The healing and cleaning properties of lemon juice
Lemons are the sunniest of the citrus fruits. They lend flavor to foods and drinks, and are packed full of healthful vitamin C and flavonoids, which are excellent antioxidants. But besides the health and well-being benefits of consuming lemons, did you know that you can also use this cheery fruit around the house to clean and deodorize?
A taste of lemon
A super healthy fruit, lemons have a distinct taste and smell that make them a fantastic addition to foods and drinks.
Lemon water
An all-round health-boosting beverage, lemon water should be drunk regularly and with more than just one wedge of fresh lemon in the glass. For even greater benefits, infuse with sprigs of mint, a teaspoon of raw honey, a slice of fresh ginger perhaps, a dash of cinnamon (or use a cinnamon stick), and a sprinkle of turmeric.
A good source of vitamin C
A citrus fruit, lemon is bursting with vitamin C, a primary antioxidant that helps protect cells from damaging free radicals. Vitamin C may help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and lower blood pressure.
Breath freshener
Lemon water works wonders on bad breath. A glass after a meal or first thing in the morning stimulates saliva and prevents a dry mouth, which can lead to halitosis caused by bacteria. Nibbling on a slice of lemon is also an effective method of freshening breath.
Helps prevent kidney stones
The citric acid found in lemons is beneficial for people with kidney stones. Citrate acid, a component of citric acid, is protective; the more citrate in your urine, the more protected you are against forming new kidney stones.
Aids digestion
Some people drink lemon water as a daily morning laxative to help prevent constipation. In fact, drinking a glass of hot or warm lemon water when you wake up can help kick-start your digestive system.
Improving digestive health
To get the real benefits of digestive health from lemons though, you need to eat the pulp. This basically means consuming the main fiber in lemons—pectin.
Improves skin quality
There are several benefits to drinking regular amounts of lemon water. Vitamin C found in lemons may help reduce skin wrinkling, dry skin from aging, and damage from overexposure to the sun.
Supports weight loss
Lemon water may promote weight loss by boosting metabolism. Quite apart from being low in calories, lemon water taken as a lemon detox diet can promote improvements in insulin resistance, body fat, and body weight.
Cancer prevention?
Consuming lemon juice and the antioxidants therein may also help prevent free radicals from causing cell damage that can lead to cancer. However, while some plant chemicals found in lemons have been shown to prevent cancer in animal studies, further research is required on whether lemons can definitively fight cancer in humans.
Promotes hydration
Keeping hydrated is a number one health priority, and water is the best beverage for the job. Adding lemon enhances water’s flavor, thus encouraging you to drink more.
