The benefits and harms of lemon for the human body, the best recipes

No one will deny that lemon is a very healthy fruit. But its medicinal properties are primarily due to its high vitamin C content, making it an excellent remedy for colds. But many people don't even realize how lemon can be beneficial beyond that.

Composition and calorie content of citrus fruits

Lemon is a low-calorie product, 100 g contains approximately 16 kcal. The beneficial properties of this fruit are due to its high content of vitamins and microelements. Both the pulp and the peel of this fruit are beneficial. Lemon also contains saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6).

Nutrients

Due to its high nutrient content, lemon is considered one of the healthiest fruits.

Vitamins

The pulp and peel of the fruit contain a large amount of vitamins:

• B vitamins.
• Vitamins C, A, PP and E.
• Niacin.

If you regularly include this fruit in your diet, your body will not experience a vitamin deficiency.

Electrolytes

The electrolytes contained in fruits include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.

Micro- and macroelements

Fruits contain microelements and macroelements:

• sulfur;
• iodine;
• cobalt;
• sodium;
• silicon;
• zinc;
• chromium;
• fluorine;
• nickel;
• molybdenum;
• selenium;
• rubidium.

In addition to these substances, it also contains iron, boron, manganese, and lithium.

Phytonutrients

The phytonutrients found in the fruit help with type 2 diabetes (they increase tissue sensitivity to insulin). They also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Phytonutrients in lemons include beta-carotene, limonoids, and flavonoids.

How to choose a good and ripe lemon?

All lemons look the same, so it's difficult to tell at first glance whether a fruit is good or bad. The taste of the fruit also varies little, but if stored improperly, the flesh may taste bitter.

When choosing fruit, you can ignore the skin color and size. These characteristics don't affect the taste.

Signs of a good and ripe fruit:

1. There are no dark spots or dots on the peel, the color is uniform.
2. There should be no depressions or withered areas.
3. The lemon aroma should be clearly noticeable.
4. When squeezed, the peel should be firm, but not hard (this indicates that the lemon is not yet ripe).
5. If you apply a napkin to the surface of the skin, greasy stains from the essential oils should remain on it (if this does not happen, it means the fruit is of poor quality and has been treated with chemicals).

Citrus fruits with thinner skins contain more beneficial substances.

Beneficial properties and effects on the body

The health benefits of lemon are undeniable. Regularly including this fruit in your diet can help prevent many diseases.

But despite the enormous benefits, it is not recommended to overuse this fruit.

Immunomodulatory

One of the first benefits that comes to mind is its immune-boosting properties. At the first sign of a cold, regular tea with lemon and honey can improve your well-being. This boost in immunity is due to the fruit's vitamin C content.

Weight normalization

Regular consumption of lemon or lemon water helps boost metabolism, which in turn leads to weight loss. It promotes the active breakdown of fats and removes harmful cholesterol from the body. Drinking lemon water daily can help you achieve normal weight faster.

The only limitation is high stomach acidity and a number of gastrointestinal diseases, for which eating lemon (especially on an empty stomach) will only cause harm.

Cleansing the gastrointestinal tract

Many gastrointestinal conditions contraindicate consumption of this fruit. However, if you have no stomach issues, drinking lemon water on an empty stomach has a beneficial effect. It can be used to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract. To do this, drink lemon water daily (1 tablespoon of juice per 200 ml of water). Then, reduce the amount of water and juice consumed.

Cancer prevention

The healing properties and prevention of cancer are explained by the fact that the fruits contain substances that remove free radicals from the body. Of course, lemons are not a guaranteed protection against cancer, but preventing this disease, including in this way, is very important.

Improves vision

Vitamin C and a number of other micronutrients promote faster blood circulation in the body. This property increases the flow of nutrients to the eyeballs, which in turn can have a positive effect on vision.

Helps with iron absorption

Iron is one of the micronutrients involved in the formation of hemoglobin. Vitamin C promotes better iron absorption.

Affects the appearance of the skin

Fruits improve the appearance of skin thanks to antioxidants. They scavenge free radicals from the body, slowing the aging process. Citrus also prevents the appearance of age spots and fine lines.

Lemon juice is often used in cosmetology. For example, it's used to make brightening masks that help combat age spots and old acne scars.

Lemon juice helps with oily hair. After washing, rinse your hair with lemon water, which helps it stay oil-free for longer and adds a beautiful shine.

Prevents the formation of kidney stones

Citrus fruits contain acids that reduce the concentration of calcium salts in urine. This property helps prevent kidney stones.

Is it possible to use?

Although the benefits of citrus for the body are undeniable, for some categories of people, including this fruit in their diet often remains questionable.

For pregnant and lactating mothers

During pregnancy, citrus fruits help relieve nausea, which often plagues women. They also boost the immune system, as any illness during pregnancy, even a common cold, can negatively impact the health of the fetus. It's recommended to avoid or reduce citrus consumption during the third trimester.

Breastfeeding women are advised against consuming citrus fruits. Eating this fruit can cause diathesis and allergies in children.

When losing weight

When losing weight, lemon water speeds up metabolism and fat breakdown. Therefore, it can be included in your diet, unless there are other contraindications.

Lemon peel and seeds

Lemon seeds and peel are typically not eaten. The peel is very bitter. However, the zest is often added to various dishes and baked goods in small quantities to add flavor.

The seeds are indigestible, so eating them is contraindicated. They either pass naturally or accumulate in the appendix. This can lead to inflammation, which can only be treated surgically.

Options for eating sour fruit

There are several ways to eat citrus fruits.

Lemon with honey or sugar

Fresh fruit can be chopped and mixed with sugar or honey. It makes a delicious sweet and sour dessert. Honey and lemon are good for colds.

Water with lemon

Another option is to dilute juice in water or mineral water. You can also add berries, mint, or cucumber to this water. It makes a delicious, refreshing drink.

Tea with lemon and ginger

Hot tea with honey, lemon, and ginger always warms you up in cold weather. This drink is also great for colds.

Brew black tea, grate the ginger, and cut the lemon into wedges. Place all ingredients in the teapot. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Then dilute with water, add honey, and drink. This tea quickly warms up chills from a fever.

Use in folk medicine

The medicinal properties of citrus are especially useful for certain diseases.

For colds and flu

When you have a cold, drinking tea with lemon, honey, and ginger is helpful. Just be careful not to overindulge if you have gastrointestinal issues.

For rinsing the mouth for sore throat

If you have a sore throat, it's not recommended to eat citrus fruits, as they irritate the mucous membrane and prolong the soreness. Gargling with lemon juice diluted in water is fine if your throat starts to feel scratchy due to a cold.

For insomnia

Insomnia can be debilitating. Without adequate and healthy sleep, it's impossible to lead a normal life, so finding an effective remedy is crucial. Lemon, for example, can help. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 30 grams of crushed walnuts in 300 ml of water and drink 1 tablespoon before bed.

For headaches

A headache can strike at any time, even when pills are unavailable. To alleviate the condition, you have to look for alternatives. For example, if you happen to have a lemon in the house, you can use it to relieve a headache.

Peel the skin and apply the cool side to your temples until the pain subsides.

For migraines, you can make a folk remedy with garlic. To prepare, take 1 teaspoon of honey, juice (squeeze from 6 garlic cloves), and 5 heads of garlic. Grind the garlic and mix with honey and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly. Let it steep for a week. Take 1 teaspoon once a day.

For constipation

Lemon contains citric acid, which stimulates bowel function, so citrus can be an excellent remedy for constipation.

To prepare a constipation remedy, squeeze the juice from half the fruit and dilute it in 200 ml of water. Add salt and honey and mix thoroughly. Pour warm water over the mixture. Stir until the salt dissolves.

For purulent abscesses

Boils and furuncles can be treated with lemon juice or a slice of citrus can be applied to the area for a while, secured with a bandage. After a while, the pus should drain and the boil should heal.

Against calluses

In the evening, you can soak your feet in hot water to treat calluses. Add the juice of one lemon to the water and soak your feet for 30 minutes. Afterward, dry your feet thoroughly and apply lemon wedges to the calluses, securing them with a bandage. Wrap your feet in plastic and put on socks. Leave the citrus compress on overnight.

For gout

Gout causes uric acid to accumulate in the body. This leads to swelling and other unpleasant symptoms. Regularly drinking lemon juice diluted in water helps break down urea and improve well-being.

For diabetics

Lemon juice is recommended for type 2 diabetes. Diluted in water, it helps normalize blood glucose levels. This drink is especially beneficial for diabetics with a low glycemic index.

Contraindications and restrictions

Despite the fact that citrus contains a large number of useful substances, the fruit can be dangerous to health.
Why is lemon harmful to the body?

1. In case of high acidity, gastritis and a number of other diseases, consuming lemons or juice in large quantities is contraindicated.
2. The fruit is considered an allergenic product.
3. It is not recommended to give citrus to children under 3 years of age.
4. Women in the last months of pregnancy and nursing mothers should limit their consumption of the fruit.
5. Due to the high content of vitamin C and acids, citrus fruits have a negative effect on tooth enamel (acids destroy tooth enamel).
6. Contraindicated in acute nephritis.
7. In some cases, lemon essential oil may cause skin redness when used for cosmetic purposes.

When consuming lemon, as with any other product, it is important to remember that overindulgence in citrus fruits will not lead to anything good.