve the hair's natural shine.

Cure for anemia

thanks to the amount of vitamin C and citric acid, lemon becomes an effective remedy against anemia because it improves the absorption of iron in our body.

Supports weight loss in overweight people

Lemons help reduce body fat, remove toxic substances from the body and also provide a feeling of satiety. In this case, it is recommended to drink warm water on an empty stomach.

Skin care

Daily consumption of lemon contributes to healthier, radiant and younger-looking skin. Applied directly to the skin, it treats infections, scars, sun spots, acne and excess sebum.

Effective treatment for neck conditions

Lemon is a great help when dealing with various throat ailments due to its antibiotic and antiviral properties. We can use it as a hot lemon tea or by gargling with lemon juice.

Cancer protection

The flavonoids in lemon may play a relevant role in protecting against certain cancers such as breast, prostate or colon cancer. A regular intake of citrus fruits may also be associated with a lower risk of stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Supports dental health

Lemon juice can help reduce toothache when applied directly to the painful area. It is also useful in cases of bleeding gums, and is a great ally for whitening teeth and fighting bad breath (halitosis).

How and how much lemon is good for your health?

Lemons can be eaten pure, in teas, cocktails, in cakes, salads and sauces, but their most popular use is as juice (lemon juice) and lemon water.

The recommended amount to consume depends from person to person, their physical constitution and many other factors. For example, the elderly and children tolerate it less than adults with a standard physical build, and the athletic less than overweight people.

Our advice is to seek specialist advice before consuming lemon daily and in large quantities, because as beneficial as it is, in excessive quantities it can be harmful to our health.

Nutritional values per 100 g (lemon juice)

Contraindications

Like any food, the introduction of lemon into our diet is directly linked to the physical conditions of each person, because although we are talking about a great ally of health, its consumption must be restricted in the face of particular situations that an individual may suffer. Lemon is therefore contraindicated for people suffering from:
- bone demineralization and decalcification
- dental problems (inflammation of the gums, lost and badly damaged teeth)
- mouth, tongue and throat sores
- insomnia
- stomach problems (acidosis)
- skin wounds
- chronic constipation
- inflammation of the prostate, uterus, bladder or esophagus.

Consumed properly, on the advice of a specialist doctor, lemon works wonders in everyone's life, the important thing is to use it properly, judiciously and in the right quantity.

Preparations will be more tasty with a little lemon juice, cakes more delicious with an essence of lemon (grated rind), and we will be brighter and livelier if we include it in our beauty and health remedies.

Beneficial effects: