The Health Benefits of Lemons

Wonders of Lemons, More than Just a Lemonade!  

    What do we think of when we think of lemons? A stain-remover,a deodorizer,an air freshener, a cooking ingredient, a recipe garnish, or plainly a thirst quencher? Maybe we should think again and take another look at this yellow wonder. Surely, our thoughts may change after finding out that lemons can offer more than just a lemonade. From cooking to cleaning to fighting off a cold, lemons really can do a lot for a small fruit. And we are lucky enough they are so abundant that they can be found almost everywhere on Earth.

 History of Lemons

In traditional medicine, lemon fruits are widely known for its healing powers and is used in many different ways. In fact it was prized for its medicinal virtues in the palace of the Sultan of Egypt and Syria in the period 1174-1193. Romans even used lemons a a cure for all types of poison. On one hand, it was the juice of the Mediterranean sweet lemon that was carried aboard British sailing ships in the 18th Century to prevent scurvy, though the sailors became known as "limeys". At present, the lemon fruits are used primarily as a flavoring agent, as their high acidity brings out the flavor of other foods. But they have become a versatile element of today's healthy diet. 

Healing Properties of Lemons

    Like many fruits and vegetables, lemons contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Another essential benefit is that it supports optimal health through limonin. In citrus fruits like lemon, limonin is present in the form of limonin glucoside, in which limonin is attached to a sugar molecule. Our bodies easily digest this compound, cleaving off the sugar and releasing limonin.

    In addition to their unique phytonutrient properties, lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, one of the most important antioxidants in nature. Because of its high vitamin C content, it is thought to help prevent and treat many infections, hasten wound healing and temper down high fever. Lemon juice also relieves symptoms of asthma, tonsillitis and sore throat. While one study suggests that high doses of supplemental vitamin C makes osteoarthritis, a type of degenerative arthritis that occurs with aging, another indicates that vitamin C-rich foods, such as lemons and limes, provide humans with protection against inflammatory polyarthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints. Since free radicals can damage blood vessels and can change cholesterol making it more likely to build up in artery walls, vitamin C helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease.  Although the lemon is often thought of as acidic, it is very effective in curing many digestion problems when mixed with hot water, including biliousness, nausea, heartburn, and disorders of the lower intestines like constipation and worm infestations.

    Known to relieve hiccups, lemons also acts as an antiscorbutic, antipyretic and as an astringent. The sweetened juice is used to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue. Lemon juice serves as a diuretic which means  that it is good for people with urinary tract infections and high uric acid problems such as arthritis and rheumatism because it helps flush out all the toxins and bad bacteria. Daily consumption of lemon juice is also beneficial to the liver especially when taken in the morning. It acts  as a tonic to the liver and stimulates it to produce bile making it ready to digest the day's meal.  Lemon, when mixed with coffee, is thought to help treat malaria. This concoction is proven to be effective for headaches too.

The Formula of a healing wonder :water plus few lemons equals lemon juice minus headaches, cough, and common cold
    
    *To get your dose of vitamin C, just mix lemon juice with honey and water, this also soothes coughs and sore throats.. Lemon juice in hot water has been widely advocated as a daily laxative and fights off common cold. Lemon juice and honey, or lemon juice with salt or ginger, is taken when needed as a cold remedy.

    Although it doesn't promise to cure all diseases, drinking a glass of lemon juice will not only enhance your mood, it is also a great way to improve your health. So why resort to artificial cures when all you have to do is grab that refreshing glass of lemon juice?