Lemons : The Sweet Benefits of This Sour Fruit

We all love Beyoncé’s Lemonade, but what about lemon aid? This Asian originated fruit has been around for centuries but is often overlooked when one thinks about nutritious foods. With only 17 calories, a large lemon contains 45 milligrams of Vitamin C and 80 milligrams of potassium. The list of ways that lemons can be used is endless, and so are its benefits to our bodies.

Detoxification

The sour taste of lemons comes from its acidic nature, but did you know that when the juice enters the body it becomes alkaline?  This alkalinity (just like leafy greens) balances the pH within our systems. Thus, lemons can be a natural cleanser and help to loosen amina (toxins) in the digestive tract, which helps with the elimination process. The lemon juice can actually serve as an antibacterial in the stomach and fight against H. Pylori, a gut bacterium that you do NOT want hanging around. To top it all off, lemon juice also has the ability to purge toxins from the blood which results in clearer skin. Flat stomach and glowing skin? Count me in.

Hydration

The next time you are drinking an ice cold glass of water or a fresh juice, be sure to add lemons! Lemons can be sour like the Eureka or sweet like the Meyer but both kinds aid in the hydration process. As we know, the key to a smoothly running digestive system, as well as clear skin is to stay hydrated. Lemons not only add flavor to your beverage, but hydrate the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes are located on top of the kidneys and, along with the thyroid, create energy and secrete the hormone aldosterone. This regulates internal water levels and mineral concentration. Staying hydrated and having a constant supply of vitamins and minerals is an easy way to maintain energy throughout the day and beat the summer heat.

Protection/Prevention

As previously mentioned, lemons are a fantastic source of the ever so amazing Vitamin C. Vitamin C alone is a cancer fighting, immune boosting, antioxidant that aids in the maintenance and repair of cartilage, bones and teeth. In addition, lemons also contain the phytochemical called limonoid. Research has shown that some citrus limonoids can inhibit the development of oral tumors.

Drinking one half cup of lemon juice every day (whether it is by itself, in water, or in juice) raises citrate levels in the urine which can have protective effects against calcium stones. Often times we think of orange juice as the citrate super hero, but OJ contains a hefty amount of sugar and does not lower calcium levels like lemon juice does. In addition, lemons contain pectin, a soluble fiber that aids in weight loss and reduces the risk of Type II diabetes.

Tip from the author- I often start my mornings with what I call my Lemon Juice Elixir. Brew 4 oz hot water, add a tiny bit of cold water, juice of a medium lemon, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, ½ tsp ginger, 1 tsp honey, and stir. This is a natural way to detoxify the body and get the digestive system going. Try it for yourself!

 

Sources:

A.D.A.M. “Kidney Stones”. New York Times Health Guide. 30 August 2013.

Dentino, Ashley. “Why You Should Drink Warm Water & Lemon.” Mindbodygreen. N.p., 01 May 2012. Web. 28 July 2016.

“Health Benefits of Lemons.” The Dr. Oz Show. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 July 2016.

“Lemon…Aid? From Weight-Loss to Pain Relief, This Citrus Has You Covered.” Shape Magazine. N.p., 15 May 2012. Web. 28 July 2016.

Miller, EG, JL Porter, WH Binnie, IY Guo, and S. Hasegawa. “Further Studies on the Anticancer Activity of Citrus Limonoids.” J Agric Food Chem 52.15 (2004): 4908-912. Web. 28 July 2016.

Stanton, Meredith. “Lemons: A Zesty, Healthy Fruit.” WebMD. WebMD, 2006. Web. 28 July 2016.