The popular, yet, humble lemon is commonly used for flavoring food or to make a cooling drink, but its preventive and curative properties are often overlooked.
Its composition contributes to the immense health benefits of the lemon. It is a rich source of Vitamin C, Bioflavonoids, Pectin, and some essential minerals.
Benefits of Vitamin C in Lemons
Lemons are rich in citric acid and Vitamin C, and therefore used in medicines.
Lemon juice has 90% of the entire Vitamin C found in the fruit.
- Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals and keeps cells healthy, thus preventing cancers.
- Since it wards off free radicals, Vitamin C also prevents cataract and eye damage.
- It converts cholesterol into bile acid in the small intestine. Thus, it is useful in digestive disorders.
- Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, speeds up healing and fractures. Therefore, lemons aid in formation and regeneration of cartilage, connective tissue and bone tissue.
- Moreover, Vitamin C in lemons boosts the production of a protein called “interferon,” which protects cells, fights viruses and bacteria, and thus increases immunity.
- It also helps in the absorption of calcium, prevents osteoporosis, and builds strong and healthy teeth. Dental decay, caries, loose teeth and bleeding gums can be prevented with lemons.
Role of Bioflavonoids in Lemons
Bioflavonoids are required for biological functions, and contribute to maintaining a high level of vitamin C in the body cells.
The most important one, Quercetin, is found in lemons.
- It prevents inflammation and allergies, and acts as a natural antihistamine. This is because it slows down the production of histamine (a discharge of tissue hormone) in the body.
- It is also an antibiotic and antiviral.
- Quercetin protects the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin, and stimulates its production. Thus, it is especially beneficial for diabetes patients.
Benefits of Pectin in Lemons
Pectin is part of a family of complex carbohydrates that are needed for digestion.
- It helps in boosting the movement of the intestinal muscles. Therefore, it prevents intestinal cancers.
- Pectin also prevents heart diseases, by lowering harmful LDL cholesterol levels. The latter is responsible for clogging blood vessels, and leading to cardiac attacks and strokes.
- Moreover, Pectin helps to control weight, and avoid nagging hunger pangs.
Nutrients in Lemon Juice
The juice of the lemon has some essential nutrients, though the pulp has them in more concentrated form.
- A third of the total Iron and two third of the total Calcium is found in the juice.
- It also has a small amount of Vitamin B complex.
- Lemon juice has a high Potassium content, which destroys toxins in the body.
Multiple Uses of Lemons in Ancient Times
Egyptians used it for healing and as an aphrodisiac. Ancient Greeks used it to treat ailments, and as a disinfectant to clean water. Romans used it for cooking and making refreshing drinks. In South west Asia and the Middle East, eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was seen as a safeguard against poisons.
In recent times, scientific research in Argentina has proved that the lemon can be used as a natural disinfectant for drinking water.
The presence of Vitamin C, Bioflavonoids and Pectin makes the lemon a potent weapon against cardiac, digestive, eye and dental problems, and a means of boosting tissue regeneration and immunity. Considering its multiple benefits, the tiny lemon is a major aid in ensuring good health.
