Top 5 Benefits of Lemons & How to Use
Drinking lemon water every morning is a popular trend, but did you know that in addition to supporting healthy digestion, this citrus fruit is packed with health benefits? Read along to find out everything you need to know about lemons, as well as DIY tips on how to use them in your daily routine.
There’s so much to love about lemons: the sour taste, the fresh aroma, the vibrant aesthetic.
But did you know, that this citrus fruit is packed with essential nutrients that can help support your health?
From skin health to weight loss, this fruit is tiny but powerful! Let’s have a look at the many benefits of adding lemon to your diet.
Top 5 benefits of lemons
Lemons are full of vitamin C
Lemons are a true vitamin bomb. In fact, 100g of lemons contain 50mg of vitamin C. Vitamin C can help strengthens the connective tissues by stimulating the body's own collagen production. But that’s not all, lemons also help strengthen the immune system and fend off free radicals - which, by the way, is exactly what makes the skin look glowing! In addition, this vitamin C supports the absorption of iron into the blood.
Lemons support healthy digestion
Let's talk about lemon water, which is known for being THE secret to smoother, more healthy digestion. Drinking lemon water before meals may help promote and improve digestion because it helps to stimulate the bile in your stomach. This is because the citric acid in lemon juice has been shown to boost gastric acid secretion which tends to decline as we age.
Lemons have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect
There’s nothing quite like hot lemon water with ginger to ward off colds. It is so effective thanks to vitamin C, which has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. It is said that vitamin C can be destroyed by heat and light and that it may even oxidize, high-heat cooking temperatures for example can break down vitamin C. Therefore, it is better to use lukewarm water when making your morning tonic.
Lemons support kidney function
Drinking lemon water can detoxify the body. Although it sounds like an unbelievable wellness trend, there is truth behind it! Studies have shown that the vitamin C contained in lemons can stimulate kidney function, which is responsible for removing waste and excess fluids from the body. When your kidneys are functioning properly they help to remove acid from your body which helps you maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals in your blood.
Lemons have an alkaline effect
The minerals potassium, calcium, and magnesium contained in lemons make them alkaline fruit. This may sound misleading at first since lemons are known to be acidic. However, they have alkaline and balancing effect on the body. Whether you follow a strictly alkaline diet or not, lemons can help the body with hyperacidity. Hyperacidity’s symptoms may be heartburn or discomfort after eating, an issue met regularly by people consuming meat on a regular basis.
The bottom line
An essential part of our kitchens, lemons can totally transform and brighten up a meal. This versatile food is also high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds. All these qualities make lemons a great addition to a balanced diet to support the immune system, help prevent skin damage, and improve digestive health.
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Super tip: Here’s how to store your lemons
Lemons can be stored for several months in cool rooms below 60°F room temperature. However, in the kitchen, you should use them within a few weeks and keep them out of the fridge!