Ancient civilizations believed that lemon has the power to ward of poisons and some recent research has supported this view.
Specifically, a study done at University California Davis found the biological activity of citrus, bioflavonoids were effective in anti-cancer activity in the body.
This citrus fruit has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and provides a significant boost to the immune system. It is effective in fighting infection thanks to its levels of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, citric acid, calcium, magnesium, pectin, and limonene.
Most people have heard that starting your day with warm lemon water is a natural energizer that hydrates and oxygenates the body.
Here are 25 other benefits of lemons that you didn’t know about.
1. It helps break a fever.
Its juice increases perspiration which in turn can help force a fever to break.
2. Lemons help improve our mood.
The refreshing smell of citrus fruit can help lessen symptoms of depression while increasing energy levels.
3. Lemons help us breathe better.
They can aid asthma sufferers by thinning mucus and clearing the airways.
4. Lemon helps relieve the symptoms of arthritis.
It flushes out toxins and bacteria thanks to its diuretic properties. The reduction in toxins helps to reduce inflammation in the joints.
5. They can help prevent kidney stones.
Lemons are responsible for stimulating the production of the chemical compound, urinary citrate, a key compound in the prevention of kidney stones.
6. Lemons are effective as a topical disinfectant.
Use the juice from this zesty citrus on scrapes and cuts to disinfect the area.
7. Lemon preserves clothing.
The juice, along with salt, can help remove mold and stains from clothing.
8. They can treat acne and problem skin.
These are natural cleansing agents for the skin. That’s because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties.
9. Lemon lightens age spots.
The citric acid contained inside helps to even skin tone and fade dark spots.
10. They help oily skin.
The juices can cut through oil while helping to curb excess oil production in the skin.
11. Lemon will strengthen your nails.
Some of the juice mixed with olive oil will strengthen and whiten weak and brittle nails.
12. This citrus fruit is a natural insect repellant.
Wipe baseboards with a mixture of a squeeze of its juice and some water to keep ants, flies, and cockroaches at bay.
13. Lemons help with the signs of aging.
The bioflavonoids in this fruit are responsible for the reduction of free radicals which can cause skin damage and premature aging.
14. They help relieve headaches.
A mixture of green tea and lemon can be as effective as aspirin in relieving headaches.
15. Lemons are good for oral health.
They can help with infected and bleeding gums and can reduce tooth pain.
16. They fight against bad breath.
The citric acid in a lemon helps to balance our body’s pH which will aid in destroying the bacteria in the mouth.
17. Lemons whiten teeth.
Mix some of this fruit’s juice with baking soda for a natural teeth whitener.
18. They naturally exfoliate.
Rubbing a lemon directly on chapped and dry skin will aid in the removal of dead skin.
19. This fruit can detoxify the blood.
Our blood accumulates toxins and regular consumption of lemon acts as a detoxifying and purification agent for our blood.
20. Lemons can help ward off or heal infections.
Lemons are in antibacterial properties which can help heal and even prevent infection.
21. Lemons can provide natural highlights.
Add a little freshly squeezed juice to your hair conditioner and sit in the sun for awhile. After rinsing your hair, you will notice your natural highlights beginning to appear.
22. It can help prevent dandruff.
Massage a little lemony juice and warm olive oil into your scalp to relieve itchiness and dryness.
23. Lemons cleanse the body.
Mix a squeeze of this juice with a little milk or yogurt and massage over your skin. It will cleanse, exfoliate and soften in one step.
24. This fruit can improve your digestive system.
Warm water with lemon can help prevent constipation and improve your overall digestive system.
25. Lemons are an effective cleanser.
The juice mixed with water can act as a cleaning and disinfectant for your counters. Also, they can help remove pesticides from your fruits and vegetables.
The benefits of citric acid are far-reaching because they are effective both in healing and prevention. There is even promising research that says they can aid in weight loss.
How much lemon is enough?
It is recommended to ingest at least ½ of a lemon daily. The most simple way to start is by adding some lemon to your water.
A few words of caution. First, citric acid can be hard on the enamel of your teeth. So if when drinking lemon water or eating any citrus fruits, rinse with your mouth with plain water to remove the acid from your teeth. Also, if applying to the skin, they can make the skin more sensitive to the sun so make sure and wear sunscreen.
Even so, the benefits of lemon can’t be dismissed and adding it to your daily nutrition plan is wise.
