My very first vivid memory of lemons was when I was five. My parents went to the market and bought a bag of lemons for a salmon they were planning to bake.
However, I had other plans. I was adamant about making lemonade from those lemons, and I felt the need to go door-to-door selling my ‘world-renowned’ lemonade to all my eager neighbors. Although the lemonade was far from tasty, I was just happy to make enough money to buy a Polly Pocket.
As I have grown away from selling lemonade to my neighbors, I have kept up my love for lemons by drinking a cup of hot lemon water every morning. I have seen a large number of benefits from drinking lemon water as it helps regulate my digestive system and relieves my dehydration in the morning!
When you think about it, there’s always some memory associated with lemons – whether it’s time you realized you hated the sour taste or when you sold your first cup of lemonade. Whatever the case may be, lemons add a bit of zest into our lives, and they hold a substantial number of health benefits!
1. Lowering stroke risk:
According to a 2012 study, the flavonoids in citrus fruits may help reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in women. A study of data from nearly 70,000 women over 14 years showed that those who ate the most citrus fruits had a 19% lower risk of ischemic stroke than women who consumed the least.
2. Cancer Prevention:
Lemons and lemon juice are an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C. Antioxidants may help prevent free radicals from causing cell damage that can lead to cancer.
3. Maintaining a healthy complexion:
Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the support system of the skin. Sun exposure, pollution, age, and other factors can result in skin damage. A 2014 study suggested that either eating vitamin C in its natural form or applying it topically can help prevent this type of damage. Also, utilizing lemons as a skin balm can help cure acne and eczema.
4. Boosting Immune System:
Foods that are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants may help strengthen the immune system against the germs that cause the common cold and the flu. Squeezing a whole lemon into a glass of hot water with a large spoonful of honey makes a soothing drink for someone with a cough or cold.
5. Detox:
In a study, those who followed the lemon detox diet experienced more significant improvements in insulin resistance, body fat, BMI, body weight, and waist-hip ratio than those on the other foods. Lemons are also said to detoxify the liver and digestive tract – perfect for after the boozy weekends!
6. Helps control anxiety:
Research has shown that lemon balm has a calming effect and, therefore, may be able to help remove fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. This can also improve your mood and calmness!
