Lemon is one of the best-known citrus fruits in the world, with a tangy and strong flavor capable of giving a special touch to a variety of food dishes , which can even be effective as a home treatment.
In this sense, how beneficial is lemon really? In this article we can give you the answer, knowing in depth the structure of this fruit and how it acts in the body.
What is lemon?
Lemon or ” Citrus limon” is a citrus fruit , being the best known along with orange and tangerine, with a cultivation spread throughout the world although it becomes more relevant in places with tropical or temperate climates.
The lemon has a pulp that contains organic acids, which are citric and malic acid, the latter is in less quantity although together they are what provide that strong and special flavor of this food, it also combines very well with water.
Note: A study highlights that: “Based on their size, lemons can be classified as: small, medium and large ; and for its color in greens and yellows . (1)
What does lemon contribute to health?
This citrus fruit has a large number of nutrients and properties , which are very favorable for the body, which is why we present the benefits of lemon below:
1. Strengthens the body’s defenses
Lemon can strengthen the body’s defenses, simply put, it stimulates the body’s immune system through its antioxidant effects, with the help of ascorbic acid or vitamin C.
To highlight: Vitamin C is a type of antioxidant acid, which helps the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells, as well as levels the formation of leukocytes (white blood cells) that are closely related to the immune system. This occurs even when drinking lemon water .
2. Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Lemon juice or lemon juice is highly recommended to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels , this is because the antioxidant effects boost the system and metabolism, preventing the accumulation of waxy substances.
Important: This is due to the flavonoids, where an analysis mentions the following: “Lemon hesperidin has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hyperlipemic (lowers blood cholesterol levels) , antihypertensive and diuretic effects” . (two)
3. Helps eliminate toxins
This is one of the reasons why lemon is highly recommended, since it is considered a purifier of toxins and microorganisms, both in the gastrointestinal system and also in the mucous walls of the mouth and other parts of the body.
You should know: Lemon citric acid is ideal for eliminating toxins, since it is considered an astringent substance , thereby (and boosting metabolism or the immune system) the effective elimination of microbes and fats is achieved, preventing diseases.
4. Improves digestive functions
Lemon can improve digestive functions in several aspects, on the one hand it reduces stomach acidity, since citric acid is metabolized by the body and later it is transformed into alkaline salts (which also level the Ph of the body), being a stomach antacid that expels flatulence.
On the other hand, lemon has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which promotes the flow of gastric juices, eliminating toxins from the liver, intestines, and stomach. In short, it is a great ally of the intestinal tract and boosts digestion.
5. Protects liver and gallbladder health
Lemon is essential for the body’s liver health, in which many diseases can occur that prevent the proper functioning of the liver , so this citrus fruit generates enzymes and stimulates bile secretions.
To highlight: Speaking of bile secretions, lemon also helps reduce gallbladder stones located near the liver, as well as inflammations that occur in these organs.
6. Boost brain health
It can be said that lemon is a great enhancer of brain health and cognitive functions, helping to improve memory and sleep, and is considered a great promoter of the nervous system.
Note: Lemon decreases the presence of cortisol in the blood (the stress hormone), which gives greater relief to the body and the brain at the same time , it also has flavonoids that help blood circulation throughout the cerebrovascular system.
7. Fights anemia
Anemia can occur due to iron deficiency, so this disorder can decrease the presence of red blood cells and cause fatigue among other symptoms. In this case, lemon contains a large amount of iron that helps fight anemia in the body.
You should know: Although excess iron (or other substances) is never healthy, lemon citrus has another key objective, apart from contributing iron to the body, it greatly facilitates the absorption of the same mineral in the body.
8. Contributes to weight loss
The metabolism increases a lot with the consumption of lemon, which contributes to a greater burning of fats, but it also has other important points to take into account, such as improving digestion.
To highlight: The lemon allows the body to obtain full satiety , apart from the fact that the fruit contains very few calories and provides some soluble fiber for digestion, although this is achieved more than anything else in the white parts of the pulp, but it is still relevant Consume if combined with water.
9. Promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails
The antioxidant vitamins in lemon provide collagen, which regardless of where it is treated, can help with the development of the structures of the tissues of the skin, nails and hair itself.
In the same way, lemon helps to purify toxins, fats and bacteria that are lodged in the skin, hair and nails, as well as promotes their growth and cellular health .
Tip: For this to work, the intake of lemon juice in a glass of water is recommended, as well as applications of masks with egg and lemon or with coconut water. It is important to do it in cool environments and without the direct presence of the sun.
10. Increases energy and mood
This fruit can be combined very well with water, so lemon water is a great nighttime and calming drink, as it relaxes muscle tension and is one of the best benefits for the nervous system.
You should know: Lemon helps in the absorption of nutrients and provides enough elements that prevent fatigue, increasing body energy and improving mood . In fact, when fighting anemia, it is effective in preventing the loss of physical energy.
Nutritional properties of lemon
Knowing the different benefits that lemon encompasses, we will teach you what are the properties that encompass this great citrus fruit:
1. Vitamins
The lemon has a great content of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A , vitamin B6, certain levels of folates, riboflavin, thiamine and niacin, a great majority of these vitamins are essential for the body.
Vitamin C and E are the main antioxidant elements of lemon, but it has a higher content of vitamin C than the others mentioned above.
Note: A study adds that: “Citric acid has a disinfectant quality and enhances the activity of vitamin C. ” ( 3)
2. Minerals
The content of the essential minerals present in lemons are iron , potassium , calcium, iodine, magnesium , zinc , certain levels of sodium, phosphorus and selenium, including the element of potassium with more than 149 mg.
3. Other compounds
Lemons also have citric acid, as is well known, flavonoid elements such as hesperidin, diosmin , among others with an anti-inflammatory nature, along with containing proteins, minimal calories, carbohydrates, total lipids, and folic acid as well.
To highlight: It contains dietary fiber in the white parts of its pulp, which depending on how it is consumed can act in a soluble and insoluble way , either in the form of lemon juice or lemon water.
What risks does lemon consumption have?
In spite of everything, this fruit in excess is harmful. The simplest thing that is known about it is that citric acid wears down the layer of dental enamel , which causes more brittle teeth and fractures in them.
In other more extreme cases, like lemon water at inappropriate times, it causes digestive problems such as intestinal burning or can even lead to vomiting.
Important: It is not recommended in children under 4 years of age, since citric acid can alter the development of their gastric system.
Key Findings
- Lemon or ” Citrus limon” is a very famous and healthy citrus fruit , combined with warm water or a whole glass of water.
- The benefits of lemon are to reduce cardiovascular diseases , improve the gastrointestinal system and cognitive functions.
- Lemons contain citrus, a high level of flavonoids, vitamin C , protein, and even dietary fiber when drunk with water.
- Its consumption should be moderated, since it can cause digestive problems or damage the teeth of the human being.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.