Lemons and their health benefits

Lemons are a citrus fruit used for culinary and non-culinary purposed all over the world.  The fruit is mainly used for juice content, though the zest (rind) and pulp are also used in various recipes for cooking and baking. The juice of a lemon is approximately 5% citric acid, which is what provides the fruit with a tart flavor.  The exact origins of lemons remains a mystery, though experts believe the fruit was first grown in India, China and north Burma.

Health Benefits of Lemons

Lemons are an excellent source of citric acid and contain many flavonoids, antioxidants and cancer-preventing compounds. The flavonoids found in lemons stop cancer cell division and have antibiotic properties.  In several West African villages during cholera outbreaks, it is common to consume citric acid with the main meal of the day to provide protection against new contractions of the disease.

The vitamin C content of lemons contains many unique phytonutrients which are important natural antioxidants.  Vitamin C is a water soluble antioxidant and protects the body from the damages of cancer causing free radicals.  Other benefits of vitamin C include protecting the health of cells in the body, reducing inflammation, and preventing the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetic heart disease.

Lemons are a natural diuretic and can help reduce swelling, inflammation and edema.  The fruit is ideal for people suffering from urinary tract infections and high acid content in the urine and helps flush harmful bacteria out of the body.  In other countries it is common to mix lemon juice with coffee to treat cases of malaria and the mixture is also effective for relieving headache pain.

The oil of lemons can also be very beneficial for astringent, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and calming properties.  Lemon oil can be used to treat stress, infections, asthma, insomnia, skin and hair inflammation, stomach problems and infections.  The oil in lemons is also high in vitamins and can help increase the function of the immune system in response to the flu virus and common cold.

When mixed with hot water, lemons can help relieve cases of acid indigestion and stomach ache.  Due to digestive qualities found in lemon juice, when mixed with water it can alleviate heartburn, nausea and kills parasites.  Other ways to use lemon juice include as a facial astringent, scalp treatment for dandruff, as a gargle for throat inflammation and as a dental rinse to remove excess plaque on the teeth and whitens tooth enamel. 

Lemons contain many nutrients, vitamins and minerals which have proven to be good for overall health and wellbeing.  Medical researchers and scientists are currently focusing on lemons to provide a better understanding of how the fruit can benefit the human body.