Healthy Benefits
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Copper
- Fiber
- Folate
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Niacin
- Pantothenic Acid
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Protein
- Phytochemicals, limonin and limonene
- Zinc
Disease Prevention and Risk Reduction
A 2010 study in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis highlighted the health-promoting nutrients and phytochemicals in lemons such as phenols, essential oils, and other antioxidants. One group of phenols in liminoids, has been shown in both animal and human cell studies to combat viruses and bacteria, as well as cancer.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer reported on the anticancer effects of one particular liminoid contained in lemons, limonin, as well as other liminoids, against two human cancer cell types, neuroblastoma and colon cancer cells.
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Carcinogenesis reported on another compound high in lemons, limonene. The authors found that in prostate cancer cells it enhanced the anticancer effect of a chemotherapy drug without damaging normal cells. They concluded that limonene could be combined with other treatments to improve outcomes.
Studies conducted at the American Urological Association highlight the fact that lemonade or lemon juice can eliminate the occurrence of kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which prevents the formation of crystals.
Lemons help prevent:
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Indigestion
Lemons can help improve:
- Skin
- Hair, including dandruff
- Tooth pain (when applied to the area of the toothache)
- Bleeding gums
- Bad mouth odors
- Fever
- Wrinkles
- Blackheads
- Pain of sunburn
- Pain of bee stings
- Nosebleeds
- Scars
- Corns
- Colds
- Respiratory (breathing) problems
Preparation
Most recipes call for lemons in the form of juice. Lemons will produce more juice when they are warm so always juice at room temperature. Rolling them on the counter with the palm of your hand will also produce more juices.
If your recipe calls for lemon or lime zest, be sure to use fruit that is organically grown since most conventionally grown fruits will have pesticide residues on their skin. If you are juicing or eating the inside of them lemon, wash and dry the outside of the lemon so pesticides and bacteria will not be transferred to the inside of the lemon.
LivingTraditionally.com gives 20 reasons to drink lemon water every morning. Here is the recommended way to prepare your lemon water:
For this purpose, use warm purified or spring water. Take half a cup of warm water without sugar and squeeze in there at least half of lemon or lime. Better to use a special juicer (to get the most juice with minimal effort). You can also use lemon essential oil.
You need to drink water with lemon first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Some recommend a drink of water one hour before meals for maximum results.
Preservation
Lemons will stay fresh at room temperature, away from exposure to sunlight, for about one week. In the refrigerator crisper, they will keep for about four weeks.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice can be poured into ice cube trays, frozen and placed in plastic bags in the freezer. Dried lemon zest should be stored in a cool and dry place in an airtight glass container.
Resources
Reinhard, Tonia. Superfoods: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet. Buffalo, NY: Firefly, 2010. Print.
“Lemon/Limes.” Web log post. Lemon/Limes. The World’s Healthiest Foods, n.d. Web. 14 June 2015.
Wholeness and Healing 