One of the most important fruits in nature, is represented by the lemon, which thanks to its properties and vitamin content , is involved in various metabolic processes, especially in the immune system.
The lemon fruit contains important chemical and nutritional compounds that benefit the prevention and treatment of many diseases, in addition to favoring the health of the main protective barrier of our body made up of the skin.
In the following article, we will talk about this important fruit and its important benefits for human health.
1. Strengthens the immune system
Thanks to its high content of water, citric acid, vitamin E, ascorbic acid and various minerals, among which potassium stands out, as well as flavonoid components such as caffeic (1) and ferulic acids with antioxidant properties, they strengthen the human immune system. (two)
In this way, it can help defend against some pathogens as well as eliminate harmful free radicals, which cause premature aging of the body’s cells. It also prevents the formation of kidney stones , contributes to bone health, and maintains the balance of glucose in the blood.
Note: Lemon’s source of vitamin C helps fight pathogens, especially those of the respiratory tract, since it has natural antiseptic properties that act preventively.
2. It favors the nervous system and the brain
Among the benefits of lemon, it is found that it contains an important source of potassium and water. Potassium is a micronutrient that facilitates nerve function, as well as reduces stroke risks and regulates blood pressure. (3)
Note: Vitamin C cannot be synthesized by the body, so it is necessary to ingest it through foods that contain this micronutrient, such as citrus fruits, and additionally drink water.
The antioxidant property of ascorbic acid present in lemon , in addition to other flavonoid compounds, prevents the receptors of the neurons of the central nervous system from degrading prematurely, favoring electrical communication between them.
Important: Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin C and water in the body is a way to prevent the appearance of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
3. Helps eliminate toxins
Lemon with its antioxidant components and its important contribution of water , provide many benefits, it helps to reduce the waste products of the metabolic reactions of the organism, especially fats and harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco, and it also helps to eliminate toxins.
Another of the benefits of lemon for people is that it can help in the care and regeneration of liver cells , an important organ in the processing and elimination of metabolic waste. It also neutralizes toxins and helps in their elimination, reinforcing the antitoxic and protective function of the liver, contributing to weight loss.
Note: Drinking the juice of half a lemon and water regularly stimulates the production of bile, thus helping to eliminate toxins. It also improves cholesterol levels, glycemia, in addition to reducing the formation of kidney stones. For this therapy it is recommended to drink water.
4. Relieves digestive discomfort
Traditional medicine has described that the acid content of lemon can neutralize the natural acids of the stomach , avoiding digestive discomforts such as gastritis, heartburn and indigestion in people. It is also used to reduce the annoying effects of nausea.
Tip: Drinking the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda, alleviates many stomach ailments.
In the same way, lemon juice squeezed and mixed with warm water helps to eliminate the discomfort of poor digestion and its intake is recommended after meals or in the morning during daily fasting.
This is due to the fact that the chemical components of the lemon together with the water, can help in the absorption of nutrients and a slower assimilation of carbohydrates, being able to influence the metabolic health of the organism.
5. Improves iron absorption
The ascorbic acid present in lemon helps in the absorption of minerals from other foods such as meat, green leafy vegetables, among others. This function is carried out at the gastrointestinal level, and allows a greater mobilization of this mineral from the deposits to the organism.
Iron is a mineral to make blood hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, as well as myoglobin, a protein that supplies oxygen to muscles. (4)
Important: Deficiency in the absorption of this mineral due to lack of vitamin C from lemon, can cause anemia called iron deficiency anemia , due to the decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. It is also vital to drink plenty of water.
6. Helps regulate pH
It has been described in the literature that lemon with water is alkalizing, because the minerals it leaves in the body after digestion can help eliminate hydrogen ions and decrease the body’s acidity (5) . However, this mechanism has not been sufficiently studied.
In this sense, it must be understood that many factors intervene in the regulation of the body’s pH, among which can be found the regular intake of lemon juice in moderation.
Generally, lemon intake is recommended to be done in the morning, daily and on an empty stomach , accompanied by a glass of water to prepare the body for the continuous metabolic reactions of the day.
Important: As a supplement, there is no scientific evidence showing the toxicity of vitamin C, consumed through the daily diet.
7. Promotes skin health
Among the benefits of lemon is its content of antioxidants such as ascorbic, caffeic, and ferulic acids, which help neutralize oxidative damage that accelerates skin cell aging. (6)
Likewise, it combats the effects of atmospheric pollutants on the skin, as well as ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s rays, factors that directly affect the deterioration and aging of the skin.
In the same way, taking vitamin C from lemon is a cofactor for the production of collagen , a protein necessary for tissue repair, maintaining its firmness and acting in the healing processes of skin wounds.
Tip: The combination of the intake of lemon juice with water and other natural components such as retinoic acid , help to maintain firm and elastic skin. It is also advisable to drink enough water to maintain your hydration.
8. Reduces stress and anxiety
Vitamin C is contained in the lemon fruit and participates in the synthesis of some neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, responsible for states of alertness and relaxation in the brain.
In this sense, the consumption of lemon contributes to the regulation of the moods of many people, establishing a balance of states of anxiety and stress. (7)
Note: Including citrus fruits in the diet, rich in vitamin C and water such as lemon, help to eliminate the molecules that cause cell damage in organs, including the brain, where neuronal cells are found.
Key Findings
- The main antioxidant component of lemon is ascorbic acid.
- The nutritional and chemical compounds of lemon bring many benefits by enhancing the properties of the human immune system.
- The consumption of lemon juice helps as a preventive therapy for common diseases.
- Lemon juice regulates people’s mood , as well as intervenes in the balance and purification of the body.
- Lemon is involved in the absorption of some important micronutrients such as iron.
- Consume a glass of water with half lemon juice as a cleanser, it is advisable to do it during the morning and on an empty stomach.
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.