If sunlight were a fruit, it would be a lemon. Yellow citrus fruits are so beloved that entire festivals are dedicated to them. And it's easy to see why. Lemons are bright, tangy, juicy and fresh. Moreover, they are good for your health! Do you have any doubts? Researchers have long been trying to figure out what diseases can be treated with lemon.
ContentWhat diseases can be treated with lemon: colds, diabetes and moreLemons accelerate the production of collagen in the skinWhat diseases can be treated with lemon: preventing anemiaLemons contain dietary fiberWhat diseases can be treated with lemon: preventing kidney stonesHow to add more lemons to your diet
WomanEL will share proven evidence with you scientific benefits that will make you want to eat them as often as possible.
What diseases can be treated with lemon: colds, diabetes and more
Like other citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, lemons are a rich source of plant compounds with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin C and flavonoids. The juice of one lemon provides more than a third of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is known to be associated with maintaining healthy immune function. But it does much more than just protect against colds. According to one review, vitamin C may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heal damaged tissue, and support heart health by preventing atherosclerosis.
Lemons accelerate collagen production in the skin
Vitamin C is a popular skin care ingredient due to its ability to brighten dull skin, fight free radicals, and increase collagen production. You will find it in many serums and creams. But you can double the skin health benefits of vitamin C by consuming this nutrient.
The vitamin C in lemons is a key component of collagen production in the body. Collagen is a type of protein that gives skin structure and elasticity. The skin naturally contains and produces collagen. But as we age, collagen production decreases. Thus, eating more foods rich in vitamin C, such as lemons, can give your skin a more youthful appearance.
What diseases can be treated with lemon: preventing anemia
You may have heard that vitamin C should be combined with foods rich in iron, and here's why. The body does not actually absorb all the nutrients from food. Researchers estimate that we can absorb 25 to 30 percent of heme iron from animal proteins such as meat, and 1 to 10 percent of non-heme iron from plant sources.
Combining foods rich in vitamin C, such as lemons, with plant sources of iron can help improve iron absorption. According to one study, combining vitamin C and iron may even help prevent iron deficiency anemia in young women.
Lemons contain dietary fiber
Diets high in fiber are associated with a reduced risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease. One cup of lemons contains about 6 grams of fiber. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women need about 25 grams of fiber per day, and men need about 38 grams of fiber per day. Lemons contain a type of soluble fiber called pectin. It may support blood sugar control and help lower cholesterol levels. However, fiber is only found in whole lemons, not lemon juice.
What diseases can be treated with lemon: prevention of kidney stones
Kidney stones are painful, but there are several ways to prevent them. Staying hydrated is considered the best way to prevent kidney stones, so be sure to drink plenty of water. Adding a squeeze of lemon to the water may also help. Lemons contain citric acid, which helps break down small kidney stones. According to Harvard Medical School, drinking lemon water is a common home remedy for preventing kidney stones.
How to Add More Lemons to Your Diet
The easiest way to add more lemon to your diet is to squeeze lemon juice into water or tea. This helps you stay hydrated and also provides some antioxidants. Other ways to use lemon juice include adding it to salad dressings, marinades and sauces. Just keep in mind that lemon juice contains no fiber.
Whole lemons are less commonly eaten, but there are ways to use them—peel and all. Whole lemons can be used in baked goods such as cakes, muffins and bars. You can even throw whole lemons into a blender and make lemonade.
If you're wondering if it's safe to eat lemons every day, the answer is yes. It's perfectly safe for most people to eat lemons every day.
If you're worried about kidney stones, we also told you what else you can do to get rid of them without surgery.