The most famous citrus fruits are lemons. They are bright, full of flavor and juicy. This fruit is used all around the world to enrich food’s flavor, cure sore throat and even cure certain diseases. They are great because are rich in many nutrients, like vitamin C, pectin, antioxidants, B-vitamins, calcium and potassium. Also, lemon has medicinal significance and antibacterial characteristics. It contains traces of iron and vitamin A. Lemon is known for its therapeutic properties, helps maintain your immune system and thus, protects you from many types of infections.
However, there are many uses of lemon you haven’t heard about. In this article you will find out several benefits of this citrus fruit that can improve your health and your appearance.
1. Lemon balances your body’s pH
Modern life makes our body acidic because of the stresses, poor diet, pollution, lack of activity and other toxins. Thus, it is significant to keep the body alkaline and so to avoid illnesses and diseases like cancer.
We know that lemons are acidic, but the nutrients in this fruit create alkalines. This makes lemons excellent for relieving many health issues. Start your day with a cup of lukewarm water mixed with lemon juice of half a lemon.
2. Relieve Indigestion and Constipation
Lemons are little antibacterial powerhouses. Their bacteria-fighting properties destroy bad bacteria and allow good bacteria to flourish in the body, which can relieve indigestion and constipation. Sipping a warm glass of water mixed with the juice of one lemon can stimulate peristalsis, as well as the production of saliva and stomach acids that start the digestion process.
3. Helps in losing weight fast
This is how lemons help you lose weight:
- Before a meal, have a cup of hot tea with juice of half a lemon to prevent overeating. You will feel fuller and consume less food because of pectin, the soluble fiber in lemons.
- Moreover, the rate of glucose in the body is decreased by posting, preventing blood sugar spikes which are common in type 2 diabetes.
- Lemon juice is a natural diuretic, helping you to get rid of excess water by frequent urination.
- To lose pounds faster, make yourself a drink with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, a pinch of cayenne pepper and 2 teaspoons of honey in a large glass of water.
Later the same day, fill a large water bottle with a mixture of purified water and the juice of 2-3 squeezed lemons. You will not feel hungry and have cravings.
4. Prevent parasites
Parasites and intestinal worms can be troublesome to eliminate. But, they can be eliminated by creating an environment which does not allow them to survive. You can do it by eating a lemon or drinking its juice, which will make your digestive system alkaline and kill the parasites that love acidic environment.
5. Better oral care
Solve your oral health problems like bad breath or toothache by applying lemon juice to the painful area. Also, you can stop the bleeding from your gums by massaging them with lemon juice. This will keep the bacteria away.
6. Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening treatments that can be bought from stores include strong chemicals that can make your teeth sensitive and cause pain. Luckily, there is a natural treatment with lemon juice and baking soda that can whiten your teeth. Mix two equal parts of these two ingredients to prepare a solution. Rub it on your teeth using a cotton swab. Leave the mixture on no more than 45 seconds because the lemon juice’s acids and baking soda can hurt the enamel. Next, gently scrub off using a toothbrush and clean water.
7. Improve concentration
Studies have proved that lemon essential oil can improve mood. So, if you need to increase concentration and alertness while at work, have lemon balm essential oil nearby.
8. Skin exfoliation
Lemon’s vitamin C is excellent for your skin. It is part of many skin care products since it neutralizes free radicals and motivates cell regeneration by skin exfoliation. Cut lemon in half and use it as a scrub for face at least once weekly. Dead skin cells will be removed and a new skin layer will appear. Your face will be healthier and younger.
9. Liver detoxification
Lemon’s sourness sends signals to the nerves and hormones to activate the liver and kidneys. Additionally, lemon’s antioxidants improve the function of kidneys and liver and detoxify the body. Also, lemon juice acts as a diuretic, as we already mentioned and removes the excess waste products. Add lemon juice in a glass of water and drink it every morning.
10. Treat high blood pressure
Cholesterol can lead to high blood pressure. However, lemon’s pectin can decrease cholesterol. Also, flavonoids and vitamin P in lemons strengthen the blood vessels. Potassium is highly present in lemons, which prevents high blood pressure.
11. Dandruff free
You can treat dandruff yourself by mixing lemon juice and other natural ingredients, such as coconut oil. Make a paste from these ingredients and cure and moisturize your dry scalp. Don’t do this treatment too much because the lemon juice can lighten your hair.
12. More attractive feet
Treat rough, scaly or calloused feet with lemon. Lemons have citric acid that act as a natural exfoliant that help you remove dead skin cells, renew skin and brighten dark areas.
- Mix 2-3 lemons with around 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ¼ cup of milk. Then, add the mixture in a basin of warm water. Soak your feet in the mixture for 20 minutes. Next, use a foot file to remove the dead skin from your feet.
- Another thing you can do is make a lemon and sugar scrub to exfoliate your toes. Mix two cups of brown sugar and ¼ cup of olive oil. The mixture should not be too oily, but soft. Next, add a few drops of lemon essential oil. Use the resulted scrub after soaking feet.
13. Prevent fever and chills
To treat these problems, add lemon juice in a cup of hot water or tea with honey. Drink it every two hours or until you feel better.
14. Glowing skin
We already mentioned that lemons can lighten dark spots and even the skin tone. Also, vitamin C is important when collagen and elastin are produced by the body. When our body lacks vitamin C, our skin can’t repair the connective tissue and we end up with fine lines and wrinkles.
15. Treat acne
Soak a cotton pad with lemon juice and apply it to your face once at night. This way you get natural acne treatment. The next morning you can rinse the solution with water.
16. Keep insects away
If you have lemons, you won’t need bug sprays that have dangerous chemicals. You can prepare your own bug spray by mixing 1 part of lemon essential oil and 10 parts of carrier oil (olive, sunflower oil or ethyl alcohol).
17. Ease pain
Aroma created from lemon essential oils relaxes blood vessels and lowers inflammation, thus relieving pain. Drinking a glass of lemon water each day can help you ease the symptoms of arthritis, Rheuma or other inflammatory diseases. Lemon extract can relieve sunburn pain if directly applied to the skin with water. Moreover, drinking the juice of a few lemons can relieve the symptoms of PMS.
18. Reduce the appearance of varicose veins
Your legs can look younger and more beautiful by using the blood-vessel strengthening characteristics of lemon. Combine a few drops of lemon essential oil with a moisturizing oil of your choice. Apply the mixture on the affected area and massage gently. Do this regularly and your varicose veins will slowly disappear.
As you can see, lemons pack a lot of benefits in such a tiny package. Refreshing, invigorating, cleansing and detoxifying, lemons can make a great addition to your home life.
