By now, everyone has discovered the amazing health benefits of lemons. I’m sure you have heard that you should add fresh lemons or lemon juice to your water at least once or twice. However, do you know the specific health benefits of lemons, or do you include lemons in your diet because someone suggested it? 

Lemons are a popular ingredient used in small amounts to flavor food. In fact, lemons are the third most essential citrus species globally. Most lemons are pressed into fruit juice.

Although lemons are rarely consumed on their own because of their robust sour flavor, used in combination with other ingredients, they add life to and brighten up bland dishes. Lemons can add flavor to baked goods such as lemon poppy seed bread, drinks, salad dressings, desserts, marinades, and sauces. 

What Are Lemons

In short, lemons are an oval citrus fruit with smooth, porous skin, a vivid yellow color, and a tart flavor. Some lemons have a tapered point at the base, while others have a rounded edge.

In addition to this, lemons grow on small but thorny trees that can range from 10-20 feet in stature. Lemons are known for their tart yet acidic juice and can be grown and harvested several times a year depending on the part of the world it is grown in. Lemons can be dried, candied, juiced, or made into preservatives and used in a variety of drinks as well as dishes. 

History Of Lemons

Like most foods on the planet, the true origin of lemons remains unknown. It is believed that lemons are indigenous to India. However, we know lemons landed on the shores of Southern Italy during 200 AD and were grown in Egypt and Iran in 700 AD.

With the help of the Arabs, lemons made thier way across the Mediterranean region during the 2nd century. Columbus kept the chain moving by carrying lemon seeds with him on his voyage to the New World in 1492. One year later, lemon seeds were planted in Hispanola, then Spanish explorers and missionaries planted lemons and other fruits in Florida and California.

Interesting Facts About Lemons

Food is as interesting to me as breathing air. Not only is it delicious, but the more information you know about food, the more beneficial it is to you. This allows you to easily determine which foods you should eat less of and which foods you should eat more of. 

With that being said, lemons are one interesting food. Like mango, whose flavor is reminiscent of is a peach, pineapple, and orange, lemons are a cross between an orange and citron.

In addition to this, lemon trees can yield up to 600 pounds of lemons annually as they produce fruit year-round. On average, a lemon contains 8 seeds, while each lemon can have up to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.

Lemon leaves can be used to make tea, and sprinkling lemon juice on fruits such as apples can prevent them from turning brown. Furthermore, lemons are not limited to cooking; they can be used as a cleaning agent. 

The Health Benefits Of Lemon

According to research, lemons contain rich concentrations of essential oils, fiber, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. 

Rich In Potassium 

Lemons contain rich concentrations of potassium, which can lower blood pressure. One animal study found flavonoids in lemon suppressed blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Furthermore, cohort studies suggest a potassium-rich diet may decrease mortality rates associated with cardiovascular disease and decrease the progression of renal disease. A higher potassium intake may also decrease urinary calcium excretion as well as play an essential part in managing hypercalciuria and kidney stones. Therefore, your chances of developing osteoporosis will decrease. 

High Concentrations Vitamin C

Lemons are a treasure trove of vitamin C. They contain a whopping 80 milligrams of vitamin C. Vitamin C can prevent scurvy.

In addition to this, clinical studies have found that administering vitamin C can decrease symptoms associated with chronic regional pain syndrome and decrease acute herpetic and post-herpetic neuralgia. Furthermore, vitamin C can also reduce pain associated with cancer, thus enhancing the patient’s quality of life. 

Supports The Immune System 

Lemon can also support normal immune system functioning. Lemon aids the generation of white blood cells and antibodies in the blood. Both white blood cells and antibodies fight microorganisms and inhibit infections. 

Stress And Skin Health 

There’s no escaping stress in this life. It is best to learn how to manage stress instead of hoping to avoid it. Including lemon in your diet can help you manage stress.

The lemon essential oil extracted from the citrus lemon can also enhance the clarity of thoughts. It helps relieve the body from tension, bringing peace and clarity to your mind. 

In addition to this, lemon is a common ingredient in skincare products. Lemons can reduce facial wrinkles and support skin health. Lemon can be used as a toner to decrease wrinkles by tightening the skin. Lemons can also protect the skin by limiting exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants.  

Treat Common Illnesses

Lemon also plays a role in treating common illnesses such as biliousness, diphtheria, heartburn, asthma, rheumatism, and colds. Furthermore, lemon can be used as a sanitizer to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. For example, lemon can be used to neutralize bacteria on wooden cutting boards and wooden utensils. 

Functions As An Antioxidant And Anticarginogenic Compound

Lemon is considered an anticarcinogenic compound. It functions as an antioxidant by rendering free radicals inactive. Therefore lemons can prevent chronic medical conditions like stroke, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. In particular, because lemon is an anticarcinogenic compound, it can decrease the rates of breast, colon, and prostate cancers. 

In Summation

Even though lemon makes you pucker up, the acidic tart flavor seems small in comparison to the health benefits of lemon. While I am not saying you should eat a lemon as an afternoon snack, there are ways that you can incorporate lemon into your diet and reap those remarkable benefits.