40 Amazing Benefits of Lemon
Lemon is the citrus fruit of the Lemon tree and was first cultivated in Asia. It is used for culinary, cooking, baking, medicinal and cleaning purposes.
Lemon provides many health and beauty benefits as it contains essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc.
Nutrition Chart of Lemon
Health Benefits of Lemon
Some major health benefits of lemon are as follows.
(1) Improve Digestive Health
Lemon improves our digestive health as dietary fibers in it are natural laxatives that improve bowel movement, aids in stool elimination, and relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, gas, bloating, flatulence, and indigestion, etc.
Antioxidants and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in lemon protects the gastrointestinal tract from free radical damage and reduces the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, intestinal cancer, stomach cancer, and pancreatic cancer, etc.
Lemon stimulates digestive juices to help food digestion and assimilation of nutrients from the food.
Lemon is often added to meals to ease digestion.
Drinking lemonade or lemon soda also helps.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and folate, etc also improves our digestive health.
(2) Make Our Immune System Stronger
Lemon strengthens the immune system, the defense mechanism of our body that prevents and treats various microbial infections, diseases, injuries, and wounds, etc.
Antioxidants and other relevant compounds such as vitamin A, vitamin C, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in lemon protects the immune cells or white blood cells from free radical damage and strengthens our immunity.
Vitamin C further strengthens immunity by enhancing white blood cell production.
Lemon is antimicrobial and protects us from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
When our immunity is strong, our risk of getting infected by cough, cold, fever, and flu diminishes significantly.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium, etc in lemon also strengthen immunity.
(3) Helps With Fever
Drinking lemon juice increases perspiration, and aids in combating fever.
Lemon strengthens immunity and reduces the risk of getting fever and flu.
As it is antimicrobial, it reduces the risk of various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
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(3) Aids In Dental Care
Lemon is good for maintaining oral health as it contains vitamin C, an essential nutrient that strengthens gums and soft tissues of the mouth.
Vitamin C reduces the risk of scurvy, an inflammatory condition that causes gum problems like swollen gums, bleeding gums, and lost teeth, etc.
Lemon reduces toothache and gently massaging diluted lemon juice on the affected area helps.
Diluting lemon juice is important as otherwise, the high acidic content in it can damage the tooth enamel.
If this remedy gives you a burning sensation in your mouth, gargle with water.
Because of its Wonderful cleansing properly, some people prefer to rub lemon slices directly on the teeth. However, doing it for a long time may damage the tooth enamel because of the high acidic content of lemon.
(4) Provides Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C and dietary fibers in lemon reduce pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma, and bronchial asthma, etc.
(5) Fade Off Burn Scars
Applying diluted lemon juice on the burned scars fades them off because of its high acidic content.
Vitamin C in lemon lowers body temperature and also reduces pain and inflammation.
Note- Remember that lemon juice is useful for treating burn scars ( scars left once the burned skin is healed) and not for treating burns. If you have any doubt, consult with your doctor or dermatologist.
(5) Stops Internal Bleeding
Lemon stops internal bleeding because of its antiseptic and anticoagulant properties.
To stop a nosebleed, put one or two drops of lemon juice on a small cotton ball and place it in your nose.
(6) Promotes Weight Loss
Lemon promotes weight loss as it has a low calorific value of 29 calories per 100 grams.
It is not a traditional fruit that we eat at leisure so the chances of overeating are lower in comparison to other fruits.
Dietary fibers in lemon provide stomach satiety, control overeating urges and helps with weight loss.
Lemon stimulates digestive juices in the stomach and improves our metabolism.
When our metabolism is higher, we burn calories faster and this helps with weight loss.
Drinking lemon-honey water after waking up is a common weight loss remedy. Don’t add too much honey to avoid counterproductive effects.
(7) Improves Respiratory Health
Lemon improves our respiratory health as it contains antioxidants and antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc. These compounds protect our respiratory system from free radical damage and reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C, vitamin A and dietary fibers in it reduce lung inflammation and provide relief from respiratory problems like asthma, and bronchial asthma, etc.
As lemon is antimicrobial, it protects the respiratory system from bacterial and viral infections.
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(8) Treats Cholera
As per anecdotes, drinking lemon juice helps in treating cholera and malaria because of its blood cleansing properties.
Consult with your doctor before trying this remedy.
(9) Provides Muscles Relaxation
Soaking feet in a bowl of lukewarm water with lemon juice added to it relaxes our muscles.
Remove your feet when the water turns cold.
(10) Soften Soles of Our Feet
As per popular belief, gently massaging lemon juice on the hardened skin areas like soles of feet or palms of the hands dissolve skin lumps and soften skin.
(11) Provides Relief From Throat Infections
Lemon relieves throat infections as vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds in it strengthen immunity and helps with treating throat infections.
The antimicrobial property in lemon protects the throat from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Antioxidants and other relevant compounds in almonds protect the throat from free radical damage.
(12) Controls High Blood Pressure
Potassium in lemon is a natural vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and relieves hypertension or high blood pressure.
Hypertension is a common health problem that may cause severe headaches, nosebleed, fatigue, nosebleed, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeat.
It affects millions worldwide.
If you are on blood pressure medication, consult with your doctor before adding lemon to your routine to reduce food-drug intolerance risk.
Eat-in moderation to avoid counterproductive results.
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(13) Provides Cardiovascular Benefits
Lemon is good for our heart as dietary fibers in it reduces LDL cholesterol and minimizes the risk of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, and coronary artery disease, etc.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients etc it protects the cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Potassium in lemon regulates high blood pressure, a leading cause of cardiovascular problems.
As per a study by American Heart Association, eating citrus fruits may lower the risk of ischemic stroke in women by up to 19 percent in comparison to those who didn’t.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, etc in lemon also contribute to our cardiovascular health.
(15) Reduces The Risk of Various Cancer(s)
Lemon contains antioxidants and relevant compounds like vitamin C, vitamin A, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc that protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, and lung cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Limonene oil in lemon hinders the growth of cancer cells in animals.
Glycosides flavonol in lemon prevents cancer from spreading by inhibiting the cancer cell division.
(16) Maintain Electrolyte Balance
Once digested, lemon has an alkaline effect on the body and helps in restoring electrolyte balance in the body.
Potassium in lemon also helps in maintaining electrolyte balance.
(17) Good For Liver
Vitamin C and relevant antioxidantal compounds in lemon protect the liver from free radical damage and reduces the risk of liver cancer.
Vitamin C protects the liver from liver inflammation and reduces hepatitis risk.
Dietary fibers in lemon remove toxins from the body, and to some extent reduce the detoxification burden from the liver.
This frees our liver to focus on other important functions like the production of bile juice, metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, synthesis of plasma protein, etc.
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(18) Keep Our Digestive System Healthy
Lemon protects our digestive system from free radical damage as it contains vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc.
This minimizes the risk of gastrointestinal cancer, abdominal cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer, etc.
Dietary fibers in lemon are natural laxatives that improve bowel movement and relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
Lemon relieves acidity, indigestion, and heartburn, etc.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and folate, etc also improves our digestive health.
(19) Treats Scurvy
The abundance of vitamin C in lemon reduces the risk of scurvy( vitamin C deficiency) and aids in treating the same.
Scurvy is a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency and gives rise to symptoms like muscular pain, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, bleeding gums, and swollen gums, etc.
(20) Dissolve Kidney Stones And Gallstones
The citric acid in lemon helps in dissolving gallstones and calcium deposits and improves kidney health.
(21) Improves Neurological Health
Lemon improves our neurological health as vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like tangerine in lemon protect our brain cells or the neurons from free radical damage.
It minimizes the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, etc in the lemon also contribute to neurological health as they provide several cognitive benefits like a sharper memory, better focus, improved concentration, and reduced mental confusion, etc.
(22) For Using Ayurvedic Treatment
In Ayurveda, lemon plays an important role in treating problems related to the eyes, brain, and digestive system.
(23) Improve Blood Circulation
Lemon strengthens blood vessels.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds in lemon protect our circulatory system from free radical damage and improve its efficiency.
Potassium in lemon improves blood circulation by relaxing blood vessels.
Bioflavonoids in lemon strengthen blood vessels and reduce the risk of internal bleeding.
(24) Maintains Ocular Health
Lemon maintains our ocular health as antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C and other relevant compounds in it protects our eyes from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin A improves vision, prevents eye dryness, and minimizes the risk of night-blindness.
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(25) Are Anionic In Nature
In contrast to other fruits, lemons are anionic ( ions with a negative charge).
They are acidic in their natural state but on digestion, they have an alkaline effect on the body.
Because of this property, they maintain interaction between anions and cations in the body.
This helps with energy generation for cells.
(26) Provides Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Lemon provides relief from pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma and bronchial asthma, etc due to the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C and dietary fibers in them.
Beauty Benefits of Lemon For Skin
Some major beauty benefits of lemon are as follows
Keep premature aging at bay
Vitamin C and other compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in lemon protects the skin from free radical damage. It reduces the risk of various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
Vitamin C enhances collagen production.
Collagen is an essential amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and skin sagging.
(1) Eliminate Blackheads
Because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties, lemon helps in eliminating blackheads.
To lessen blackheads, gently rub lemon slices on the face.
Avoid any cuts and wounds as the citric acid in lemon can cause extreme pain and burning sensation.
The second method is to put a few drops of honey on the lemon slice and apply it to the face.
Let it dry for 10 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.
(2) Whitens Teeth
In traditional practice, lemon helps with teeth whitening.
For this, apply lemon juice on the teeth for a short time and avoid gums. Avoid rubbing it for too long as the citric acid in lemon can damage our teeth. Wait for a minute, and then rinse off the mouth with warm water.
Or,
Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt or baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice to make a paste.
Apply it to the stained teeth ( avoid gums).
Wait for a minute and rinse off the mouth with warm water.
(3) Wonderful Foot Scrub
As per anecdotes, lemon acts as a wonderful foot scrub for getting rid of accumulated dirt.
To use lemon as a foot scrub,
- Mix two tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and fresh juice of a half lemon to form a paste.
- Apply it on the foot and let it dry for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
This lemon mixture eliminates dirt from the feet and moisturizes them.
(4) Wonderful Skin Exfoliator
Lemon is a wonderful skin exfoliator and natural skin cleanser that aids in getting rid of dead and dry skin.
For skin exfoliation,
- Mix ¼ cup of yogurt, one tablespoon of honey, and one tablespoon of lemon juice to form a paste.
- Apply the paste on the clean, make-up-free skin for 10 minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.
Regular use exfoliates the skin and brings out the skin’s natural glow.
(5) Heals Chapped Lips
Lemon heals chapped lips because of its exfoliating properties.
For healing chapped lips, apply lemon juice on your lips ( make sure there are no cuts and wounds) and leave it overnight.
The next morning, wash off with water.
Avoid this remedy if there’s any cut or wound on the lips as the citric acid in lemon may aggravate the condition and cause extreme pain or burning sensation.
(6) Rejuvenates Skin
Lemon rejuvenates our skin and makes it flawless and radiant.
Vitamin C and other compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in lemon protect our skin from free radical damage and reduce various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin spots, etc.
Vitamin C boosts the production of collagen, an essential amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and smoothes skin.
For skin rejuvenation,
- Put a few drops of honey on a lemon slice and apply it on your face, neck, hands, skin, and legs, etc, while avoiding cuts and wounds.
- After 10 minutes, rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat once or twice a week for better results.
Or,
- Dilute lemon juice with equal amounts of rose water or vitamin E oil, and apply it to the skin.
- Let it dry for 10 minutes, rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat twice or thrice per week.
(7) Cures Acne And Scars
Lemon aids in treating acne as it contains L-ascorbic acid that provides astringent properties.
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substances within the skin pores.
The dietary fibers in lemon eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and pimples.
Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent acne from worsening.
As lemon is antibacterial, it kills off bacteria responsible for causing skin problems like acne.
For treating acne, dilute lemon juice with equal portions of rose water or vitamin E oil, and apply it to the affected area.
Wait 15 minutes, and rinse off with cold water.
(8) Reduces Stretch Marks
Lemon aids in reducing stretch marks because of its acidic properties.
It sheds off dead and dry skin and helps with skin regeneration.
For diminishing stretch marks, rub a lemon slice on the stretch marks in a circular motion.
Wait for a few minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
Repeat twice a day for better results.
Or,
Mix an equal amount of lemon juice and cucumber juice, and apply the mixture to the affected area for 5 minutes.
Wait 10 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.
Regular use diminishes stretch marks and lightens dark elbows and knees.
(9) Lightens Freckles
Lemon is a bleaching agent that lightens up freckles and makes them disappear over time.
For lightening freckles, gently massage some fresh lemon juice on the affected skin area for 5 minutes.
Wait ten minutes, and rinse off with warm water.
Repeat twice a day for better results.
Or,
Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of beaten yogurt, and a small amount of honey to form a paste.
Apply the paste on the affected skin areas and let it dry completely.
Rinse off with cold water.
Repeat daily for better results.
(10) Lemon Juice For Skin Whitening
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that brightens skin as it has citric acid in it.
For skin whitening, dilute two tablespoons of lemon juice with three tablespoons of water, and apply it to the face and neck.
Wait for 30 minutes, and wash off with cold water.
Repeat daily.
If you feel skin irritation, add one tablespoon of honey to the mixture.
Beauty Benefits of Lemon For Hair
Some major beauty benefits of lemon for hair and scalp are as follows.
(1) Banishes Dandruff
Lemon helps in treating dandruff, a common scalp problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by poor scalp health.
For treating dandruff, rub lemon slices on the scalp and let it dry for an hour.
Wash off with lukewarm water.
To strengthen this remedy, add a few drops of vinegar to it.
Avoid this remedy if you have any views or wounds on the scalp as the acidic nature of lemon and vinegar may cause extreme pain and burning sensation, and may worsen the situation.
Or,
Squeeze a lemon in one cup of plain yogurt and mix some coconut oil or olive oil to the mixture.
Apply this mixture to damp hair and hair follicles.
Cover the hair with a shower cap and after 30 minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.
Repeat twice a week.
Or,
Dilute the juice of two lemons with one cup of water, and apply it to the shampooed hair.
After 5 minutes, rinse off with water.
Because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, lemon helps in treating scalp infections.
Lemon not only treats dandruff and skin irritation but also maintains oil secretion from the scalp.
(2) Lemons For Hair Conditioning
Lemon not only treats dandruff and scalp problems but conditions our hair to make them strong and lustrous.
For hair conditioning, mix half a cup of yogurt, a raw egg, and juice of a half lemon to form a paste.
Apply it on the scalp and let it dry.
Wash off with water using a mild shampoo.
Repeat weekly to make hair thick, strong, and shiny.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about the topic and is not be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.
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