Lemon is one of the most popular and powerful fruits in the citrus family. Lemon is oval in shape, and has a light yellow to yellow color. When fully ripe, it’s juicy, slightly sour, and contains just a few seeds.
Why Lemon Is So Good for You
Lemons are packed with citric acid, ranging from 3.5% to 5.5%, and are rich in vitamin C. This makes them not only a tasty addition to food and drinks but also a powerful natural remedy. Whether you’re using lemon in your salad, lemonade, or just a splash on fruits to stop them from turning brown—it’s doing more than just adding flavor.
Lemon juice is used in:
- Salads
- Lemonades and squashes
- Jams, jellies, marmalades & pickles
- Preventing discoloration in sliced fruits
It also stores well if kept properly.
Parts of Lemon Used in Medicine
- Rind: Good for digestion and relieving gas.
- Essential oil: Taken from the outer peel, used for flavoring and relieving stomach discomfort.
- Juice: Used to treat various health issues.
Nutritional Value (Per 100g)
- Moisture: 85%
- Carbohydrates: 11.1%
- Protein: 1%
- Fat: 0.9%
- Fibre: 0.3%
- Minerals: 1.7%
Vitamins & Minerals:
- Calcium: 70 mg
- Phosphorus: 10 mg
- Iron: 2.3 mg
- Vitamin C: 39 mg (60 mg in lemon juice)
- Vitamin B Complex: In small amounts
Health Benefits of Lemon
1. Boosts Oral Health
Lemon strengthens gums and teeth. It helps treat gum infections, pyorrhoea, and tooth decay.
2. Treats Throat Issues
Roast a whole lemon, squeeze out its juice, mix with honey, and take hourly for relief from throat irritation and cough.
3. Detox Through the Feet
Rubbing lemon slices on your feet helps remove toxins and reduces pain or burning sensation.
4. Aids Digestion
Lemon juice stimulates digestive juices, helps relieve gas, and eases constipation and indigestion. It’s also great for heartburn—just mix half a lemon in water and drink.
5. Helps in Weight Loss
Lemon juice is a natural remedy for obesity. A step-by-step lemon juice cleanse can help detox and support weight loss.
6. Fights Colds and Flu
A hot drink made with juice of two lemons, half a litre of boiling water, and honey before bed is a great remedy for colds. As they say, “A lemon a day keeps a cold away!”
7. Prevents Cholera
Drinking lemon juice daily during outbreaks is a great preventive measure.
8. Soothes Tired Feet & Promotes Sleep
Soaking feet in hot water and then rubbing them with lemon juice relaxes the nerves and promotes better sleep.
9. Natural Beauty Aid
- Rub lemon on blemished skin overnight for clearer skin.
- Use lemon juice in cool water as a hair rinse to add shine.
- Rub lemon peel on dry skin or rough elbows to soften them.
Conclusion
Lemon is more than just a kitchen staple—it’s a powerhouse of health benefits. From improving digestion to boosting immunity and enhancing your skin, it’s truly a gift from nature. So next time you see a lemon, don’t just think of it as sour—think of it as super.
