Lemon is one of nature’s most powerful substance. Lemon is loaded with vitamin C, also contains potassium and antioxidants and provides a ton health benefits. It’s even on the American Diabetes Association list of superfoods. The benefits of lemon range from reducing the risk of kidney stones to killing off cancer cells. This is true whether we’re using the actual the lemon itself or lemon essential oil. Plus, the potential uses for lemon extend way beyond the kitchen. Lemons can be used for just about everything from polishing furniture, in a hair rinse to add extra shine, to cleaning the microwave by adding to water for a non-scrub clean. Here are some specifics about the power of lemon when it comes your health.
Reduce Cancer Risk
The fruit of the lemon contains promising cancer-fighting compounds called limonoids. Research shows limonoids can cause cancer cells to commit suicide, a process known as apoptosis.
One limonoid called limonin even stays in your body for up to 24 hours. In comparison, other natural healthy plants compounds, like the phenols in green tea and chocolate, only stay in the body for just a few hours. The ability for the limonin to stay in the body for up to 24 hours means it has more time to cause the cancer cells to die.
Another component concentrated in the peel and pulp of lemons is pectin, a naturally occurring soluble fiber made of healthy sugars and acids. Clinical research shows an extract of pectin, modified citrus pectin, is useful in the prevention and treatment of melanoma, colon, prostate, and breast cancer. All of this makes lemon one of the most potent natural cancer fighting foods around.
Weight Control and Diabetes
Lemons are known to be effective for helping you control weight. Studies show special plant compounds like polyphenols may suppress body weight gain and fat accumulation in a number of ways.
Water with the juice of lemon is a healthy alternative to many less healthy drinks like soda, fruit juices, and energy drinks. For example, one cup of orange juice contains 112 calories and nearly 26 grams of carbs. On the other hand, there are just six calories in a glass of lemon water without sugar. Substituing lemon water for just one cup of another higher calorie drink, even once a day, could result in weight loss if everything else in your life stayed the same. Plus you’d get many other benefits due to the power of lemon and it’s health giving properties.
Kidney Stones
Lemons are known to break down calcifications, including kidney stones. And now, the citric acid in lemons, has been found to increase urine volume and pH, making it more difficult for the stones to form. Citric acid is found in much greater concentrations in lemon than in oranges or grapefruit. It is though that just four ounces of lemon juice daily may provide enough citric acid to help prevent kidney stone formation.
Staying well-hydrated and incorporating plenty of magnesium rich foods in the diet are two other ways to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. Some of the best sources of magnesium are dark leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and avocados.
Improved Digestive Health
Lemons contain soluble fiber. And research has shown that fiber improves digestive health. Fiber also slows down the digestion of sugars and starches resulting in a reduction of blood sugar levels. Other compounds in lemon are found to be very effective at helping with digestion because they stimulate your liver to produce enzymes and assist your stomach and gallbladder in using those enzymes.
The vitamin C in citrus fruits like lemons, have been show to increase the absorption of iron. Vitamin C can also be found in peppers, berries and broccoli. Iron is an incredibly important mineral for your body. It is one of the main components of hemoglobin, which is found in the red blood cells and helps provide the body with the oxygen that it needs. So make sure you get plenty of vitamin C and include the power of lemon as one source.
Supports the Immune System
Vitamin C is an important nutrient that’s been linked to increased immune health. There is about the same amount of vitamin C in a lemon vs. orange. Lemons are also loaded with antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and promote immunity. Drinking lemon water daily is a great way to get the upper edge on your health. Remember to rinse your mouth after you drink lemon water to reduce the risk of any damage to your tooth enamel.
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