Lemons are small fruits from the tropics which are loaded with plenty of nutrients. It found its way to the west when Arab people brought them to Europe in the 12th century. Christopher Columbus introduced it to the New World towards the end of the 14th century.
The lemons' ability to prevent scurvy became popular to English people in the 15th century that their government passed an ordinance requiring all commercial and war ships to carry a supply of the fruits, the Worldwide Gourmet relates.
Despite its lack in size, you cannot underestimate the humble lemon for its nutritional value. It is a versatile fruit which you can use as an ingredient for your food or drinks. Here are the health benefits of lemons:
1. It helps to promote cardiovascular health
Lemons are packed with vitamin C which is a potent antioxidant that helps to regulate blood pressure. This translates to the reduced risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
2. It helps to prevent cancer
Recent studies have discovered that limonoids, a compound which is present in lemons, has properties which help to fight cancers which might develop in your mouth, breast, stomach and colon. The studies further reveal further that limonoids are far more potent than the antioxidants contained in other fruits. Its vitamin C content also helps to cleanse your cells from free radicals which are the main contributors of oxidative stress.
3. It helps to keep your connective tissues healthy
The cleansing effect of vitamin C on your cells helps to dilute arthritic acid which causes arthritis.
4. It helps to promote the health of your digestive tract
Lemon is a cleansing agent which assists the liver in its job of breaking down fats and other harmful chemicals into body waste.
5. It helps to prevent the occurrence of cataracts
Cataracts happen when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque due to insufficient blood flow as people age. According to research, vitamin C has the ability to increase blood flow in the human eye which makes it effective in preventing cataracts.
6. It helps to strengthen your immune system
Vitamin C in lemons is a powerful antioxidant which helps to strengthen your immune system. Consuming lemon on a regular basis will help to make you more resistant to infections, colds and flu.
7. It contains antibiotic properties
Recent researches have discovered that lemons contain flavanoids, another antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and has antibiotic properties. Lemons juice has been used by people in tropical countries to disinfect wounds for its antibiotic effects.
