Lemon: Benefits and Harms for the Human Body

The beneficial properties of lemon are well known, and making lemon tea has long been a daily habit for many, especially in winter. While there's a common misconception that lemon is beneficial for the body, some experts claim that consuming it can also be harmful.

The benefits of lemon for the human body

It's worth noting that this fruit was long rare and exotic in our country, but today it can be purchased in any store and even grown at home as a houseplant. To understand the benefits of this citrus fruit, it's important to understand its chemical composition.

The main components of the fruit are:

• dietary fiber;
• organic acids;
• microelements: zinc, copper, manganese, boron, iron, molybdenum, fluorine;
• macroelements: calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur, chlorine;
• vitamins: beta-carotene, PP, A, C, E, as well as thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, folic acid, pantothenic acid.

General

The beneficial elements found in the fruit's pulp, zest, and juice make it versatile in its consumption and application. Lemon's ability to influence the functioning of various systems and organs manifests itself in the following properties:

1. Vitamin C boosts and strengthens the immune system. It is recommended to eat the fruit raw or add it to tea, as it helps prevent colds, speeds recovery, and has a diaphoretic effect.
2. Anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. Used for various respiratory ailments.

   

3. Increases the number of red blood cells in the blood due to high levels of iron.
4. Strengthens the walls of blood vessels, as the fruit contains a lot of potassium.
5. It helps the functioning of the heart muscle and normalizes blood pressure, which is facilitated by the PP in the fruit.
6. Improves appetite due to the presence of citric acid, which enters the digestive tract.
7. It helps digestion and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which is facilitated by the large amount of fiber.
8. Stimulates the production of enzymes that help in the absorption of various elements.
9. Activates the production of liver enzymes.
10. Breaks down harmful cholesterol and removes toxins from the body.
11. Participates in the removal of free radicals.
12. Prevents the development of cancer, being a strong antioxidant.
13. Improves hair structure, making it stronger and more beautiful.

    

14. Improves skin condition and helps combat its defects.
15. Participates in regeneration processes, eliminates wrinkles.
16. It has an analgesic effect and can help with headaches and abdominal colic.
17. It has an antiseptic effect on various organs and systems.
18. Relieves stress and depression thanks to the vitamin B in its composition.
19. Strengthens human teeth and bones.
20. Used for the prevention of serious diseases: tuberculosis, rickets, diabetes, arthrosis.

Such an impressive list of beneficial properties of citrus has led to its widespread use both in the daily diet of people and in folk and traditional medicine.

For women

In addition to the above-mentioned beneficial properties of the fruit, it is worth highlighting its positive effects on the female body:

1. Antioxidant effect: improves the condition of skin and hair; various masks and lotions with fruit oil are used in cosmetology, including in home recipes.
2. Improving metabolism: helps the gastrointestinal tract function, promotes weight loss and the elimination of toxins, improving overall health and well-being.
3. The presence of an analgesic effect: it is useful for headaches, migraines, and menstrual pain.
4. Strengthening the nervous system: reducing anxiety, stress, and eliminating depression.

For men

There are also special indications for including citrus in the diet of men:

• prevention of heart attacks, since it has been scientifically proven that men are more susceptible to this risk;
• cleansing from toxins, the presence of which leads to obesity;
• removal of parasites from the body;
• reducing the risk of cancer, including testicular cancer;
• stabilization of reproductive function and the fight against its diseases;
• increased testosterone levels in the blood.

For children

Children are also recommended to drink tea and water with lemon, as it helps strengthen the immune system and improves resistance to pathogens. Lemon is an effective remedy for helminth infestations, which is important for children. The B vitamins in the fruit are involved in metabolism and normalize the body's functions. The presence of vitamin D helps prevent the development of rickets.

Contraindications to the use of lemon

All citrus fruits are strong allergens and should be used with caution in those with certain medical conditions and avoided in early childhood. Citrus fruits are no exception to this rule and have a number of contraindications related to their specific composition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIj2IaTizuY

General

Despite its near-medicinal properties, lemon has some contraindications. It's best to limit lemon consumption in the following cases:

• the presence of acute diseases of the stomach and intestines, since the acid in the fruit can aggravate and worsen them;
• problems with tooth enamel, as acid can corrode it;
• oral diseases, again due to the acid, which will cause irritation and possibly even bleeding;
• pancreatitis; and this prohibition is categorical;
• allergic reactions to citrus fruits or their individual components;
• hypertension.

During pregnancy

In many cases, pregnant women can consume lemon in small amounts. It helps with nausea and improves energy levels, which is crucial for expectant mothers. However, you should avoid consuming it in the following cases:

• the presence of problems with tooth enamel;
• gastrointestinal diseases associated with increased acidity;
• allergies due to hormonal changes;
• hypertension.

How many lemons should you eat per day?

There's no definitive answer to this question, as individual characteristics, age, and health status must be taken into account. Based on average statistics, one lemon and its juice is a necessary and sufficient daily intake for a healthy body. This intake should be adjusted based on your needs and limitations.

Recipes for using lemon in folk medicine

There are many medicinal preparations that contain lemon concentrate or its essential oil, but the fruit itself is most often used in folk medicine.

Under pressure

For the treatment of hypotension, the following option is used using citrus:

• 5 lemons;
• 100 g of bergenia leaves;
• 500 g honey;
• 1 liter of boiling water.

Mash the fruits, crush the leaves, and pour boiling water over everything. Place the mixture in a cool place, tightly covered, for 36 hours. Then add honey and let it steep for another 24 hours, shaking occasionally. Take this infusion half an hour before meals, three times a day, for at least three weeks.

For weight loss

Plain water with lemon juice added reduces appetite for two reasons: first, the volume of water consumed partially fills the stomach, and second, the pectin found in lemon juice suppresses appetite. For weight loss, you should drink a glass of water with lemon every time before a meal, but this regimen should be complemented by exercise and a review of your overall diet.

The fruit is also effective at clearing cholesterol deposits from blood vessels, which ultimately improves overall metabolism and promotes weight loss. Essential oil is often used in slimming massages, which also promotes fat loss.

For colds

Since citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which isn't stored in the body, they should be eaten daily to replenish ascorbic acid. The most popular cold preventative is drinking lemon tea. You can also drink water (plain or mineral) with lemon juice on an empty stomach.

If you have a runny nose and fever, this simple recipe will be effective:

• 500 g citrus;
• 250 g of honey.

Grind the fruit in a blender and mix with honey, consume after meals, 3-4 times a day.

For headaches

For a migraine, simply apply the fruit peel to your temple for 10-15 minutes. The pain will subside, but a small red spot may remain, which is nothing to worry about.

For severe, systematic headaches, there is this folk recipe:

• 0.5 l of honey;
• 5 medium fruits;
• 5 cloves of garlic.

Grate the garlic cloves and lemons, add honey, mix well, and leave in a cool place for 7-8 days. The recommended dose is 1 tablespoon per day for several months.

In cosmetology

The fruit in question is also popular in cosmetology for combating skin defects, increasing its elasticity, regeneration, and improving the condition of hair.

To strengthen hair:

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice;
• 2 tbsp. spoons of vinegar;
• 1 liter of warm water.

After washing with shampoo, rinse your hair several times and it will become smooth and shiny.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bz_PE6rZqE

Anti-wrinkle:

• 1 teaspoon citrus juice;
• 1 teaspoon of heavy cream.

Mix the ingredients and apply a thin layer to your face. After 10-15 minutes, rinse with a cotton pad and water. The mask smoothes fine lines and gives your skin a healthy glow.

With water on an empty stomach

In the morning, before your first meal, drink a glass of water with the juice of one lemon slice. Add the juice to warm water; it's very important not to add boiling water to the drink, as many of its properties will be lost due to the heat.

For ulcers

The daily diet of ulcer patients is contraindicated for this citrus fruit, but this applies to fresh fruit. To prevent exacerbation of the disease, you can use the following recipe:

• 0.5 l of honey;
• 0.5 l olive oil;
• juice of two citruses.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and consume the mixture before meals, 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day.

In oncology

Numerous studies have proven that certain components of the fruit are effective in fighting and preventing several types of cancer. The best way to consume the fruit is to freeze it and use it in various dishes. Wash the fruit and grate it, peel and all, then place it in the freezer and add it to any dishes or drinks at least twice a week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUckeV03WgY

Side effects and compatibility

Because the fruit itself is a complex of vitamins and minerals, combining it with other foods and medications can cause certain reactions that are not always beneficial for the body:

1. The ascorbic acid in the fruit interferes with the action of statins, inhibiting them. Statin-based medications should not be taken with lemon.
2. Taking cough medicines and citrus fruits at the same time can cause drowsiness and weakness; it is necessary to observe the time interval between their use.
3. Coffee and the fruit in question are also not the best combination, as caffeine interferes with the absorption of iron, which the fruit is so beneficial and rich in.

   

4. Tea with lemon can negatively affect brain function due to the formation of aluminum citrate, so adding a slice of it to very hot tea is not the best idea.
5. Citrus fruits and dairy products can increase the acidity of gastric juice, which is especially harmful for people with gastritis and ulcers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lemon is a tasty and healthy fruit that can be eaten or used to make various medicinal remedies. Citrus is widely used to combat illnesses thanks to its rich vitamin and nutrient content.