Eat 'em! Did you know that lemons are full of nutrients? As sour as they are, they are actually very beneficial to our health; therefore, we should consider adding them to our diet.
First off...
1. Lemons are full of vitamin C
Even though they are not the number 1 source of vitamin C, they still contain a good amount. Why is vitamin C so important to our diets? Many reasons! You probably know that vitamin C helps fight against the common cold. Ever wonder why your mama loaded you up on vitamin C whenever you got sick? Wonder no more! There is also a supplement drink mix called "Emergen-C" which was created to boost your immune system.
Vitamin C not only helps our immune system, but it also helps us to absorb iron. I first learned this because I struggled with my energy levels in college. When I went to see the doctor I found out I'm slightly anemic, which means I'm low in iron. She recommended that I take iron supplements along with vitamin C since it helps the absorption of iron.
Vitamin C is also a great antioxidant. Antioxidants are important because they help fight the free radicals in our bodies that are damaging to our DNA.
Other important roles of vitamin C are to help prevent things like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, and possibly even asthma.
With benefits like that, why not consume lemons and boost your vitamin C levels?
2. Lemons are a great detoxifying agent
There are many ways lemons help detoxify the body. The citric acid, nutrients, elements, and antibacterial properties of lemons help the body flush out the bad and absorb the good!
Drinking lemon water can have major health benefits. First of all, it helps your gastrointestinal tract and your urinary tract. It stimulates liver function, producing bile, which helps food run smoothly through your body. It also is a natural diuretic, so you might find yourself going to the bathroom a lot, which is okay because your body is eliminating waste!
Consuming lemon water can even help prevent kidney stones, gallstones, and calcium deposits! The citric acid in the lemons helps in the dissolving process. So why not drink up some lemon water before they even form?
Since lemons are full of vitamin C, which helps produce collagen, we can also have nicer-looking skin! Not only does it help fight acne-causing bacteria, but it can also prevent wrinkles! Collagen improves the elasticity of our skin, making our skin look more firm, fresh, and smooth!
3. Lemons heal and rejuvenate
There is honestly just too much to say about lemons! They are truly a gift from God. More perks from this citrusy fruit:
- lemons balance the pH in our bodies
- can be used as hair treatment for dandruff or balding
- can relieve soreness in your feet
- can boost your mood if you struggle with stress or depression
- help brain and nerve cells, due to its potassium levels
- can treat diseases such as malaria, cholera, or scurvy
- strengthen blood vessels
Lemons truly promote our mental and physical health. They are even called "blood purifiers" due the amazing effects the bioflavonoids have on our bodies. I can go on and on about how wonderful lemons are for us! Take the time to do some research and find out for yourself just how beneficial these fruits are.
Apply it!
Just some little ways you can introduce lemons into your diet if you have not already.... 1) drink lemon water in the morning, 2) Sprinkle lemon juice on grilled fish or chicken, 3) add lemon to your favorite juices or smoothies
Sources:
1. Iron and Vitamin C - http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/vitamin-c-increase-iron-absorption-4865.html
2. Antioxidants - http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/benefits-of-antioxidants
3. Vitamin C - http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid
4. Collagen - https://draxe.com/what-is-collagen/
5. Lemon Water - http://www.foodmatters.com/article/cheers-to-drinking-warm-lemon-water
6. Lemon Nutritional Facts - https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-lemon.html
7. Benefits of Lemon Water - https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-lemon-water#1
8. Health Benefits of Lemons - http://www.care2.com/greenliving/16-health-benefits-of-lemons.html
