Lemon (citrus limon) is a citrus fruit that is native to Asia.
Lemons are grown in all tropical and subtropical regions. The leading producers are the United States, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Turkey, and Greece. In the United States lemons are grown chiefly in California and Arizona.
Rich in:
Citric acid, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), potassium, calcium, phosphor,
copper, iron, bioflavonoids, folic acid, magnesium , vitamin A and B group vitamins, Limonene, pectin.
29 calories per 100 grams of lemon.
Health benefits of lemons:
INTERNAL USAGE: drink ½ lemon juice diluted in a cup of warm water
Dosage: The dose should be increased gradually from 1 lemon day to 10 lemons for those who can tolerate it.
Infections: citric acid, ascorbic acid and potassium cause an alkalizing effect in the body and so more resistance against viruses and bacteria which proliferate when the body PH is acidic.
Immune system: stimulates the body’s white blood cells that help your immune system fight off infections, particularly bacteria and fungi.
Detoxifying properties: is a natural body cleanser. The alkaline effect of citric acid and potassium helps elimination of waste products like uric acid. Also destroys free radicals created by the liver’s metabolic process. Detox agent of blood and liver.
Diuretic: increases the rate of urination. This flushes all the toxins out of the body fast and naturally cleanse of kidneys and bladder keeping your urinary tract clean and healthy.
Dental care: helps to strengthen gums and teeth and prevents gingivitis and dental decay .Vitamin C reduces histamine and therefore inflammation
Allergic reactions: vitamin C maintains low levels of histamine released by the body when allergy and so inflammation.
Anemia prevention: contains high levels of Iron and Vitamin C ( helps iron absorption).
UTI: contains citric acid and potassium which help alkalize your body. Rich in vitamin C reduces histamine and inflammation. Acts as a diuretic increasing the rate of urination and this flushes all the toxins out.
Cholesterol: Vitamin C reduces high levels of cholesterol
Skin cancer: D-Limonene may protect the skin from cancer
Scurvy prevention: vitamin C prevents scurvy. Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C.
Osteoporosis: Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which maintains bones and cartilage .Rich in calcium and magnesium (helps absorption of calcium) and potassium makes an alkalizing effect and neutralizing metabolic acids, thus conserving the bone’s calcium stores.
Stimulates liver metabolism: vitamin C promotes the production of glutathione, that fights toxins in the liver. The powerful antioxidant also destroys free radicals created by the liver’s metabolic process thereby acting as detoxifying agent in the liver
Cancer prevention: prevents cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon: lemon prevent the division of cancer cells so that they do not spread.
Digestive disorders: Lemons neutralize acidity in the stomach, helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, ulcers, belching and bloating. Stimulates appetite and improves digestion stimulating secretion of digestive juices and bile production which is an acid that is required for digestion . aids in the digestion of proteins and fats. Helps stimulate bowel movements
Cold, flu, coughs (with honey). Due to its alkalizing effect in the body strengthens the immune system to fight bacteria and viruses. Prevents recurrent ear infections. Gargle with lemon juice to ease a sore throat. Vitamin C has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Circulatory disorders: Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and reduces high cholesterol levels and inflammation when varicose veins, hemorrhoids, arteriosclerosis, poor blood circulation. Potassium also helps control high blood pressure.
Intestine worms: Stomach and intestinal parasites are killed by lemon juice.
Kidney stones: as a diuretic prevents crystals from forming in the kidneys that lead to kidney stones. Helps dissolve gallstones and calcium deposits.
Loss weight: powerful detoxifying agent helps eliminate waste products out of the body and cleaning out the liver. Fibers help promote fluid bowel functions and as a diuretic increases the rate of urination. Also contains pectin fiber that helps reduce hunger cravings. Lemon is a digestive aid too.
Gout and arthritis: prevents gout and arthritis by stimulating the formation of calcium carbonate that neutralizes uric acid that triggers attacks. Vitamin C also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Energizing properties: negatively charged ions provides your body with more energy.
Anti-aging: Lemon contains bioflavonoids, antioxidants that act as anti-aging agent combating free radical damage and so skin wrinkles.
Prevent diabetes: lemon may lower the glycemic index of other foods. High-fiber diets have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.
EXTERNAL USAGE: essential oil or lemon juice
Acne: applying juice lemon to acne will dry eruptions and kill bacteria. As an astringent it helps to close pores and clears skin. Also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Insect bites: Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and helps relieve the itching. Acting as a natural antihistamine agent reduces swelling.
Bacterial and fungal disorders: lemon applied directly on the skin acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent.
Fever: socks soaked in warm lemon juice and water applied to warm feet can calm a child fever.
Cautions:
The peels of lemons and limes contain measurable amounts of oxalates so they may not be suitable for people with kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating lemon or lime peels. Oxalates may also interfere with absorption of calcium from the body. May cause diarrhea if the dosage is too high.