Lemon benefits and harm to the body. Lemon: benefits and harms to the human body. What healing properties does it have? Promotes Heart Health

Lemon - benefits and harms for

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There is a well-known fruit - lemon. And the question: is lemon useful? It’s not worth it at all. Everyone knows about its undoubted benefits for colds, with reduced immunity, beriberi ... But that's not all! And our article is about Prince Lemon, the benefits and harms to the body, its use in the folk treatment of various diseases.

Bright yellow citrus has a lot of useful substances. There is an opinion that in order to maintain health, youth and a slim figure, you need to use at least one lemon per day - this is the position of yogis, in particular, and oriental medicine in general.

In early spring and late autumn, when greens, fruits and vegetables do not please with their abundance, you need to carefully monitor your diet. This time is a time of severe vitamin deficiency, you need to save and consume as many foods as possible that contain useful substances. Without them, neither the immune system nor the entire body as a whole can function normally. And then a lemon comes to the rescue, like a superhero from a cartoon.

However, it is worth knowing that in addition to the benefits, lemon is quite capable of causing harm to our body. But let's start the discussion of this fruit with its benefits ...

Composition of lemon

It has everything - from proteins, organic acids, carbohydrates to dietary fiber. Lemon contains vitamins and minerals essential for humans: such as boron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, sulfur and magnesium. No other fruit has such a mineral composition and a huge amount of vitamin C, like a lemon.

Useful properties of lemon

Antioxidant, prolonging life and youth; antimicrobial and antiseptic; helps in the prevention of vascular accidents - heart attack, stroke; anti-sclerotic - reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood; tonic, activating the working capacity and, in general, the vital activity of a person; stimulating immunity; preventing thrombosis, increasing the elasticity of blood vessels due to the rutin present in the composition; antiemetics; diuretics, help remove sand from the urinary system; helping pregnant women cope with morning manifestations of toxicosis; mild laxatives, as they increase intestinal motility due to pectin and a lot of fiber.

Health benefits of lemon peel

The zest (top layer of the peel) of a lemon is also good for health, it has antimicrobial and antibacterial activity, so if you chew a piece of zest for 10 minutes during the beginning of a cold or gargle your throat 4-5 times a day with half diluted lemon juice, then with SARS can do it much faster. It contains even more ascorbic acid than the fruit pulp.

With regular use, an excellent prophylactic ability to prevent cancer has been noticed; slows down, if not completely prevents the development of osteoporosis, inflammation of the joints, as it contains a lot of easily digestible calcium; removes radionuclides; an invariable component of many desserts; chewing the zest will help strengthen the gums; if you add grated zest to masks, then wrinkles are reduced, the skin is cleansed, acne is reduced.

What is useful lemon?

And it certainly has the best effect on the state of the human immune system. After all, it is not without reason that with a lack of vitamin C, the skin begins to turn gray, and the hairline becomes unnecessarily brittle. With such symptoms, doctors may prescribe the consumption of lemon in large quantities - up to three fruits in one day.

Daily intake of lemon fruit ensures saturation of a person with vitamins and minerals that are beneficial. Among other things, the consumption of lemon is a great way to protect yourself from pathologies such as atherosclerosis, problems with the urinary system, and, of course, it is successfully used in violation of cerebral circulation.

From a protracted cold, tea with honey and ginger also helps. The same composition is effective for rapid weight loss, as it significantly improves metabolic processes in the human body. If lemon is combined with garlic, then this is an excellent folk remedy for cleansing blood vessels.

Often drinking lemon relieves headaches and relieves menstrual pain.

The benefits of lemon juice

Vitamin deficiency and a bad mood overtook you - pour yourself some water with a slice of lemon or add a tablespoon of lemon juice. This juice improves memory, brain activity and performance, relieves stress.

Separately, it must be said about the use of lemon juice on an empty stomach. After such an invigorating drink, the intestines are activated very quickly, the body is cleansed more efficiently. This tool is even included in known cleaning methods. True, not all people are capable of such a feat, and for others it is contraindicated due to excessive acid in the juice, most still prefer to drink lemon water with the same cleansing and laxative purpose.

Harm of lemon - contraindications

In fact, this citrus fruit is the best fruit, in terms of no harm to the human body. Still, it doesn't hurt to be careful! The harm and invaluable benefits of lemon primarily depend, of course, on the correctness of its use. This fact must be taken into account by everyone, but especially by those who have chronic diseases.

There are contraindications to the use of lemon for gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, pancreatitis and chronic gastritis with high acidity. The whole catch here is that lemon increases the secretion of gastric contents, which can cause pain spasm and heartburn.

Tea with lemon

The first thing to note is the amazing aroma of this tea. The second is the best digestion of food. And finally, the third is the effect of cheerfulness, available after taking the whole body.

For a more active effect, doctors advise between eating and drinking tea to wait thirty minutes. Then the lemon can turn around in full. Do not forget that at temperatures above 40-45 degrees Celsius, vitamin C is safely destroyed, so this drink should not be made very hot. Again, if you add a teaspoon of honey, then in slightly hot water, its beneficial components will not be destroyed and will also benefit your health.

Lemon water Drinking water diluted with lemon juice is advised to those who are not able to consume the fruit in its pure form.

Lemon, like its close relative, cannot be called a unique plant species. This is a hybrid of other types of citrus fruits, which appeared in India and China and is known to a large number of civilizations as a separate variety of fruit trees. To date, scientists cannot find out exactly which became the ancestors of this citrus fruit, but they have well studied the benefits and harms of lemon.

It is the beneficial properties of the lemon tree that have played a huge role in the fact that today this fruit is so famous in most countries of the world. Our body needs such products, but in their use you need to know the measure, not forgetting that if taken unreasonably, they can have a negative effect on the human body.

What are the health benefits of lemon? Yes, almost everything, from the peel, the so-called and ending, which contain an abundance of biologically useful, active substances.

• Enhances the effectiveness of the treatment of colds. Whenever we are exposed to a cold, we remember this citrus fruit. But not only during illness, lemon is useful, because it is no less effective tool for the prevention of colds and flu, especially in winter. To this end, it is recommended to take the fruit on its own fresh or add it to the warm, since with this drink the body receives a much larger amount of vitamins A and C, which strengthen the immune system and activate spare resources to speed up the treatment of the disease. In addition, lemon has a diaphoretic effect, so it is recommended to use it to reduce fever;
• It has an antipurulent, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effect in the early stages of angina. If you notice the first signs of this unpleasant disease, it is recommended to eat citrus or gargle with its juice. You can also chew slowly and after this procedure, do not eat or drink anything for another hour. During this period, citric acid and essential oils interact with the inflamed mucous membranes of the throat. This procedure is carried out every 3 hours;
• Contains large amounts of iron and potassium. Iron, as you know, increases the number of red blood cells, and potassium, in turn, has a positive effect on blood vessels, strengthening their walls. As a result, these trace elements make lemon an effective product for maintaining normal pressure and improving the functioning of the heart muscle. Vitamin P also helps with this lemon;
• Eliminates digestive problems. The abundance of fiber characterizes the beneficial properties of lemon by its ability to relieve a person of regular constipation and improve appetite due to the penetration of citric acid into the digestive tract. Lemon stimulates the production of enzymes and digestive juices in the gastric mucosa, and this helps to improve the absorption of iron and calcium from food by the body. This fruit also supports the full functioning of the liver, activates the production of its enzymes, dilutes bile;
• Lemon is a powerful antioxidant. Due to the high content of ascorbic acid, the use of lemon not only strengthens the immune system and increases the protective functions of the body, but also helps to eliminate damaging free radicals, slows down the aging process, prevents the development of cancer, saturates the body with energy, breaks down harmful cholesterol and quickly removes its excess from the body;
• Has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of lemon, namely its essential oil, for acne, freckles, sunburn and other skin damage. As you know, the components that make up a lemon can save a person even after a scorpion sting. Lemon juice can be used for cosmetic purposes to give the skin a natural color, whiten it, rejuvenate, prevent wrinkles, and treat age spots. It is also used for fungal skin lesions. Lemon peel is effective for rubbing corns. Shampoos, which include lemon juice, strengthen hair and accelerate their growth;
• Has an analgesic effect. For headaches, a peel with lemon pulp, peeled of white matter, can be applied with the wet side to the temple. This will cause a red spot that will itch and burn, but the pain symptoms will pass very soon. Lemon also helps to relieve colic in the abdomen;
• Relieves seizures. Fresh lemon juice in case of leg cramps can be smeared on the sole in the morning and before going to bed, without wiping the juice. After two weeks, you will forget about what cramps are;
• The fruit has a powerful antiseptic effect.. Due to this, lemon juice is effectively used for the prevention and treatment of urolithiasis, febrile conditions, atherosclerosis and hemorrhoids;
• Improves the functioning of the nervous system. Thanks to vitamin B and potassium, regular intake of lemon fruits helps to strengthen sleep and the nervous system, relieving a person of stress and depression. Scientists have proven that the aroma of lemon oil improves mood;
• Calcium, which is citrus, strengthens bones, nails and teeth. And in combination with magnesium, this component improves the quality of blood, dilutes and purifies it, participates in the processes of albumin formation;
• Known anti-toxic and cleansing properties of lemon. The use of the fruits of this citrus helps to eliminate toxic substances, toxins and uric acid from the body, an excessive amount of which is fraught with damage to internal organs and tissues;
• Potassium contained in lemon is useful for maintaining the normal functioning of the brain;
• Citric acid reduces the acidity of gastric juice and dissolves kidney stones, removing them with toxic substances and toxins;
• Vitamin A allows you to use lemon to maintain vision;
• The beneficial properties of the fruit are also manifested in the prevention and reduction of symptoms:
  • Rheumatism;
  • arthrosis;
  • gout;
  • cholera;
  • tuberculosis;
  • Rickets;
  • Malaria;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • Hypotension;
  • Worms.

Lemon harm

Like other citrus fruits, lemon has a number of contraindications for use.

• Citric acid irritates the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. For a healthy person, this property of a lemon can be dangerous only when overeating the fruit, but for people suffering from stomach and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, enteritis, acute nephritis, colitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis and cholecystitis, citrus intake should be strictly limited, so how it can cause heartburn, pain and spasms;
• Damages tooth enamel. Although lemon strengthens teeth due to its calcium content, stops bleeding gums, helps to remove plaque and whiten teeth, dentists recommend brushing your teeth after eating the fruit, since the juice of this citrus fruit negatively affects the condition of tooth enamel;
• Irritates wounds and aggravates severe inflammatory processes. This fruit has an anti-inflammatory effect, but only in the initial stages of inflammatory processes. If the inflammation is already too strong, then the lemon will only increase irritation, exacerbate pain and bleeding of wounds, and prolong the healing process;
• Prohibited for use by patients with pancreatitis. Despite the fact that the use of citrus stimulates the cleansing of the liver, it is contraindicated during the period of inflammatory processes of the pancreas;
• May cause allergic reactions. Excessive consumption of lemon leads to allergies, because it is a powerful allergen. Also, side effects can be manifested by skin irritation in people with individual intolerance to the components of this product;
• Overeating Lemons Raises Blood Pressure. In this regard, the intake of this fruit should be approached with extreme caution in hypertension;
• Also, lemon is contraindicated in children under three years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

One way or another, the benefits of lemon for the human body are quite significant, therefore, if you use this product in moderation, you will get only positive properties from it. The harm from a lemon manifests itself mainly only when it is overeaten, so the competent intake of this fruit makes it absolutely safe.

Nutritional value and chemical composition of lemon

• The nutritional value
• vitamins
• Macronutrients
• trace elements

Calorie content 34 kcal
Proteins 0.9 g
Fats 0.1 g
Carbohydrates 3 g
Organic acids 5.7 g
Dietary fiber 2 g
Water 87.8 g
Ash 0.5 g

Vitamin A, RE 2 mcg
beta carotene 0.01 mg
Vitamin B1, thiamine 0.04 mg
Vitamin B2, riboflavin 0.02 mg
Vitamin B5, pantothenic 0.2 mg
Vitamin B6, pyridoxine 0.06 mg
Vitamin B9, folate 9 mcg
Vitamin C, ascorbic 40 mg
Vitamin E, alpha tocopherol, TE 0.2 mg
Vitamin PP, NE 0.2 mg
Niacin 0.1 mg

It is hard to imagine that this democratic and fairly common fruit contains about 40 useful elements, helps cleanse the blood and blood vessels, strengthens the heart and immunity, protects against cancer and helps digestion. We are talking about a lemon - a sunny yellow fruit, at the mention of which the majority begins a reflex increase in salivation. What can you do - you do not need a lot of "experiments" and tastings to get acquainted with the sour taste of citrus and remember it at the subconscious level.

What it is?

Lemon belongs to the genus of citrus fruits, the rue family. This is the name of both an evergreen tree and the fruit that ripens on it. By the way, from the point of view of botany, lemon, like all citrus fruits, is considered not a fruit, but a multi-grain berry.

Currently, the lemon does not exist in the wild, it probably appeared as a hybrid in the subtropics. It was first cultivated in China, India and on tropical islands abandoned in the Pacific Ocean. Today, most countries with a subtropical climate are engaged in the cultivation of lemons, as well as in the south of Russia, in the Caucasus, in the Crimea, in Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The main suppliers are Mexico, India, Egypt, Azerbaijan.

Lemon is a perennial spreading evergreen tree up to 5 m high with a pyramidal crown. The branches of a young plant are usually covered with thorns. Lemon leaves have a look characteristic of all citrus fruits. These are oval leathery leaves with a pronounced citrus aroma, dark green above, lighter below.

The plant is thermophilic, requiring a long daylight hours, capricious to moisture and soil composition.

Starting from the middle to the end of spring, the flowering period of lemons begins, and fruits form by autumn. They are "ovals", narrowed on both sides at the ends. The upper part is a bright yellow, slightly bumpy crust with a large number of glands containing essential oils.

The inner part of the pulp is usually lighter, divided into several chambers. The pulp contains several seeds, light yellow or white, in the context of green.

Compound

Lemon contains about 40 active ingredients, most of which are beneficial to the body. The fruit owes its peculiar taste to a large amount of organic acids (citric, malic), as well as vitamin C. However, contrary to popular belief, it is not a champion in the content of ascorbic acid. In parsley, currant, wild rose, its volume is much higher.

The vitamin composition is also represented by vitamins of groups B, A, E, PP, D. Also in the composition there is potassium, magnesium, sulfur, fluorine, phosphorus, iron, zinc.

Lemon contains fiber and pectins, as well as ash, flavonoids, essential oils, and tannins. Most of the fruit is structured water with elements dissolved in it (what is commonly called lemon juice).

Benefit and harm

Rich in vitamins, lemon is a powerful immunostimulant. It has a strengthening and tonic effect on the immune system, increasing its resistance to viruses and adverse environmental factors. This is why lemon is so beneficial for flu and colds.

In addition, it has an antiseptic effect, which inhibits the development of pathogenic microflora in the oral cavity, respiratory tract, and intestines (this will be discussed below). Essential oils contained in fresh fruit have a beneficial effect on the upper respiratory tract, facilitate breathing with nasal congestion.

According to the latest scientific research, lemon is a powerful antioxidant thanks to its combination of vitamins A, E and flavonoids. It binds free radionuclides in the body, which are a "defective" molecule with a missing electron. Such molecules freely settle on healthy cells, disrupting their functioning. Such a “broken” cell is known to provoke the development of cancer. Thus, one can say that lemon consumption is one of the preventive ways to prevent the development of oncology.

The beneficial properties of citrus extend to the cardiovascular system. First of all, the heart muscle is strengthened, which is due to the effect of potassium and magnesium in the composition of the lemon. The conductivity of the heart improves, its rhythm normalizes. Vitamin PP in combination with ascorbic acid and tocopherol have a beneficial effect on blood vessels. Regular consumption of citrus improves vascular elasticity and capillary permeability. Antioxidants help lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent the risk of plaque formation on the inner walls of blood vessels.

This means that the blood moves freely through the vessels, and thanks to healthy capillaries, each organ and tissue is maximally saturated with oxygen and useful elements. In addition, lemon contains a small amount of iron. However, even in a small amount, it is almost completely absorbed from the lemon. This is largely due to vitamin C and organic acids.

With regular use of solar fruit, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis, varicose veins, heart attack and stroke, and iron deficiency anemia.

Under the vitamins of group B in the composition of a lemon, vitamins B1, -2, -5, -6, -9 are meant. All of them are involved in metabolism, some in the process of hematopoiesis. In addition, vitamin B is necessary to maintain the functional state of the nervous system. The fruit helps to improve the conductivity of nerve impulses, strengthens the central nervous system. It is recommended for chronic fatigue, psycho-emotional overload.

Phosphorus, which is part of the lemon, in combination with vitamin B improves brain function, helps to tone up blood circulation in the head and neck, and enhances concentration. The pleasant sourness of the taste and the characteristic citrus aroma of the fruit will help you quickly cheer up, “reboot” the brain.

Lemon can and is even recommended to be included in the diet for hypertension and diabetes. It cleanses blood vessels and helps lower blood pressure. The glycemic index of the fruit is 15 units, so the lemon is allowed for daily consumption with diabetes. It will provide the body of a diabetic with the necessary useful components, strengthen the heart and blood vessels, get rid of edema, increase immune strength, but at the same time will not cause a jump in blood sugar.

Undoubtedly, the benefits of lemon for the digestive system. Organic acids contribute to faster and more complete absorption of food, stimulate the production of gastric juice. As a result, food does not “stagnate” in the stomach and intestines, but brings maximum benefits to the body.

The dietary fiber in the composition of the lemon acts like a "panicle", removing toxins, toxins, and mucus from the intestines. This allows you to get rid of such unpleasant consequences of indigestion as bloating, a feeling of heaviness, flatulence. In addition, under the influence of fiber, intestinal motility improves, which also means better digestion of food.

All this contributes to the acceleration of metabolic and lipid metabolism. But it is a metabolic disorder that causes excess weight, obesity, and many diseases.

With antiseptic action, lemon helps prevent intestinal infections, destroy pathogenic flora.

Lemons are useful for joint diseases because they reduce the amount of purines in food. Purines also contribute to the increased formation of uric acid, which provokes the deposition of salts in the joints. Also, thanks to the diuretic action, it is possible to remove uric acid from the body, but at the same time avoid a deficiency of vital elements. Thus, lemon helps to alleviate the condition with gout, arthrosis, polyarthritis.

In combination with honey, lemon or juice from it is often included in the composition of therapeutic ointments that are applied to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe joints during an exacerbation of the disease.

For women

Lemon, along with an apple, can be called "rejuvenating". It's all about the presence of antioxidants in the composition. In addition to the antitumor effect, antioxidants remove toxins from the body, slow down the aging process of cells.

Vitamin B in the composition ensures the beauty and elasticity of the skin. Add to this the mentioned antioxidant action to claim that lemon helps slow down skin aging and maintain its elasticity.

These properties allow the fruit to be widely used not only inside, but outside as part of masks and cosmetic creams. When used externally, the fruit, due to organic acids in the composition, demonstrates a whitening effect, helps fight skin greasiness. Lemon juice is effective for strengthening nails, treating fungus.

Due to its ability to speed up metabolism and improve digestion, lemon is used for weight loss. At the same time, the fruit will provide the body with all vital vitamins and microelements, the deficiency of which is often observed with strict diets.

Lemon has a very good combination of vitamins and minerals. An example of this is the "tandem" of vitamins A and E, which contribute to the production of female sex hormones. The deficiency of the latter leads to cycle failures, and in difficult cases - amenorrhea, the inability to conceive and bear a child. A decrease in the amount of hormones produced is observed during menopause, so women after 50 years of age are highly desirable to include lemon in their daily diet.

Citrus is also useful for pregnant women, because it has a pronounced anti-cold and immuno-strengthening effect. The fruit is rich in folic acid, which is so necessary for expectant mothers, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Folic acid, which is vitamin B9, is involved in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus, is necessary for the development of the brain, spinal cord and some other internal organs.

Potassium in the composition will help a woman "in position" to cope with swelling, and magnesium has an anticonvulsant effect, prevents the risk of muscle spasm, including the uterus. Together, potassium and magnesium strengthen the heart, which during pregnancy has to “pump” almost 2 times more blood.

Possessing a laxative effect, lemon will help cleanse the intestines and gently relieve constipation, which often accompanies the first and last months of pregnancy. The fruit contains iron and calcium, which are quite well absorbed due to the combination with ascorbic acid. Namely, these elements are usually in short supply during pregnancy and lactation.

During lactation, lemon will help the female body recover faster after childbirth, provide it with the necessary elements. In the absence of a negative reaction from the health of the baby, lactating women are not forbidden to eat lemon.

However, it is worth noting that in most cases, the fruit causes stool disorders, colic and skin rashes in infants.

You should not try to introduce it into the mother's diet earlier than 2-3 months after birth.

For men

Speaking about the benefits of lemon for men, it is fair to start again with its antioxidant effect. Lemon is able to remove toxins from the body, cleanse blood vessels and upper respiratory tract. This makes it useful for people who work in heavy industries or who smoke. In addition, due to the ability to cleanse the body, lemon helps to cope with the manifestations of a hangover syndrome.

The combination of B vitamins and zinc provides an improvement in the reproductive function of men. This is due to the fact that these components contribute to the production of testosterone - the main male hormone.

In many ways, it is he who determines the ability of a man to conceive, as well as the quality of sperm. Given that lemon has a mild diuretic effect and acts as an antiseptic, we can talk about its ability to prevent the development of diseases of the genitourinary system. Regular consumption of fruit helps maintain an erection, increases libido.

The level of testosterone also affects the general well-being and performance of a man. Largely due to this hormone, it is possible to build muscle mass in men.

For kids

Lemon for children most often acts as an immunity-strengthening and cold-fighting remedy. The fruit provides the growing body with vital elements, including calcium. The latter is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth.

Phosphorus is good for the brain, it stimulates mental activity, helps fight fatigue. In this regard, it is recommended to include fruit in the diet of schoolchildren.

With antiseptic properties, lemon can be used as a safe treatment for helminthiasis. It, unlike most drugs, will not cause microflora disturbances. For this purpose, lemon is used not only inside, but also as a composition for enemas.

Finally, citrus contains vitamin D, which prevents the risk of developing rickets in children; in adolescents, this vitamin is also responsible for normalizing hormonal levels.

Despite these medicinal properties of the fruit, it has contraindications for use. First of all, its consumption should be abandoned in case of individual intolerance to lemon or allergy to citrus fruits. A high concentration of acids in the composition is dangerous for people with an increased level of acidity of gastric juice, since it will only worsen a person's condition. For the same reason, it is worth refraining from consuming fruit in the acute period of gastritis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, colic, Crohn's disease.

For serious pathologies of the pancreas, kidneys and liver, you should consult your doctor before drinking lemon. Despite the low calorie content and low glycemic index, lemon should not be eaten with type 1 diabetes. For type 2 disease, it is better to get permission from a doctor first.

At high pressure, lemon can be both harmful and beneficial. It cleanses blood vessels and helps reduce blood pressure. However, this also increases the tone of the vascular walls, which in some cases can provoke a hypertensive crisis.

Due to the high acidity of the fruit, it can cause irritation of the oral mucosa, which is especially noticeable with hypersensitivity of the teeth. To get rid of discomfort and protect tooth enamel, rinsing the mouth after drinking lemon will help. It is better not to give lemon to children under 3 years old, since the still weak digestive system cannot cope with the processing of the fruit.

Is it possible to eat on an empty stomach?

When answering the question of whether it is possible to eat a lemon on an empty stomach, one should take into account the characteristics of the state of the body, as well as the shape, type of lemon (whole fruit, juice, fresh or thermally processed, etc.).

Drinking fresh from it on an empty stomach is not only harmful, but also dangerous. Due to the large amount of organic acids, lemon and concentrated juice will adversely affect the gastric mucosa, which over time can lead to an ulcer.

But if you reduce the concentration of lemon juice by diluting it with water, such a drink can be taken on an empty stomach. These same acids, but in much smaller quantities, will stimulate the production of gastric juice and prepare the entire digestive system for the digestion of food in the near future.

This will allow food to be better absorbed and prevent the accumulation of toxins and waste products in the intestines. Such positive phenomena entail the acceleration of metabolism and the strengthening of immunity (after all, most of the immune cells "live" in the intestines). Water with lemon or juice, drunk 15-30 minutes before a meal, will also have an appetite-stimulating effect.

Honey will help increase the benefits of lemon water. Put about a tablespoon in a glass of water.

Next, we turn to the question of the state of human health, primarily indicators of the acidity of gastric juice. With a reduced acidity of the latter, the components of a lemon drink will help increase its acidity, which will avoid indigestion.

It is easy to guess what happens when you consume lemon juice on an empty stomach with an increased acidity of the stomach. Mucous membranes will receive a double portion of acid, which can provoke erosion, ulcers, gastritis. For this category of people, lemon (or rather, lemon water) on an empty stomach is contraindicated.

The way out is to consume lemon 15 minutes after the start of the meal or an hour and a half after a hearty meal.

If the acidity is slightly increased, you can drink water with lemon on an empty stomach, lowering the concentration of the latter.

In what form is it used?

Almost all parts of the lemon are recyclable and beneficial to humans. Fresh fruit is supplied to stores for consumption or culinary use. Lemon juice is widely used in pharmaceuticals (the most famous headache remedy Citramon contains citric acid), cosmetology.

Lemon juice acts as a natural stain remover (for example, removes stains from blood, wine, ink), helps to add shine to plumbing.

Essential oils are prepared from the rind rich in esters. They are used as antiseptics, analgesics, bactericidal and hemostatic agents. And aromatherapy helps to calm down, relax, relieves headaches. In cosmetology, lemon oil is used to treat acne, as an antifungal agent. Possessing a pleasant, not sugary smell, the oil is often used to flavor the house.

Lemon can be consumed fresh, it is stored for a long time in the refrigerator and even at room conditions. Another way to preserve the “usefulness” is to freeze the fruit or juice from it. Fruit should be frozen with the skin on. If the lemon is frozen whole, then after it must be grated and sent back to the freezer.

Dried lemons can transform the taste of salads, cereals, casseroles and cottage cheese, kefir. They are used to decorate desserts and drinks. In addition to high taste qualities, such citrus fruits retain most of the useful components inherent in fresh fruits. True, due to the evaporation of moisture, the calorie content of dried lemons increases.

Boiled lemons, along with fresh ones, are widely used to cleanse the body and speed up metabolism. It is recommended to drink the liquid after cooking in the morning on an empty stomach, and after half an hour to have breakfast.

Application

The most useful lemon with a peel, because it contains many useful substances, and vitamin PP is almost completely concentrated in it. Naturally, it is best to consume lemon fresh, without exposing it to heat.

However, due to the specificity of the taste, eating a lemon in this form is not easy, so many do it by sprinkling lemon slices with sugar. The sweetener does not affect the content of useful elements in the lemon, but adds calories to it. From this point of view, it is much more beneficial to use honey instead of sugar.

The number of calories will be about the same, but honey significantly enriches the composition of the lemon and expands its healing effect. Based on honey and lemon, there are many recipes, most of which are aimed at strengthening immunity.

Usually, in addition to these components, the mixture includes dried fruits and (or nuts). It is enough to scroll raisins, dried apricots and prunes with lemon through a meat grinder, pour honey and let it brew for 10-14 days. Take the composition should be 1-2 tablespoons once a day for a month, then take a break. The composition is effective for strengthening immunity, fighting colds, chronic fatigue.

Another well-known remedy that contains lemon is water with lemon and honey. This simple drink is recommended to drink on an empty stomach 20 minutes before breakfast. It will help awaken the body, give a charge of vivacity and start the metabolism, preparing the digestive tract organs for eating.

Preparing lemon water is very simple - you need to cut off a circle or half a circle of the fruit, pour water at room temperature. Citrus should be crushed a little with a spoon so that it releases juice. Add a tablespoon of liquid honey and drink immediately after waking up in small sips.

In order to lose weight, lemon water can also be drunk during the day, replacing juices, teas, and coffee with it. Often, such a drink is combined with a diet and bowel cleansing. There are other indications for bowel cleansing using lemon juice and water - constipation, digestive problems, frequent bloating, skin rashes. For 1 liter of water, juice of one lemon is usually taken.

One of the most famous drinks is, of course, tea with lemon. It is enough to put a piece of lemon in black or green tea. Usually the drink is sweetened by adding sugar, substitute, jam or honey. An important point - at elevated temperatures, vitamin C is destroyed, so you should not pour boiling water over lemon or add it to too hot tea. The optimum temperature is not higher than 60 degrees.

The zest will help to make the taste and aroma of the drink more lemony, pronounced. Dry or fresh lemon zest is placed in a teapot along with tea, and then the drink is prepared in the usual way.

Tea with lemon is distinguished by its versatility. If you drink it warm, even slightly hot, it demonstrates a warming effect, helps bring down the temperature, warms pleasantly, and copes with chills. You can enhance this effect by adding cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon to tea.

In the summer heat, it is pleasant to drink cool lemon tea, which quenches thirst and refreshes. Mint will allow you to emphasize the sourness of the drink, you can add ice cubes to it, and replace part of the sugar with vanilla.

Lemon can be brewed not only with tea, but also with coffee. Instead of the latter, it is better to take chicory - this will turn out an invigorating drink without caffeine.

Lemon is a reliable kitchen "helper". A few drops of lemon juice added while whipping the egg whites will help you get firm and fluffy protein peaks. If you sprinkle lemon juice on a sliced ​​​​apple or pear, the halves will not darken for a long time.

A piece of lemon (you can even dry it, accidentally forgotten in the refrigerator) will help eliminate the unpleasant smell in the kitchen. It should be baked in the oven or heated in the microwave - a pleasant citrus aroma will spread throughout the kitchen. If you add a little juice to the water for washing dishes or windows, then the glasses will delight with a radiant sheen.

Lemon slices are used to make lemonades, they are usually combined with oranges, strawberries. Various types of plants (lime) are used to decorate drinks, confectionery.

Lemon peel has found wide application in cooking. It is used to give pastries a beautiful color and citrus hue, added to sauces for meat and fish, marinades. If you season a vegetable or fruit salad with lemon zest, then it will get an exquisite piquancy and fresh aroma. The zest goes well, as, indeed, the pulp of a lemon, juice, with fish and seafood.

Drinks are prepared from lemon juice, cakes and other pastries are impregnated with syrup based on it, gelling, natural marmalade is obtained. Combined with olive or linseed oil, lemon juice is a healthy salad dressing.

To treat teeth, eliminate bleeding gums, it is useful to take a mixture of lemon gruel and olive oil. To do this, the pulp of a lemon is put into oil in proportions of 1: 1 and taken daily in a teaspoon. You can apply the composition to the gums with light massaging movements and leave for a couple of minutes, then rinse your mouth.

To escape from a hangover syndrome, a lemon taken on an empty stomach, which must be rubbed on a fine grater, will help. The required dosage is a tablespoon without a slide. After a couple of hours, nausea, headache, weakness will pass.

With angina, you should cut the lemon into small slices (do not remove the skin), lightly sprinkle with sugar and dissolve, holding in your mouth. The frequency of the procedure is every 2-3 hours. You can also gargle with a concentrated lemon solution. To half a glass of warm water, add 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice, mix and gargle with this mixture.

In case of cycle disorders, uterine fibroids and a number of other female diseases, traditional medicine recommends preparing gruel from lemon and turmeric rolled with a peel. It is necessary to take the mixture in a tablespoon on an empty stomach daily.

Useful fruit has found application as an external remedy. It helps in skin regeneration, has an antibacterial and disinfecting effect, relieves inflammation. All this makes lemon useful for treating burns. Freshly squeezed juice is diluted a little with water, moistened with a cotton pad and applied to the burned area for several minutes.

In cosmetology, lemon and juice from it are used in the fight against freckles and pigmentation, oily sheen and acne. It has a rejuvenating and tonic effect.

Rinsing your hair with lemon water will help you forget about dandruff, give your hair shine, and make combing easier. Lemon juice with honey, applied to the hair and left for 3-5 hours under a towel, helps to remove the pigment from the color, restore the natural shade of the hair.

Lemon juice is added to nail baths, and essential oils are used for aromatherapy, fighting dandruff, and cellulite.

For the benefits and harms of lemon, see the following video.

Lemon benefits and harm to the health of the human body

Nutritional value of lemon

Lemons are low in calories, but contain a good amount of and, as well as some other micronutrients.

100 grams of peeled lemon contains (in% of the recommended daily intake) ():

• Calorie content: 29 kcal (1%).
• Fat: 0.3 g (0%).
• Carbohydrates: 9.3 g (3%).
• Protein: 1.1 g (2%).
• Fiber: 2.8 g (11%).
• Vitamin C: 53 mg (88%).
• Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg (4%).
• Folic acid: 11 mcg (3%).
• Potassium: 138 mg (4%).
• Calcium: 26 mg (3%).
• Iron: 0.6 mg (3%).
• : 26 mg.
• : 63 mg.

In addition, lemons also contain small amounts of vitamin E, niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.

Many people also use lemons to make lemon water. If you use the juice of half a lemon and mix it with water, then one glass of lemon water contains approximately ():

• Calories: 6 kcal.
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Vitamin C: 10.8 mg.

Each glass of lemon water also contains some potassium and folic acid.

The benefits of lemon for the human body

So what is lemon good for? Due to its medicinal properties, lemon helps to boost immunity, improve heart health, help fight cancer, prevent kidney stones, improve iron absorption, promote skin health, and help you lose weight.

1. Strengthens the immune system

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, an important nutrient that has been linked to improved immune system function. Lemons also abound, which can help fight inflammation and improve immunity.

In review Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism it is noted that getting enough vitamin C can help reduce the duration and severity of respiratory tract infections. Vitamin C can also help prevent diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia, and may even improve the condition of people suffering from these diseases and conditions ().

Lemons are also high in antioxidants, which can protect your immune cells by neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals and prevent bacterial and viral infections ().

You can also boost your immune system by including a significant amount of probiotic-rich foods in your diet, minimizing junk food intake, and exposing your body to regular physical activity.

2. Promotes Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in many developed countries.

One of the most impressive health benefits of lemon is its positive effects on heart health. Thanks to their high levels of vitamin C, eating just a few servings of these acidic fruits each week can help keep your heart healthy and strong.

For example, one study in Harvard School of Public Health, which examined the diets of 126,399 adults aged 8 to 14 years, found that each serving of fruits and vegetables was associated with a 4% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. Interestingly, vitamin C-rich vegetables and fruits such as lemons also had the biggest impact.

To really optimize your heart health, include plenty of vegetables and fruits like lemons in your diet, along with a healthy and active lifestyle.

3. Helps fight cancer

Lemons are rich in antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds, so it's no surprise that plenty of research has shown that these citrus fruits can be effective in killing cancer cells.

For example, a study in Saudi Arabia found that lemon extract helped kill breast cancer cells (). Similarly, another study in 2015 also found that compounds in lemon juice successfully inhibited the growth of several types of cancer cells ().

Lemons also contain compounds such as hesperidin and d-limonene, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties ( , ). With all these powerful properties, lemons are one of the best foods to fight cancer.

4. Prevents kidney stones

If you suffer from kidney stones, including lemons in your diet can help. Lemons contain, which can increase the volume of urine and help prevent the formation of kidney stones ().

One small study published in Journal of Urology, 11 participants underwent nearly four years of lemonade therapy. The researchers found that the rate of formation of new kidney stones decreased significantly, from one kidney stone per year to 0.13 per year ().

Another study showed that treating patients with kidney stones with lemon juice increased citrate levels and decreased the amount of calcium in the urine, indicating that lemon juice may be a potential alternative therapy to relieve the symptoms of kidney stones ().

Other natural treatments for kidney stones include:

• drinking enough water every day;
• the predominance of plant foods in the diet;
• including plenty of magnesium-rich foods in your diet.

5. Improves Iron Absorption

Iron is an incredibly important mineral for your body. It is one of the main components of hemoglobin found in red blood cells and helps provide the body with the oxygen it needs.

There are many groups of people who are at risk for iron deficiency. Vegans and vegetarians, for example, consume iron, which is not as well absorbed by the body. In addition, women of reproductive age are also at higher risk due to blood loss during menstruation.

The vitamin C in lemons can help improve iron absorption, helping to prevent conditions like iron deficiency anemia (). One study showed that when taking 100 milligrams of vitamin C with a meal, iron absorption increased by 67% ().

Citrus fruits, peppers, and berries are additional foods high in vitamin C that you can include in your diet to improve iron absorption.

6. Improves skin health

Lemons can act as a product that prevents the aging of the body. Thanks to the antioxidants they contain, regular consumption of lemons can help keep your skin healthy and youthful. Antioxidants help fight free radicals and prevent oxidative damage, which explains the benefits of lemon water for skin.

The accumulation of free radicals contributes to the aging process, which leads to skin changes such as wrinkles, age spots, dryness and reduced elasticity. Researchers believe that antioxidants may be an effective way to slow down aging and improve skin condition ().

One Turkish study showed that patients with acne (acne and pimples) have elevated levels of oxidative stress and suggest that the use of antioxidants may be beneficial in combination with traditional treatment ().

For best results, try applying some lemon juice to your skin or mix it into your favorite skincare products. In addition to lemons, there are other ingredients worth making a staple in your skincare routine: tea tree oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.

7. Helps to lose weight

Swapping out your drink or juice for a glass of cold water with lemon can help you lose weight by cutting down on calories.

Story

Although it is not clear where lemons come from, they are believed to have originated in India, China, or Burma. They came to Ancient Rome by the second century AD, but at that time they were not yet widely used or grown in Europe. In fact, it wasn't until around 1000 AD that lemons began to spread into the Mediterranean region.

In the 18th century, scurvy became the leading cause of death for British sailors. Scurvy is a vitamin C deficiency disease that can lead to symptoms such as bruising, bleeding gums, and fatigue ().

Scientist James Lind conducted experiments aboard a naval ship in 1747 and found that eating lemons could help prevent scurvy ().

Today, lemons are widely used throughout the world as a natural flavoring and flavoring agent in various recipes. Although these citrus fruits can be found in most parts of the world, India, Mexico and China are leaders in the production of lemon ().

The harm of lemon for the human body

So what's wrong with lemon? Most people can consume lemons with minimal risk of side effects. However, some people need to limit their intake of these citrus fruits, as there are contraindications in some cases.

Allergies to citrus fruits are uncommon, but cases of allergy have been reported. An allergy to lemon can cause symptoms such as:

• hives
• asthma
• skin redness

If you experience any negative symptoms after consuming lemons, be sure to stop using them immediately and talk to your doctor.

Plus, while the nutritional profile of lemon is quite impressive, it can certainly be overdone. Due to the citric acid present in lemons, drinking too much of these fruits or lemon juice can erode the enamel on your teeth, resulting in increased sensitivity.

Lastly, applying lemon juice directly to the skin can increase sensitivity to UV rays, so be sure to avoid sun exposure to prevent sunburn.

Final Thoughts on Lemons

• Lemons are low in calories but rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Consuming these citrus fruits has been linked to a variety of health benefits. Research shows that eating them can improve immunity, improve heart and skin health, reduce the risk of kidney stones, help fight cancer, improve iron absorption, and help you lose weight.
• Lemons can be added to many recipes and used in the household.

Enjoy these fruits in moderation as part of a healthy diet to take advantage of lemon's unique health benefits.

Lemon is always mentioned in the top three most famous exotic fruits. The benefits and harms to the body of this representative of citrus fruits were not discussed except by the lazy. But from scraps of opinion it is difficult to form a correct idea of ​​the properties of even the most common product. So, what can surprise us with a sour native of the tropics? Now we'll find out.

In China, this plant is called "limung", which means "useful for mothers." Without a doubt, any mother, present or future, would do well to strengthen her health with a lemon. Egyptian legends say that not only mothers, but also pharaohs drank compositions with lemon juice to strengthen physical and mental strength.

What is in a lemon? The properties, benefits and harms of the fruit will help you understand why such a sour fruit has won the tastes of the whole world.

"Lemon" richness through the eyes of chemists

Lemon fruits contain ascorbic acid in abundance. But this is not the main "pride" of the sun-colored fruit. Lemon is a source of many important components for the human body.

Lemon Ingredients:

• vitamin components of group B, PP, E;
• organic acids;
• flavonoids and their derivatives;
• pectin substances;
• vegetable fibers and essential oils;
• phytoncides and sitosterol;
• basic minerals.

The fruit juice contains a huge amount of citrine, which, in combination with vitamin C, makes small vessels stronger and more elastic, ensures the normal course of oxidation and reduction processes.

10 answers to the question: “Why do you need lemons?”

If someone asks why you needed lemons, most likely you will answer that you found a great recipe or were going to treat a cold. But this tropical gift is so useful that an entire lecture could be made on its properties.

Resilience during epidemics

So that annoying acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, and even worse ailments, do not attack the body, you need to help the immune system destroy their pathogens in time. Fruit juice will not only relieve banal colds - according to recent studies, it is effective against microbes that cause malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other dangerous ailments. Lemon also normalizes the pH balance.

Amulet for "body filters"

The liver has to endure many challenges related to our diet and environment. Diluted lemon fresh is an ambulance for the "main filter of the body." Such a drink dissolves uric acid and other poisons, stones in the gallbladder, dilutes bile.

The kidneys are also “filters” that need help. Lemon will free them from stones and calcium deposits.

Bowel cleansing

"Second wind" for the brain

Doctors have noticed that citrus fruits, especially lemon peel, help patients with brain damage, such as Parkinson's disease, enter remission.

To keep your thoughts fresh and creative, don't skip a sour slice at breakfast.

vessel rescue

Strengthening and cleansing of blood vessels is an integral part of the prevention of serious diseases. Caring for blood vessels involves the use of lemons. Also, these tropical guests will prevent internal bleeding, lower blood pressure and saturate you with oxygen.

An interesting fact: climbers, when climbing, associated with difficulty breathing, alleviate their condition with the help of lemons.

Cancer fighter

These representatives of citrus fruits contain as many as 22 anticancer substances! Studies have shown that lemons slow down and stop the growth of malignant cells in animals.

Friend of gorgeous hair

Rinsing your hair with diluted lemon juice will reduce their oiliness, eliminate dandruff, make curls strong, thick and silky.

Ally of youth and beauty

Antioxidants, which are part of the lemon, slow down the aging process, spoiling the appearance and health. In addition, by adding lemon to skin masks, girls get rid of acne, fine wrinkles, pigmentation, and unhealthy complexion. The fat-burning property of the fruit will be your assistant in sports and weight loss diets.

vision protector

Various eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, stop actively progressing if rutin enters the body (this substance is one of the components of lemon).

Cell Energy

Lemon is the only anionic food in the world. The ions of the remaining products have a positive charge. The interaction of anions and cations (particles with a negative and positive charge) provides all the energy of the cells.

Does the combination of lemon and salt seem amazing to you? The benefits and harms of such a culinary compound are not new for cooks and nutritionists for a long time. To increase the value of this fruit, you need to pickle it.

Put a couple of washed lemons in a dry saucepan, make cuts on them and press the salt deeply into it. Then place the container for 3 days in a dry and dark room. Such a product is an excellent spice for second courses, as well as a valuable tool for strengthening the body and losing weight. But for people who are harmful to salt or acid, this "medicine" is contraindicated.

Contraindications of the "king of citrus"

The qualities of lemon worsen the condition of people suffering from certain ailments. Let's list them.

Contraindications:

• increased acidity of gastric juice and other lesions of the gastrointestinal tract associated with irritation of the mucous membranes and microflora disorders;
• severe damage to the liver, pancreas and gallbladder;
• hypervitaminosis;
• inflammation of the gums;
• skin damage.

After drinking lemon, rinse your mouth thoroughly to prevent the destruction of tooth enamel.