
While I was on holiday in Crete a came across these delicious and mouthwatering looking lemons. They inspired me to write a blog about the benefit of lemons in our diet.
You may have heard people talk about it being beneficial to drink lemon water in the morning or the squeeze lemon juice over oily fish, vegetables and salads. But you may think why or you may be doing but not really sure what the benefits are.
I am here to help clarify all this for you, to clearly specify the benefits and the reason why.
Lets start off with the health giving properties of lemons. They are very high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, this is the main beneficial nutrient of the lemon, but it also contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, folate and vitamin A in smaller amounts. Lemons are also rich in flavonoids, a plant derived compound that exerts beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune boosting effects. Another amazing component of Lemons is a compound called limonene found in most citrus fruits. Limonene is a powerful antioxidant, when it enters the blood stream it exerts its antioxidant effects by preventing the breakdown of Cellular DNA. Research has also shown it to have cancer fighting properties and may also be involved in the reduction of cholesterol.
Another way in which lemon consumption can benefit you is that when you consume it along side other foods it actually aids the absorption of those nutrients, for example iron or carotenoids.
Lemon consumption is often hailed as a powerful aid in increasing liver detoxification; this is because the components of lemons help to loosen toxins from the body thereby flushing unwanted materials from the digestive tract. The citric acid in lemons helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates and aids the liver in detoxification.
Signs of poor liver detoxification might show up as the following: Fatigue (especially on rising), insomnia, skin problems, digestive bloating, or constipation.
15 benefits of drinking warm lemon water
- As a bitter food lemons stimulate the digestive system, encouraging the liver to produce bile, an acid that helps to digest fats, it is for this reason it’s suggested that squeezing lemon juice of oily fish is beneficial…plus it really lifts the flavor!
- Lemons are high in antioxidants, protecting cells from free radical damage and reactive oxygen species
- The antioxidants and phytochemicals in lemons support renewal of liver cells
- Limonene, found in considerable amounts in lemon peel, enhances Phase 1 (of the 3 phases) liver detoxification, so always add some peel to your warm lemon water
- Limonene also supports Phase 2 Liver detoxification, a process known as Glucuronidation, which essentially is making a substance water soluble and ready for excretions
- The high amounts of vitamin C in lemons, supports Glutathione conjugation, the preparation of toxins for elimination, which is also part of Phase 2 Liver detoxification
- The warm water helps to keep the body hydrated and support healthy elimination
- Lemon aids the elimination of toxins from the body as it is a diuretic as well as a diaphoretic – stimulating both urination and perspiration
- The citric acid in lemons supports digestion and helps dissolve kidney stones
- While lemons are acidic outside of the body, inside the body they become alkaline, which helps to balance pH levels in the body and prevent disease.
- The high levels of vitamin C in lemons supports a strong immune system
- The vitamin C helps the body to metabolise (break down) cholesterol to bile acids
- Uric acid levels are reduced by vitamin C – which is helpful for people suffering from gout and arthritis
- Limonene is found to offer protection from some forms of cancer
- Vitamin C contained in lemons aid the absorption not non meat sources of iron, so consuming lemon juice alongside spinach for example with increase your uptake of iron.
Warm lemon water Preparation:
- Buy organic unwaxed lemons to reduce exposure to pesticides and chemicals
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a cup of warm
- Throw in a slice of lemon with the skin on
One comment
turkce
13/02/2021 at 8:35 pm
Wow, great blog post. Really thank you! Really Cool. Gerri Sloan Flight