This fruit originated in Asia and is currently cultivated worldwide. The lemon is the fruit of the lemon tree and should never be omitted from a healthy diet.
PROPERTIES
1. ACTIVATOR OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Its high content of Vitamin C activates the immune system by increasing our defences and helping us to combat diseases, usually infectious.
2. COLLAGEN
Lemons help to form collagen and thereby contribute to the maintenance of strong bones and joints. They also contribute to having healthy teeth, gums, skin and hair.
3. ELASTICITY
The elements of lemons contribute to the elasticity found within our larger arteries and in turn, help them to prevent the emergence of thrombi within them.
They also contribute to maintaining the basal membrane of small blood vessels stable thereby, avoiding capillary fragility and preventing them from rupturing.
4. PREVENTION OF CANCER
Certain studies suggest that certain types of acids present in lemons would intervene in the prevention of various types of cancer, by blocking a type of cancerous substances called nitrosamines. The limonoids or small phytonutrients present within lemon rinds would act in the same way.
5. ANTISEPTIC
Lemons act as a potent antiseptic by helping scarring.
6. PREVENTION OF DISEASES
A number of studies have been able to demonstrate how lemons aid in the prevention of degenerative, cardiovascular and eye diseases.
7. ANTIINFLAMATORY
The presence of antioxidants such as flavonoids, reduce pain and inflammation.
8. BLOOD PRESSURE
The elements present within lemons help to prevent high blood pressure by acting as diuretics.
9. PECTIN
Pectin is another element present within lemons. This soluble fibre decreases cholesterol and glucose levels, whilst also feeding the good bacteria present within our intestinal flora.
10. IRON ABSORPTION
The Vitamin C present in lemons help us to absorb the iron present within vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables such as spinach, watercress, swiss chard, etc. Pouring a small quantity of lemon juice on top of these vegetables, helps the body to absorb their nutrients much more effectively.
OTHER BENEFITS OF LEMON
IN TEA
Lemon is usually used to treat colds and coughs due to their anti-inflammatory properties. It is prepared using hot water and honey.
DIARRHOEAS
Lemons are used as a component of alkaline lemonade to combat the dehydration caused by diarrhoea. It is prepared by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of sugar and the juice of two lemons into a litre of boiled or bottled water. This lemonade is drunk in small sips until the diarrhoea improves.
In addition to all of the uses explored within this article, it is also important to add that lemons can also be used as salad dressings and in the elaboration of meals, desserts, juices, sorbets, sherbets, etc. Lemon sorbets and sherbets can be used to aid the digestion of large meals.
Lemons are a source of health.
Dr. J. Hurtado Martinez
Medical Director of HealthSalus
