Do you know what happens to the body every time you drink lemon tea? Perhaps everyone understands that lemons are good for health. But believe me, you know not so much about these amazing fruits as you think.
General characteristics
Lemon is a hybrid plant of the citrus genus. It is believed that the ancestors of all the citrus fruits known today are citron, pomelo and mandarin. All the rest are hybrids resulting from mixing between these species and their “descendants”. Lemon, as scientists believe, is the “child” of citron and mandarin. It is believed that his homeland is the Deccan Plateau in central India. But when the very first lemon appeared on the planet, scientists cannot answer yet.
The first images of citrus appeared on Roman mosaics, and the first surviving written descriptions of lemons date to the beginning of the tenth century (found in Arabic treatises). In the Middle Ages in the Mediterranean countries, lemons were no longer something exotic. The fossilized remains of these fruits are found in the ruins of Pompeii. And in its time in Britain, the Royal Navy escaped from scurvy with this citrus.
Tropical and subtropical lands of Southeast Asia are considered to be native to the plants of the rut family, to which lemon itself belongs. Lemon trees can grow to 10 m, but as a rule, most plants are much smaller. Their open crown is easily recognizable by the spiny branches and white-purple fragrant flowers. The leaves have a brilliant, rich green, elliptical shape. Fruits are sour, juicy, oval-shaped with aromatic skin, as a rule, yellow. The flesh is divided into slices.
Today, for commercial purposes, these fruits are grown in Italy, Spain, Greece, Argentina, USA.
The nutritional value
One medium lemon without a peel (approximately 58 g) contains about 17 calories, about half a gram of protein, 0,2 g of fat and 5,4 g of carbohydrates. In addition, the fruit will provide the body with a small portion of thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese.
Nutritional value at 100 g
Calories 29 kcal Water 89 g Proteins 0,4 g Carbohydrates 5,4 g Fats 0,2 g Vitamin A 1 μg Vitamin C 54 mg Vitamin E 0,16 mg Thiamin (B1) 0,05 mg Riboflavin (B2) 0,03 mg Niacin (B3) 0,2 mg Pantothenic acid (B5) 0,2 mg Pyridoxine (B6) 0,09 mg Folic acid (B9) 11 μg Choline 5,1 mg Calcium 25 mg Iron 0,7 mg Magnesium 7 mg Phosphorus 15 mg Potassium 139 mg Sodium 3 mg Zinc 0,07 mg Copper 0,05 mg Manganese 0,04 mg Selenium 0,3 μg
Useful Properties
Lemons contain a large number of different chemicals that scientists believe have properties that are beneficial to humans.
By the way, the characteristic smell of lemons is the “work” of terpene D-limonene (a carbon class). And for the sour taste, citric acid, which is contained in the fruit in large quantities, is responsible.
These yellow citruses are also known for the highest concentration of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), the lack of which causes serious diseases. Interestingly, 100 ml of lemon juice contains almost 50 mg of vitamin C, which is more than half the recommended daily intake. Due to its high content of ascorbicum, lemon has gained fame as a tonic, beneficial for the digestive and immune systems, as well as for healthy skin. But not everything is so rosy. Ascorbic acid in the juice of lemons is very quickly destroyed: after 8 hours at room temperature, lemon juice loses about 20 percent of vitamin C, in the refrigerator, the same amount of vitamin evaporates after 24 hours of storage.
But flavonoids contained in lemons, according to scientists, have anti-cancer properties. They inhibit the growth of malignant cells, remove carcinogens from the body. In Ayurvedic practice, a glass of warm water with lemon juice is a means to tone the liver and remove toxins from it.
In addition, lemons are useful in preventing diabetes, constipation, hypertension, and stomach disorders, as well as in maintaining healthy hair, teeth, skin, and nails. And urologists believe that lemon juice eliminates the risk of kidney stones, since it contributes to the production of urinary citrate, and it prevents the formation of crystals.
The benefits of lemons due to the rich chemical composition. This fruit supplies the body with such elements as:
- vitamin C;
- vitamins of group B;
- vitamin A;
- vitamin E;
- copper;
- iron;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- zinc;
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- flavonoids.
Lemon juice is useful for:
- throat infections;
- kidney stones;
- increased risk of stroke;
- low body temperature;
- stomach diseases;
- constipation;
- problems with teeth;
- fever;
- rheumatism;
- arthritis and polyarthritis;
- burns;
- obesity;
- respiratory disorders;
- cholera;
- weakened immunity.
Health benefits
Consumption of fruits and vegetables has always been associated with a reduction in the risk of various diseases. Here are just some of the health benefits of consuming lemons.
Reducing the risk of cardiac disease
According to American researchers, regular consumption of lemons helps reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, and women have a much higher percentage of disease prevention than men (about 19%). In addition, it was found that the consumption of fiber from citrus fruits effectively reduces blood cholesterol. The essential function in the human body is played by the essential oils contained in lemon.
Fight cancer
Being a very rich source of a powerful antioxidant – vitamin C, lemons and juice of these fruits help fight free radicals that cause cancer.
Increased immunity
Foods high in ascorbic acid and other antioxidants help the immune system fight germs that cause the common cold or flu. For this reason, it is important in the cold season to include lemons and other citrus fruits in your menu, for example, oranges, tangerines, and pomelo.
Protection against anemia
Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anemia.
Enhance the body’s absorption of this mineral will help food rich in vitamin C, for example, lemons. Studies have shown that a combination of ascorbic acid and ferrum contributes to a better absorption of these beneficial substances. For this reason, a salad of spinach leaves, seasoned with lemon juice, is extremely effective against anemia.
Asthma prevention
Scientists have made an interesting discovery. It turns out that people who lack ascorbic acid are more likely to develop asthma. Wish to be saved from this illness – drink tea with a lemon.
Maintain a healthy complexion
Lemon, as a source of vitamin C, is essential for maintaining healthy and youthful skin. The fact is that this sour fruit is important for the production of collagen, which, in fact, is responsible for maintaining healthy skin. In addition, antioxidants protect the epidermis from solar radiation and the environment.
The benefits of lemon water
The benefits of this drink are talked about all over the world. It is customary to drink it in the form of heat on an empty stomach. It is said that daily consumption of citric water not only strengthens the immune system, but also prevents the development of incurable diseases. You can make this drink in just a few minutes in the morning. It is enough to squeeze half or a whole lemon into a glass of warm water.
Already in itself warm water, drunk on an empty stomach, is an excellent start to a new day, as it contributes to the proper “launch” of all organs, especially the digestive system. And lemon juice washes away toxins and slags from the body, activates the work of the liver and intestines, has a slight diuretic effect.
Like whole fruits, lemon water strengthens the immune system, affects the health of the skin, and enriches the body with additional energy. But perhaps the most paradoxical property of this acid citrus drink is that it reduces the overall acidity of the body. This acidic product, entering the body, becomes alkaline and thus neutralizes the excess acid in the body (for example, uric acid in the joints, which causes inflammation and pain).
Another plus from the daily intake of lemon water is improved mood.
Scientists have proven that citrus fragrance affects brain cells, improving overall well-being and mood, eliminating depression and anxiety.
Also, lemon water contains almost no calories, but it is still a good source of energy.
Possible danger from consumption
Consumption of very acidic foods is undesirable for people suffering from gastritis with high acidity or reflux disease. Also, lemons with excessive enthusiasm can trigger signs of allergies.
Use in cooking
First of all, lemon juice is used for culinary purposes. Although zest also found its use, mainly for baking. This fruit is the basis for lemonades and other beverages, including alcoholic ones. In Italy, lemon citric limoncello is made from yellow citrus. And from boiled lemons make marmalade.
Chefs also like to add this fruit to salads, as a dressing for side dishes and boiled meat. Fresh lemon juice is squeezed into fish dishes, into marinade for meat (in this case, hard fibers are softened).
Some people like to eat fresh lemons with sugar. But after such a sweet and sour meal, it is important to thoroughly rinse the oral cavity, since acid destroys the teeth and can cause some dental diseases.
Another way to use lemon juice is as a preservative with a short-term effect. If sprinkled with sour juice, sliced apples, they will no longer darken.
A little trick: to increase the amount of juice, it is enough to send the fruit to the microwave for a few seconds before use or leave it in the sun for a while. But storing fruits at room temperature makes them more vulnerable to mold.
Dried, shredded leaves of this plant have a lemon flavor, but do not contain acid.
Interestingly, lemon grass, lemon balm, verbena, lemon thyme, fragrant geranium and some varieties of mint also have a lemon scent and flavor. So if necessary, they can replace lemons.
Lemons in cosmetology
This sunny fruit in any form is useful for skin, hair, nails. Here are some secrets how to improve your appearance with lemons.
Anti wrinkle
Lemon juice has the ability to rejuvenate, brighten and tighten the skin. It is enough to put its juice on the face in the morning and before bedtime on 10-30 minutes, and then wash it off.
Hair Brightener
Lemon juice, applied to the hair, will help lighten them to tone two. Of course, the effect will not be noticeable immediately, and the platinum blonde in this way, of course, does not become, but still the result will be noticeable. In addition, lemon fresh juice will enrich the hair with many vitamins and other beneficial substances, make the curls shiny, strong and healthy.
Beautiful lips
If you apply a small amount of lemon juice to your lips before bedtime, you can more easily remove dead skin cells.
Natural deodorant
If lemon juice is applied to the armpits, you can not be afraid of the appearance of an unpleasant smell of sweat. Citrus juice kills bacteria, which, in fact, cause the smell of sweat.
Acne medicine
Sour lemon juice with a low pH has antibacterial properties, which can cure acne, epidermal staphylococcus, acne. In addition, the lemon cleanses the skin of fat and dirt, removes dead cells, prevents clogged pores, relieves cystic acne, and prevents acne.
Strengthens nails
A mixture of olive oil and lemon juice, applied to the nails, strengthens them, eliminates brittleness, dryness and yellow color. Also, lemon juice helps fight fungal infections.
Other uses of lemon
And although cooking is the most famous use of lemons (juices, seasonings are made from it, added to salads, meat, fish), but it is far from the only one. This citrus is considered useful in perfumery, cosmetology, for polishing furniture, and also grown as an ornamental tree. By the way, the juice of this fruit contains about 5% acid, which makes lemon available raw material for this substance. Also, lemon juice is an effective remedy for getting rid of ink stains. And in Japan, lemon essential oils are used in aromatherapy, as a means of relieving stress.
This sunny exotic fruit is delicious. And though it may not be the brightest representative of the genus, the list of useful properties makes him the king among citrus fruits.
