Content
Lemon is good for the body - it is impossible to argue with this statement. But in order to understand exactly what effect the fruit has on the body, its properties need to be studied in as much detail as possible.
Nutritional value and chemical composition of lemon
The pulp of citrus fruit contains a huge amount of valuable substances. Namely:
- organic acids, mainly citric, which is responsible for the sour taste of the product;
- potassium, sodium and chlorine;
- magnesium, sulfur and phosphorus;
- natural monosaccharides and disaccharides;
- calcium;
- zinc, iron and copper;
- fluorine and molybdenum;
- boron and manganese.
In addition, the product contains dietary fiber and ash. Like any fruit, lemon contains an increased amount of water.
How many calories are in lemon
Citrus fruit is one of the lowest in calories. In 100 g of its pulp, only 34 kcal is present.
What vitamins are contained in lemon
Most of all, citrus fruit is valued for its high vitamin content. Its pulp contains:
- subgroup B vitamins - B1 and B5, B6 and B9, B2;
- vitamin E;
- nicotinic acid, or vitamin PP;
- vitamin A;
- vitamin C.
If you eat the fruit in the cold season, it will serve as an excellent prevention of colds and can easily replace multivitamin complexes.
How much vitamin C is in lemon
Among the vitamins present in the pulp of the fruit, the most famous is ascorbic acid. The product actually contains a lot of vitamin C - about 40 mg, which is about half the daily value of this substance.
But contrary to popular belief, lemon is not at all the record holder for the content of ascorbic acid. There is still less vitamin C in it than in parsley, kiwi or rose hips.
BZHU content
In terms of nutrients, the composition of the fruit is represented mainly by carbohydrates - about 3 g. Much less protein is present in citrus - no more than 0.9 g, and the proportion of fats is quite insignificant, only about 0.1 g.
Glycemic index of lemon
There are very few sugar substances in the fruit pulp. Therefore, for diabetics, the fruit is quite safe, its glycemic index is 25 units.
Why lemon is useful for the body
The main beneficial property of the fruit is that it effectively strengthens the immune system and helps the body cope with colds. However, the benefits of the fruit are not only this. If consumed regularly in small amounts, citrus can:
- normalize metabolic processes and improve digestion;
- strengthen the heart system and improve brain function;
- speed up the work of a sluggish stomach and promote the rapid absorption of nutrients;
- replenish energy reserves and raise the level of efficiency.
It should be noted the antiseptic properties of the fruit, it helps in the fight against any diseases of an inflammatory nature and is an important part of complex therapy. It is recommended to use it not only for colds, but also for bacterial ailments, joint inflammation and diseases of the respiratory system.
The benefits of lemon for men
The benefits of lemon for a man's body are very diverse. First of all, the fruit helps with malfunctions and inflammatory ailments of the reproductive sphere. Eating lemons is useful for the prevention and treatment of prostate tumors, the fruit has a beneficial effect in reducing libido. Citruses are very beneficial for men during the planning period, as they improve the quality of the genetic material.
Regular consumption of lemon fruits protects the body from the occurrence of heart and vascular ailments. Therefore, the presence of fruit in a constant diet prevents premature heart attacks and strokes, which are very dangerous for men.
The benefits of lemon for a woman's body
The fruit is of great benefit to the female body, as it helps to cope with most ailments and disorders of the genitourinary sphere. Its valuable properties can be used with cystitis, with infectious diseases, with a loss of strength against the background of painful menstruation. The dietary properties of the product are also highly valued by women, due to its low calorie content, lemon helps burn fat and normalizes weight.
The valuable properties of citrus fruit are used in home cosmetology. Hair masks and rinses with the addition of lemon pulp refresh and whiten the skin, eliminate acne and tighten pores, strengthen hair follicles and have a healing effect on the scalp.
Is it possible for pregnant women to lemon
Pregnant women experience a shortage of valuable substances, and lemon saturates the body with vitamins A, C, E and B. Also, citrus during pregnancy protects a woman from colds and allows you to cope with viral and bacterial infections without the use of pharmacological drugs. If you ask yourself if a lemon is possible during pregnancy, then the answer will be unequivocal - not only possible, but also necessary.
The fruit is diuretic and helps to relieve swelling during pregnancy. You can eat lemon slices during attacks of toxicosis - this quickly eliminates nausea and restores a healthy appetite. Lemon thins the blood and prevents the occurrence of varicose veins in pregnant women, and also contributes to the normal development of the fetus in the womb.
Is lemon good for breastfeeding?
During lactation, the benefits of the fruit become less clear. Despite the fact that it is still of great value to the mother, citrus fruit can cause a negative reaction in infants. The fact is that the product often causes allergies and leads to rash and diarrhea in the child.
It is recommended to return the product to the diet six months after giving birth, and then on the condition that neither the woman nor her and her husband's close relatives are allergic to citrus fruits. You need to start with 1 slice of fruit, carefully observing the reaction of the baby. If negative symptoms do not appear, then subsequently the volume of consumption can be increased.
At what age can children use a lemon
Vitamins and organic acids in the fruit will be very valuable for children, as they will help strengthen the body's resistance to all kinds of viruses and infections. But you can offer a fruit to a child for the first time only after 8-10 months of life, no more than a tiny piece, to improve the taste of sprinkled with sugar.
Since lemon belongs to foods with an increased allergic risk, if the child has any allergies, it is recommended to postpone the introduction of the fruit into the diet until 3-5 years.
What does lemon help from and how to take it right
The benefits and harms of lemon for the body are in demand not only in cooking, but also in home medicine. The valuable substances in the composition of the product can bring a beneficial effect on a wide range of diseases, if you know how to use citrus fruit correctly.
With gout
The disease occurs due to excessive deposition of urea salts in the joints and is characterized by swelling, inflammation and severe pain. The fruit contributes to the destruction and elimination of harmful salts from the body, elimination of inflammation and edema.
Lemon for gout is recommended to be consumed twice a day for 18 days, it is enough to eat 1-2 fresh slices per intake. You can repeat the course of treatment twice a year, the fruit will contribute to a noticeable relief of the condition.
With a cold
Ascorbic acid and other vitamins in the citrus composition have a powerful resistance to viruses and infections, activate the immune system to fight colds and quickly reduce the temperature. At the first symptoms of ARVI and flu, it is recommended to eat 3-4 lemon slices throughout the day, just like that or at the same time as taking warm drinks. Lemon for colds should be consumed until the disease recedes.
With angina
Inflammation and sore throat with angina are caused by the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. The antiseptic properties of lemon help to deal with the problem.
A quarter of fresh fruit is properly squeezed over a glass, add 150 ml of water - and the resulting solution is rinsed every hour. Lemon for angina should be used for 2-3 days, this time will be enough to eliminate the infection.
From nausea
Nausea caused by toxicosis or any other reason can seriously impair the quality of life. However, fresh citrus quickly relieves unpleasant symptoms, it is enough to eat just a couple of slices.
Lemon for nausea triggers a certain reaction in the body - it provokes the production of gastric juice and pancreatic enzyme. Thanks to this, nausea disappears in just 5-10 minutes and does not return for a long time.
In case of poisoning
Due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, lemon helps very quickly in case of poisoning, the fruit eliminates harmful bacteria and quickly removes their waste products from the body. This is, among other things, the benefits of citrus for the kidneys, it protects them from damage by toxic substances.
In case of poisoning, you need to eat fruit in the following way - first, induce vomiting in order to cleanse the body directly from harmful substances. After that, several slices of citrus are squeezed out and mixed with warm water, and then the solution is drunk on an empty stomach every 3-4 hours.
Hangover
The next morning, after a stormy feast, all systems of the body experience huge overloads, and the digestive organs, heart and blood vessels suffer most from intoxication. Hangover lemon is of great benefit, as it restores the acid-base balance and promotes the early removal of toxic substances.
A citrus fruit will have the best effect if you just peel it, divide it into slices and eat it whole in the morning. If desired, the lemon can be sprinkled with sugar, but it is best to use it in its pure form - then the effect will appear in 15 minutes. The fruit will remove excess stress from the heart system and eliminate tachycardia, eliminate nausea and weakness.
With gastritis
The use of lemon for gastritis depends on the type and stage of the disease. With gastritis with high acidity and in the exacerbation phase, lemon must be completely excluded from the diet, it will irritate the mucous membranes and only aggravate the course of the disease. During the period of remission, the fruit should be eaten with great care, in small quantities and not every day.
For gastritis with low acidity, citrus in moderate amounts may be helpful. If we are not talking about the acute phase of the disease, then citrus can be consumed right before meals or together with tea to activate the digestive processes.
With pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas is an absolute contraindication to the consumption of citrus fruit. Lemon with pancreatitis will cause harm in any quantities, the acids in its composition will irritate the pancreas.
Even during the period of remission, you need to use the fruit with increased caution. It is allowed to eat no more than 2 slices per day, while citrus can only be taken on a full stomach.
Cancer
Since lemon contains a large amount of vitamins, organic acids and flavonoids, traditional medicine allocates it as a good remedy for oncology. Lemon for cancer can be used both for prevention and in the treatment of an existing ailment.
It is recommended to chew 3-4 slices of fresh citrus every morning on an empty stomach, washed down with water if necessary. The valuable substances in lemon will prevent the growth of malignant formations and strengthen the body's natural forces to fight the disease.
With diabetes mellitus
The sour citrus fruit contains very little sugar and has a low glycemic index. Therefore, in diabetes mellitus, treatment with lemon is beneficial, it lowers blood glucose and cholesterol, helps to quickly cleanse the body of toxins, improves the functioning of the heart and kidneys, and prevents obesity.
With the permission of the doctor, for this disease, you can consume up to 1 lemon per day. Too much of the fruit can be harmful, as it provokes heartburn, an allergic reaction, or an attack of gastritis.
What other benefits does lemon bring to the body?
The benefits of lemon are not limited to the listed properties. In folk medicine and cooking, the product is respected for many other qualities.
Lemon is diuretic or not
The main part in the volume of lemon is water, so the fruit belongs to the category of natural diuretics. It can be used to get rid of edema, to lose weight, to remove sand from the kidneys. In terms of the strength of its action, the fruit is almost not inferior to pharmaceutical preparations, however, it has a milder effect and therefore brings more benefits to the body.
Lemon is choleretic or not
The benefits of lemon in traditional medicine recipes are also represented by its choleretic properties. When the fruit is consumed, the production of bile increases, so the product has a good effect on cholecystitis and other diseases of the gallbladder and adjacent organs.
The benefits and harms of lemon seeds
In addition to lemon pulp, the seeds of this fruit can also be beneficial. On their basis, medicinal tinctures and decoctions are made that help with diseases of the genitourinary system, inflammation and digestive disorders. The seeds contain the substance limonene and essential oil, therefore they have a powerful antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and fungicidal effect. Bone-based products can be used for colds and inflammations, for fungus and worms.
Contrary to popular belief, lemon seeds are not poisonous. However, it is still impossible to use them in large quantities. In the stomach, lemon seeds are not digested, they pass through the digestive tract as a whole and, accordingly, can cause mechanical damage to the mucous membranes.
The benefits and harms of dried lemons
Fresh fruits spoil rather quickly, but harvesting according to a special scheme helps to keep the lemon for several months. For example, dried lemon is a tasty and healthy delicacy; its slices are first boiled in sugar and then dried until the moisture almost completely evaporates. Most of the vitamins and minerals are preserved in the finished delicacy; dried slices are beneficial for anemia and weakened immunity, sluggish digestion and problems with the cardiovascular system.
Although dried lemons taste much softer and more pleasant than fresh fruits, they still need to be consumed in limited quantities. In excessive dosages, the treat can still lead to stomach irritation, heartburn and gastritis.
The benefits and harms of dried lemons
Another healthy delicacy with a long shelf life that can be made from lemons is the slices dried in the oven or special dryer. Dried lemons contain almost no water and can be stored for up to 9 months. Since drying is usually carried out at low temperatures, the finished delicacy retains a full-fledged composition of useful substances, including vitamin C, which is usually destroyed during heat treatment.
Dried lemons are less sour than fresh slices, making them easier and more enjoyable to eat. They are beneficial for colds, help with nausea and poisoning, strengthen the heart and improve brain function. However, the delicacy should not be overused; too much dried slices can provoke an allergic rash or diarrhea.
Benefits of lemon for skin
The beneficial properties of lemon are used in home cosmetology. Citrus fruits are great for acne, blackheads and blackheads, whiten the skin of the face and regulate its oiliness.
With increased oily skin, it is recommended to wipe your face daily with fresh lemon slices. In homemade masks, lemon can be combined with egg yolk and cottage cheese, oils and mineral water, and other vegetable and fruit components. With regular use, lemon can have a noticeable rejuvenating, tightening and cleansing effect.
What happens if you eat lemon every day
The health benefits and harms of lemon largely depend on its quantity. You can eat lemon every day, the fruit will not do any harm, but it will supply the body with essential vitamins and minerals.
However, you need to remember about safe dosages. It is recommended to eat no more than 1 whole lemon per day, otherwise the body will receive ascorbic acid and other useful substances in too large volumes.
What harm can lemon do to the body
Despite all the valuable properties of citrus, sometimes it can cause significant harm. Contraindications to eating fruit are:
- acute pancreatitis and stomach ulcer in a state of exacerbation;
- acute phase of gastritis with high acidity;
- individual allergy to citrus fruits;
- infancy up to 1 year.
Because lemon is a very acidic fruit, it can harm even a healthy stomach in some situations. In particular, the benefits and harms of lemon on an empty stomach are ambiguous; in no case should you eat the fruit in a state of severe hunger, this will lead to heartburn, pain and even vomiting.
Another dangerous property of lemon is its negative effect on tooth enamel. The sour fruit increases the sensitivity of the teeth, therefore, immediately after drinking the lemon, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with warm water, it will wash away the remains of citric acid from the teeth.
Conclusion
Lemon is good for the body, its properties are valuable for both healthy people and those who suffer from a number of diseases. But when consuming the fruit, care must be taken, since the beneficial properties of citrus can easily turn into harm if dosages are exceeded.
